The focus of this dissertation is the political career of R. Vance Hartke, Democratic Senator from Indiana 1958-1976. The areas of emphasis include Hartke's role in the creation of the Veterans' Affairs Committee of the Senate and his chairmanship of the Committee, several of the controversies of his career, and his political style and philosophy.Books and articles written by Hartke were used extensively as were various newspapers and the Conqressional Record. Information was also obtained from interviews with Hartke and Frank Brizzi, who was staff director of the Veterans' Affairs Committee during Hartke's term as chairman.That Hartke philosophically was a liberal and politically was a risk-taker are among the conclusions reached in this study. Hartke's strongest asset in winning election to the Senate three times in a relatively conservative state was an energetic and personalized political style. Despite the controversies which surrounded Hartke and some apparent conflicts of interest," there is no evidence he committed illegal or unethical acts. Hartke used his power as chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee of the Senate to infuse his liberal ideology into public policy for American veterans. Furthermore, he expanded veterans' benefits during his tenure. / Department of Political Science

The purpose of the study was to compile an in-depth biography of Jonathan Jennings, the first state governor of Indiana. It was the first such research to originate on the central political figure in the development of Indiana statehood.All published or unpublished manuscript collections pertaining to Indiana politicians contemporary with Jennings were researched. Every Indiana state or territorial newspaper collection available during Jennings's years in government service were searched for references pertaining to his career. All federal, territorial or state public documents that could possibly refer to his career were studied. Fifty-three secondary books, fourteen journal articles, and seven published sets of reminiscences were utilized to complete this project.Findings1. Jonathan Jennings was a superb political organizer possessing a keen sense of timing and an ability to emotionalize political issues, to create personality clashes.2. Though generally Jeffersonian in outlook, Jennings was not an ideologue. He was a pragmatic politician, able to adapt his philosophy to the contingencies of the issues he supported.3. As a member of Congress, Jennings consistently voted from a provincial point of view.National issues, such as those which led the United States to the War of 1812, were viewed by Jennings as irritants which prevented Congress from legislating for the local needs of his constituents.4. Jennings's two terms as governor were his most valuable years of public service. His persistent support of state-financed public education, as well as aid to the elderly and infirm, indicated a sense of government responsibility uncommon for political leaders his day.5. Jennings was a frustrated, driven man who turned to alcohol rather than attempt to resolve deeply embedded feelings of inadequacy, a character flaw instrumental in his demise.Conclusions1. Rather than a prolific legislator in Congress, Jonathan Jennings was better characterized as an agitator, symbolizing the anti-Harrison, anti-slavery forces.2. Jennings's concern for local development enhanced his effectiveness as state governor. 3. Jennings's weakness for alcohol combined with the changing political structure produced by the emerging Jacksonian forces, brought to conclusion a political career which might otherwise have contributed for several years beyond its time. / Department of History

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