Interview with Fontaine Banks Jr.

Partial Transcript: Mr. Banks, when did you first get to know Governor Combs?

Segment Synopsis: Banks discusses working for the Combs’ 1955 campaign. He says that Combs was not a good speaker.

Keywords: 1955 campaign; Prestonsburg, Kentucky

Subjects: Campaign promises Chandler, Happy, 1898-1991 Combs, Bert T., 1911-1991 Democratic Party (Ky.) Political campaigns Sles tax

Partial Transcript: There was a determined effort that Eastern Kentucky would be solidly behind Combs.

Segment Synopsis: Banks discusses Combs’ campaign in 1959.

Keywords: 1959 campaign; Combs, Bert

Subjects: Clements, Earle C. (Earle Chester), 1896-1985 Democratic Party (Ky.) Elections Political campaigns Sales tax

Partial Transcript: I was Director of Recruitment, Placement, and Training.

Segment Synopsis: Banks discusses the pros and cons of the merit system instituted by Combs.

Keywords: Combs, Bert; Kentucky Merit system

Subjects: Governors--Kentucky Kentucky--Politics and government

Partial Transcript: I’ll never forget the clock business.

Segment Synopsis: Banks talks about Combs’ accomplishments including building a floral clock.

Keywords: Combs, Bert; Floral clock; Ford, Wendell; Frankfort, Kentucky; Stagg Distillery

Subjects: Governors--Kentucky

Partial Transcript: Did you have any idea that you would continue on with Governor Breathitt?

Segment Synopsis: Banks discusses Combs quitting the Federal Judge appointment to run for office again.

Keywords: 1971 campaign; Combs, Bert; Ford, Wendell

Subjects: Breathitt, Edward T., 1924-2003 Elections Governors--Kentucky Poltical campaigns United States. Court of Appeals (Federal Circuit)