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1974 North Dakota Senatorial Election Interviews, 1988

Collection Overview

Title: 1974 North Dakota Senatorial Election Interviews, 1988

ID: OGLMC/1179

Creator: Young, Allan C. (1937-2018)

Extent: 0.25 Linear Feet

Date Acquired: 04/27/1989

Languages: English [eng]

Abstract

A collection of oral history interviews and transcriptions related to the controversial 1974 U.S. Senate election between Senator Milton Young and former Governor William Guy

Scope and Contents of the Materials

The 1974 North Dakota Senatorial Interviews consist of three oral history interviews conducted by Allan Young in 1988. Young first interviewed Judge Douglas B. Heen on October 27, 1988, in Devils Lake. Heen was the presiding judge of the Second Judicial District in 1974, which encompassed eleven counties in northeastern North Dakota. Heen was charged with overseeing the recount in this district. His interview with Young consisted of his memories of the recount and the procedures undertaken during it.

The second interview was a lengthy interview with William Guy, which occurred on November 21, 1988, at Guy’s home in Bismarck. The vast majority of the interview regards the 1974 campaign, although the nature of North Dakota politics in the years before the election is also discussed. The topics examined include: Guy’s relationship with Senators Quentin Burdick and Milton Young, the campaign finance controversy with the Council for a Livable World, campaign strategies, the primary candidacy of Robert McCarney, the impact of third party candidate James Jungroth and the eventual recount.

The final interview was conducted with William Wright at the Ramada Inn in Bismarck on November 22, 1988. During the 1974 election, Wright served as Senator Young’s press secretary. He discussed the history of his relationship with Senator Young and James Jungroth, who was an old college friend of Wright’s. Senator Young’s campaign strategy to defeat Guy was also discussed.

The interviews with Heen and Wright are each recorded on one audio tape, while the interview with Guy is recorded on two audio tapes. A transcription for each interview is also included.

The interviews were used as part of Allan Young's 1989 Master's Thesis, "Race of the Century: Guy vs. Young, 1974 North Dakota U.S. Senate Election."

Administrative Information

Access Restrictions: Open for inspection under the rules and regulations of the Elwyn B. Robinson Department of Special Collections.

Acquisition Source: Allan Young, Grand Forks, North Dakota

Acquisition Method: Donation; 89-1635

Related Publications: "Race of the Century: Guy vs. Young 1974 North Dakota U.S. Senate Election," UND Master's Thesis written by Allan C. Young, May 1989

Preferred Citation: (Description of Item).  1974 North Dakota Senatorial Election Interviews. OGLMC 1179, Box #, Folder #. Elwyn B. Robinson Department of Special Collections, Chester Fritz Library, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks.

Finding Aid Revision History: Finding aid added to Archon in April 2014.


Box and Folder Listing

Box 1Add to your cart.
Folder 1: William Guy interview transcript, 21 November 1988Add to your cart.
Folder 2: Judge Douglas Heen interview transcript, 27 October 1988Add to your cart.
Folder 3: William Wright interview transcript, 22 November 1988Add to your cart.
Cassette Tape -Add to your cart.
Four audio tapes were separated and placed in the Audio Tape Collection.
Cassette Tape 1926: Interview with William Guy, Part 1, 21 November 1988Add to your cart.
Cassette Tape 1927: Interview with William Guy, Part 2, 21 November 1988Add to your cart.
Cassette Tape 1928: Interview with Judge Douglas Heen, 27 October 1988Add to your cart.
Cassette Tape 1929: Interview with William Wright, 22 November 1988Add to your cart.