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Winfield Dunn Autobiography Manuscripts, undated

 File — Box: 1, Folder: 3
From the Collection:

Winfield Dunn's autobiography deals primarily with his campaigns in the 1970 Republican primary and the following gubernatorial race. Dunn provides his political background, which he begins in 1962. It was in this year that Dunn entered the race for a seat in the Tennessee State legislature. In the text, Dunn notes that he entered this race with the intention of not winning: he intended the competition to be his coming out into the Republican Party in Tennessee. This race gave way to his nomination to hold the County Chairman position in the Shelby County Republican Party. Dunn mentions his appreciation for this post, which allowed him to be actively involved in both state and national campaigns. Dunn notes that his political career did not stop following his four years in office, as he was immediately nominated as a delegate to the twenty-ninth Republican National Convention.

As written, Dunn began considering the possibility of running in the Republican Primary for Governor in 1969. Dunn had the encouragement of many prominent Memphis Republicans, and formally declared his intentions on 1970 April 18. Following this proclamation, Dunn was put into a position to fight the well funded and well known Max Jarman. Dunn illustrates the difficulty and strenuous nature of a primary campaign. He was forced to travel around the state making himself known to voters and prominent party members in every corner of Tennessee. Dunn mentions a difficult relationship with East Tennessee Congressman Jimmy Quillen. Dunn notes Quillen's need to involve himself in the business of others, but with his primacy in the state, candidates were forced to appease him. Having raised only $80,000, Dunn was able to capture the Republican nomination for Governor of the State of Tennessee. His statewide campaign was started in September of 1970, and in the November elections, Dunn became Governor elect. Following this victory, Dunn notes conversations with Governor Buford Ellington and the organization of his cabinet. Dunn was sworn in 1971 January 15.

Dunn claims to have written this autobiography in order to illustrate a shift in politics in Tennessee. The state had been historically been run by the Democratic party, so Dunn made it a point to change this domination and through his hard work was able to do just that.

Dates

  • undated

General Physical Description note

(3 of 4)

Conditions Governing Access

Collections are stored offsite and must be requested in advance. See www.special.lib.utk.edu for detailed information. Collections must be requested through a registered Special Collections research account.

Extent

From the Collection: 0.4 Linear Feet

General Physical Description note

(3 of 4)

Repository Details

Part of the Betsey B. Creekmore Special Collections and University Archives, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Repository

Contact:
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Knoxville TN 37996 USA
865-974-4480