Description:

Ronald Reagan TLS 2 Weeks After Announcing CA Gov Bid: "this is the time for Republicans to start on the comeback trail"

A 1p typed letter signed by future 40th U.S. President Ronald Reagan (1911-2004) as "Ronnie" at center above his additional typed signature as "Ronald Reagan." January 13, 1966. N.p. but presumably Pacific Palisades, California. On watermarked white stationery with "Ronald Reagan / Pacific Palisades" embossed in black at the letterhead. Expected wear including light flattened transmittal folds and a few extra wrinkles, else near fine. 8.375" x 11."

Ronald Reagan had been the Republican Party's rising star since recording his iconic "A Time for Choosing" speech (sometimes simply called "The Speech") in late October 1964 in support for Senator from Arizona and Republican presidential candidate Barry Goldwater. The address garnered Reagan positive national attention, and he began to seriously consider undertaking political office the following year. On January 4, 1966, about two weeks before writing this letter, Reagan had officially announced his bid for Governor of California in a pre-recorded address.

Reagan wrote Theodore "Ted" Humes of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in part: "Just a line to say congratulations and go get them! I think this is the time for Republicans to start on the comeback trail. I'll be watching with great interest…"

The enthusiastic tone of Reagan's letter suggests that he was responding to news of a recent Republican victory. The Pennsylvania event to which Reagan was referring remains unclear. There were two Pennsylvania state ballot measures in 1965, one affecting tax exemptions and one impacting the state supreme court, neither signaling a gain for the Republican agenda. Pittsburgh's mayoral election, one of the state's most high-profile political meets, went to Democratic incumbent Joe Barr on November 2, 1965. Yet in some ways, the individual event is unimportant, as Reagan could just as well have been forecasting his own political ascendancy. Less than one year later, on November 8, 1966, Reagan would win the gubernatorial election against Democratic incumbent Edmund "Pat" Brown, Sr. (1905-1996) after securing over 57% of the vote.

Ted Humes had been a Pennsylvania delegate to the 1964 Republican National Convention, and a Barry Goldwater campaign staff member. In 1976, Humes would unsuccessfully run against Democratic incumbent John Murtha to represent Pennsylvania's 12th District, and later, he served as a Legislative Assistant to New Hampshire Senator Gordon Humphrey.

Reagan began his career as a B-list actor who starred in World War II-era romantic comedies and westerns. He entered the political arena during the 1950s, initially self-identifying as a Franklin Democrat, but then transitioning to conservatism. Reagan served as Governor of California from 1967-1975, and as President from 1981-1989.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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