MOST IMPORTANT ELECTION SINCE 1932
Muskegon, Michigan (JFK+50) On September 5, 1960, Senator John F. Kennedy, Democratic nominee for POTUS, gave a brief speech at the airport here in Muskegon. Senator Kennedy said...
"I am sure...Michigan is going Democratic in November. I think (this) is the most important election...since the election of 1932. I don't think we want to turn this country for four more years over to Republicans. "
JFK continued...
"I think we can win. We can send Pat McNamara* back to the Senate, and elect a great governor, John Swainson.**"
JFK+50 NOTE:
JFK was right about winning Michigan in November 1960, but it was close. The final tally was....JFK 1,687,229 RMN 1,620,152. Michigan's 21 electoral votes went into the Democratic column.
*Patrick Vincent McNamara (1894-1966) was born in Weymouth, MA & educated at Fore River Apprentice School. PVM was president of Pipe Fitters Local 636 (1937-1955). He served as Rent Director of OPA during WWII & as United States Senator (1955-1966).
**John Burley Swainson (1925-1994) was born in Windsor, Ontario, Canada & moved with his family to Michigan at age 2. JBS served in the US Army in WWII losing both legs to amputation after a land mine explosion. He was a graduate of Olivet College & UNC School of Law (1951.) JBS served as Governor of Michigan 1961-1963. He was defeated for re-election of George Romney in 1962.
SOURCE
"Remarks of Senator John F. Kennedy at Muskegon Airport, September 5, 1960," John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum, www.jfklibrary.org/
President & Mrs. Kennedy
with Pat McNamara
