Warren G. Harding and labor supporters press release, September 5, 1920

Prepared for publication on September 5, 1920, this press release discusses two organized labor movement supporters who have pledged their vote to Warren G. Harding in the upcoming presidential election; William J. Burke and Daniel Winters of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Burke, now a Congressman-at-large, previously worked as a railway conductor and is General Chairman of the Order of Railway Conductors for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, and an active member of other railway workers organizations. Winters has been associated with the American Federation of Labor, and Samuel Gompers, but notes that they have different political views and argues that the working class thrives most under Republican led government. This document is part of the Warren G. Harding Papers (MSS 345). This collection includes correspondence, business records, and other materials documenting Harding’s business career as owner and editor-in-chief of The Daily Marion Star, as well as the various stages of his political career. A significant portion of the collection, and what’s available on Ohio Memory, highlights his 1920 presidential campaign, spanning just before publicly announcing his candidacy to handily defeating Ohio Governor James M. Cox in the election. Correspondents include both Ohio and national businessmen, political figures, and ordinary citizens writing with questions, support, congratulatory notes, and campaign advice. Some of the most interesting insights into the tumultuous political climate in the U.S., the extreme factionalism within the Republican Party in Ohio, and Harding’s campaign strategies are described in letters between Harding and his campaign manager, Harry M. Daugherty. Some of the topics addressed include women’s suffrage, Prohibition, the League of Nations, African American representation and issues, and lingering peace negotiations following World War I