Description
Book SynopsisClifford P. Case was an exemplary “liberal Republican” during his 33 years in Congress, including 4 terms in the U.S. Senate. A strong advocate of civil and human rights, environmental protection, high ethical standards for public officials, and U.S. global leadership, Case was a highly respected member of the GOP from 1945-1979. Even so, GOP conservatives repeatedly sought to oust Case, finally succeeding as the Republican party moved inexorably to the right. This book tells Case’s life story, his ascendancy in GOP politics, his achievements and disappointments in Congress, and his unexpected loss in the 1978 NJ GOP primary to Reagan protégé Jeffrey Bell. Case emerges as a courageous politician of principle who valued country over party and regularly formed coalitions with Democrats concerning major foreign and domestic policy issues: ending the Vietnam War, passing landmark civil rights legislation, and reasserting the Senate’s role in foreign policy oversight. The biography also analyzes the gradual decline of liberal Republican influence in the GOP, culminating in Ronald Reagan’s 1980 election and the triumph of movement conservatism. For readers who decry America’s political polarization, Case’s career demonstrates that electoral and legislative achievements need not rely on appeals to political extremes.
Trade ReviewMeticulously researched, extremely informative, and well-written, William Fernekes’ biography of Clifford P. Case is a solid contribution to our broader understanding of the U.S. political landscape during the mid-20th century. Case represented New Jersey in Congress for over three decades as a moderate Republican, with 24 years in the Senate as a member of the minority. He championed civil and human rights, focused on foreign policy, demonstrated concern over government ethics, and tackled environmental issues, particularly those concerning New Jersey. Fernekes’ narrative is based on extensive research in primary and secondary sources, including the voluminous Case Papers at Rutgers, holdings of several presidential libraries, published commentaries in local and national newspapers, and numerous interviews with associates of the Senator. He clearly demonstrates Case was a man of principle, integrity, and decency. He demonstrated patience and understood the importance of compromise and collaboration as he confronted complex issues, events, and difficult personalities. These qualities were appreciated by his Senate, contributing to his success as a leading member of the GOP within New Jersey and the nation during a tumultuous era in American history.
-- Thomas Frusciano, Rutgers University
William Fernekes’ expertise as a scholar and educator are on full display in this important and long overdue biography of Senator Clifford P. Case. Meticulously researched and replete with rich descriptions of Case’s life and career, Fernekes provides an engaging narrative of a public servant at the forefront on such issues as environmental protection and civil rights who was widely admired and adept at crafting bipartisan solutions. At a moment in which examples of elected officials working across the aisle seem rare, this biography offers a political role model in New Jersey’s own Senator Clifford Case. A must read for students of politics from the Garden State and beyond who seek inspiration and glimmers of hope for our fractured democracy.
-- Elizabeth C. Matto, Rutgers University
Senator Clifford Case successfully sponsored bipartisan responses to critical national and international issues such as the struggle for civil rights and ending the Vietnam War, but fought his most difficult battles within his own party. William Fernekes ably analyzes the triumphs and eventual unraveling of Case’s brand of liberal Republicanism.
-- Donald A. Ritchie, US Senate Historian Emeritus
Table of ContentsForeword
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Chapter 1: Development of a Public Servant
Chapter 2 Mr. Case Goes to Washington
Chapter 3: Case and the Challenges of Post-WWII America
Chapter 4: The Senate Beckons
Chapter 5: Case’s First Senate Term
Chapter 6: Successes, Disappointments and the Goldwater Factor
Chapter 7: The Civil Rights Struggle and Death of a President
Chapter 8: Civil Rights, Congressional Ethics, and The 1964 Election
Chapter 9: LBJ’s “Great Society” and Seeking a Third Senate Term
Chapter 10: A Resurgent GOP and The 1968 Election
Chapter 11: Battling Political Corruption and a Conservative Court
Chapter 12: Case and Environmental Protection
Chapter 13 The Case-Zablocki Act and Running for a Fourth Term
Chapter 14: Case and Vietnam: From Supporter to Critic
Chapter 15: Case and Vietnam: Nixon’s War
Chapter 16: The Case-Church Amendment: Ending the War
Chapter 17: Watergate, The Ford Presidency and Foreign Policy Challenges
Chapter 18: The 1976 Election: Twilight of GOP Liberals
Chapter 19: The End of an Era
Chapter 20: Public Intellectual, Death and Legacy
Appendix: Alphabetical Listing of Members of Congress Mentioned in the Text
