Lenore LaFount Romney Papers, 1960-1974 (majority within 1962-1970)

Summary

Creator:

Romney, Lenore LaFount.

Abstract:

Civic leader, wife of Michigan governor, George Romney, and Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate in 1970. Correspondence, political background files, speeches, and miscellanea largely concerning election of 1970; and campaign and speech files covering gubernatorial career of George Romney.

Extent:

10 linear feet
1 oversize volume
10.2 GB (online)

Language:

English.

Call Number:

852228 Aa 2; AC

Authors:

Finding aid prepared by: Michigan Historical Collections staff

Background

Scope and Content:

The Lenore Romney papers (1960-1974) include correspondence, speeches, and other materials relating to her official role as the wife of Governor George Romney. In addition, there are files that relate to her participation in the political campaigns of her husband and to her own campaign for the U.S. Senate in 1970.

Biographical / Historical:

Lenore LaFount Romney was born in 1909 in Ogden, Utah. In 1931, she married George Wilcken Romney, who was later to become President of American Motors, Governor of Michigan and Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. A well-respected and admired politician and public figure in her own right, Lenore Romney took an active role in state politics as Michigan's first lady. Both then, and later as wife of a cabinet secretary, she traveled widely, speaking on issues such as poverty, volunteerism, women's rights and the Vietnam War. She announced her candidacy for United States Senator from Michigan in 1969, running against Democratic incumbent Phil Hart. Romney was hampered in her campaign by her unpopular positions--she supported Nixon's stand on the Vietnam War--and her lack of a concrete platform--long on moral positions but short on specifics. At a time when there was just one woman in the U.S. Senate, her being in the race at all raised many eyebrows, especially given her husband's own political career. Many thought that she should let Mr. Romney wear the political hat in the family. Although her moral courage was widely admired, she was soundly defeated in November 1970. After the election, she continued to live in the public eye, speaking out on issues of concern to her, including volunteerism, women's rights, abortion, and the inverse relationship between morality and crime.

Acquisition Information:

Lenore Romney (donor no. 5424 ) donated her campaign files in 1973-1974. Some of the audio-tapes were transferred over from the George Romney accession (donor no. 4703 ).

Related

Alternative Form Available:

Digitization: The Library has undertaken the digitization of a number of sound recordings within this collection. The resulting audio files are available for playback only in the Bentley Library Reading Room. Links to item images and additional information are available within this finding aid. Original sound recordings are only available for staff use.

Subjects

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Subjects:

Civic leaders -- Michigan.
Governors -- Michigan.
Governors' spouses -- Michigan.
Women in politics -- Michigan.
Women civic leaders -- Michigan.
Elections -- Michigan -- 1970.
Governors -- Michigan.

Formats:

Sound recordings.

Names:

Republican Party (Mich.)
United States. Congress -- Elections, 1970.
Romney, Lenore LaFount.
Romney, George W., 1907-1995.

Places:

Michigan -- Politics and government -- 1961-1970.
Michigan -- Politics and government -- 1951-