Oral History Interview with James E. Holshouser Jr., June 4, 1998. Interview C-0328-4. Southern Oral History Program Collection (#4007).
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Abstract
Elected to the governorship of North Carolina in 1972, James E. Holshouser Jr. was the first Republican chief executive of that state since 1896. In this interview, the fourth in a series of four interviews with the former governor, Holshouser looks back on his political career, answers some broad questions about his impressions of his administration's successes and failures, and the operation of state government. Holshouser seems most proud of the "little things" he accomplished, including preventing the damming of the New River—which flows near his hometown in western North Carolina—and the creation of an ombudsman's office. He also reflects, however, on his efforts to build a two-party system in the state—a job that in essence required shoring up the Republican Party, since the Democratic Party had enjoyed decades of dominance. While Holshouser and others managed to make the Republican Party a force in North Carolina even as it struggled through the Watergate scandal of the early 1970s, its new strength brought new complications, such as the rise of the religious right and the libertarian wing of the party. Holshouser believes in the Republican Party, but ends this interview wondering about these factions and what they signify for the party's future.
Excerpts
Remembering "the little things" accomplished as governor
Thoughts on impropriety, or the appearance thereof, in his administration
Failure of Holshouser's Mountain Management Act
Intrusion of external forces into political agendas
Ethics in the governor's mansion
The need for honest staffers who will tell a governor the truth
Honest people who do nothing allow unethical behavior to flourish in government
Pros and cons of discretionary funds
Competent governance as party-building
Factionalism and inexperience in the North Carolina Republican Party
Growth of the Republican Party in North Carolina
Rise of the religious right and libertarian wings of the Republican Party
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