Interview with J. David Francis

Partial Transcript: Judge Francis, when did you first come to know Judge Combs?

Segment Synopsis: Francis discusses the 1955 campaign and why he supported Combs.

Keywords:

Subjects: Campaign management Chandler, Happy, 1898-1991 Combs, Bert T., (1911-1991) Kentucky. Court of Appeals Political campaigns

Partial Transcript: Were you surprised that he would try again?

Segment Synopsis: Francis talk about why he supported Wyatt and why he believes the merger happened.

Keywords: Combs, Bert

Subjects: Campaign management Clements, Earle C. (Earle Chester), 1896-1985 Kentucky. Attorney General Political campaigns Wyatt, Wilson W. (Wilson Watkins), 1905-1996

Partial Transcript: The first thing we did, somewhere I've got a picture.

Segment Synopsis: Francis discusses how the 1959 primary was managed and the strategy used to win.

Keywords: Clements, Earle; Combs, Bert; Wyatt, Wilson

Subjects: Campaign management Political campaigns

Partial Transcript: Was that surprising to you?

Segment Synopsis: Francis talks about the Combs administration. In particular, it details the truck deal and why it caused a split between Combs and Clements.

Keywords: Clements, Earle; Combs, Bert; Merit system; Truck deal

Subjects: Education--Kentucky--Finance Governors--Kentucky Roads--Construction Sales tax--Law and legislation

Partial Transcript: You went on to serve under Governor Breathitt?

Segment Synopsis: Francis compares and contrasts the Combs and Breathitt administrations.

Keywords: Combs, Bert

Subjects: Breathitt, Edward T., 1924-2003 Governors--Kentucky

Partial Transcript: Now after the Combs administration, you continued on.

Segment Synopsis: Francis discusses what life was like for Combs after he was no longer governor. He thinks that Combs disliked being a federal judge.

Keywords: 1971 Primary; Chandler, Happy; Combs, Bert

Subjects: Political campaigns United States. Court of Appeals (Federal Circuit)