The Keys to the White House: 1952 Turn and Democratic Convention

[Elcaspar]

While i will vote for Kefauver on the first ballot, i think we all we all want to see a Warren vs. Ike matchup in the end.

[Elcaspar]

I enthusiastically support Senator Estes Kefauver on the bottom of the Democratic Ticket.

[Elcaspar]

Anton Jepsen was both to be glad and sad that his HUAC meetings were over with. As the committee had deemed that none of Anton Jepsen's actions were Anti-American in nature, a fact that Anton Jepsen was well aware was the case. But despite them finding nothing on Anton Jepsen, the University of Minnesota still deemed that he should be fired regardless of the fact that nothing was found on Anton. Anton was incensed when he got the news that he was fired from his position as instructor, and all just for being called to HUAC meetings where nothing was found to be wrong.

But being fired as a instructor also opened up new opportunities for Anton Jepsen, namely an opportunity to capitalize on his lingering political ambitions that have been there since the end of the 1948 Election. Anton had his experiences as Co-Chairman of the Progressive Party to draw upon when it came around to a campaign after all. It was also the opportune time to run for the House of Representatives since Eisenhower was going to be on the top of the ticket, so really there was no better time than now. Jepsen was going to run for the House of Representatives in his current home district of MN-5 against the incumbent Republican Walter Judd in 1952.

Anton Jepsen will work on appealing to the working class in the Minneapolis-based district, by pointing out Walter Judd's vote for the Taft-Hartley Act, as well as Jepsen's advocacy for 1$ a day minimum wage. He will also criticize Judd on foreign policy, using his status as a WWII Veteran to criticize Judd's judgment in having supported the Korean War, and notably called Judd an "Armchair warrior" during his campaign. Jepsen also criticized Judd's stance on China, calling his continuous support of the Republic of China "unrealistic", and pointing out that we cannot ignore the existence of the PRC forever. Lastly Jepsen will work on securing the endorsement of Minneapolis Mayor Hubert Humphrey to bolster his chances of winning in the Minneapolis-based 5th District.

Point Expenditures:
1 point for 4 years in the House of Representatives for Anton Jepsen (MN-5)
2 points for keeping Sid McMath as Arkansas Governor

[Elcaspar]

Anton Jepsen had been a staunch Kefauver supporter throughout the nomination process, but Jepsen wasn't surprised when all the other candidates gave their endorsement to Eisenhower before the 2nd ballot started, although he was a bit surprised to see Kefauver do so as well. Jepsen wasn't mad or distraught, he respected Eisenhower's leadership abilities since he had served under him during WWII, although there was the small doubts about where he stood on some issues.

When the Vice-Presidential balloting came around, Jepsen wasted no time in mustering support for Kefauver. He went to the Minnesota delegation led by Mayor Hubert Humphrey, and convinced the majority of them to cast their ballots for Kefauver, which also turned out to be a deciding factor in getting Senator Kefauver the Vice-Presidential nomination. Jepsen now also had a valuable connection in the form of Mayor Hubert Humphrey, who was a influential figure in Minnesota.

Anton Jepsen went back to his native district of MN-5 to campaign for the House seat after the Democratic Convention was over with. Anton Jepsen also campaigned alongside Hubert Humphrey whenever possible, to increase the chances that both of them would get election to the House and Senate respectively. With Eisenhower now on top of the ticket, Jepsen now also put an increased emphasis on veteran's issues, touting his membership in the VBA and his own status as a veteran, as well as support for increased pensions for veterans. Anton Jepsen also campaigned for the Eisenhower/Kefauver ticket when he could, but he had to spend most of his efforts on his House race. If he won his race, Jepsen was already committed to run for reelection in 1954.

[Elcaspar]

Anton Jepsen was elated at both his own victory, as well as the landslide victory that the Eisenhower/Kefauver ticket brought to Democrats across the country, which was cause for much celebration with both friends and family. With his victory in MN-5 Anton Jepsen was already on the radar, more specifically he was featured in the Time's Life Magazines Politics 40 under 40, coming in on a respectable 38th place despite this being his first political victory. Needless to say Anton Jepsen felt honored to be featured. "This is the start of a life in politics." he thought to himself.

As Anton Jepsen was sworn in as a Congressman, he quickly worked to align himself with the more progressive and liberal elements of the Democratic Party. In particular he also made a connection with Congressman Gerry O'Connor from Illinois, who approached Jepsen to get an ally to hammer out the details of a medical insurance program for seniors, which he gladly took up his offer on. Jepsen would eventually settle on calling the medical insurance program "Medicare"

Jepsen was also approached by Congressman Marcus Jackson, whom he met with cordially. He agreed that despite some of their differences on the issues, they had something to contribute to make America a better place.

Jepsen gave high praise to the 'Veterans Aid Act' that was introduced by Congressman Jackson from Florida, and voiced his intent to support the bill when it came to a vote. He also stated he would take none of money given, as a congressional salary would be more than enough to support himself with. With this he also hoped to establish himself as a strong supporter of veteran's issues, so that he could look towards achieving a position on the Veterans Affairs' Committee within the coming years.

Anton Jepsen would run for re-election to his House seat in 1954, hoping to maintain the Minneapolis-based district for the Democrats. He worked hard to create a strong grassroots organization in the district, which he would use to drive turnout, to get grassroots fundraising, as well as for helping local Minneapolis Democrats. He also campaigned vigorously for re-election in his district, to make sure it wouldn't fall into Republican hands in the midterm year.

If Anton Jepsen wins reelection in 1954, he already has plans to run for re-election in 1956 where he will support the reelection of Eisenhower and Kefauver.

Point Expenditure:
1 point for 4 years in the House of Representatives for Anton Jepsen (MN-5) 1956-1960
2 points for having Theodore Roosevelt Dalton become the Governor of Virginia in 1953.
2 points for having Sid McMath oust John L. McClellan in the Class 2 Arkansas Seat.
2 points for having Ralph Yarborough oust Allan Shivers as Texas Governor in 1954.
2 points for having Bert T. Combs become the Governor of Kentucky in 1955.