The Dynamic Dominion: Realignment and the Rise of Two-Party Competition in Virginia, 1945-1980 / Edition 2

by Frank B. Atkinson

Overview

The Dynamic Dominion tells the dramatic story of Virginia's political transformation from the Second World War to the Reagan Revolution. The cradle of American democracy — and thus of the democratic movement that is sweeping the globe today — the venerable Old Dominion has emerged again in the second half of the 20th century as a dynamic political pace setter for the nation. In 1945, Virginia was a one-party, one-faction state under the aristocratic rule of conservative Democratic Senator Harry F. Byrd and his famed 'Byrd organization.' From his perch as the uncontested leader of the state that led the south, Virginia's Byrd became a regional symbol, a congressional kingpin, and a national power. With its political system and culture static, Virginia's voice was heard nationally mostly in dissent, as it had been for a century. Within a few decades, emerging two-party competition and an unprecedented party realignment combined to place the rapidly changing commonwealth in the national vanguard. Well before Republican parties throughout the South became competitive, Virginia's Republicans in the 1970s compiled the most impressive winning streak of any state party in the country. They did it by constructing a coalition of rural conservative Democrats and suburban Republicans — the same coalition that Ronald Reagan assembled nationwide in 1980, ushering in the Reagan Revolution. As told in The Dynamic Dominion, the Virginia story contains all the excitement, drama, conflict, and intrigue of a fast-paced thriller. It is a story of triumph and tragedy, celebrities and statesmen, heroes and scoundrels — of shifting party loyalties and makeshift coalitions, hard-fought campaigns and razor-close elections — of ambition and cynicism alongside sacrifice and idealism. Best of all, the tale is true. It is the fascinating story of contemporary democracy flourishing in Virginia. .. the place where it was born.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780742552081
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	07/21/2006
Edition description:	Revised
Pages:	472
Product dimensions:	7.12(w) x 9.22(h) x 1.42(d)

About the Author

Frank B. Atkinson is the chairman of McGuireWoods Consulting LLC and a partner in McGuireWoods LLP in Richmond, Virginia. In 1994-1996, he served in the cabinet of Governor George Allen as counselor and director of policy. During the Reagan administration, he served as special counsel and deputy chief of staff to the U.S. Attorney General and before that was special assistant in the Justice Department.

Table of Contents

Part 1 Preface: A Heritage of Leadership Part 2 I. The Byrd Organization's Loosening Grip (1945-1953) Chapter 3 1. Harry Byrd's Virginia Chapter 4 2. Mountain-Valley Republicanism Chapter 5 3. Tuck, "Trumanism," and the 1948 Miscue Chapter 6 4. 1949: Thunder on the Left Chapter 7 5. The Eisenhower Invasion Chapter 8 6. "Golden Silence" and Presidential Republicanism Chapter 9 7. The Ted Dalton Phenomenon Part 10 II. Hostage to Massive Resistance (1945-1963) Chapter 11 8. Byrd, Brown, and the Politics of Race Chapter 12 9. 1957: The Massive Resistance Election Chapter 13 10. Almond Joyless: The Collapse and its Aftermath Chapter 14 11. Governor Harrison and the "Happy Bridge" Part 15 III. A New Democratic Coalition Emerges (1964-1967) Chapter 16 12. Suddenly, an Expanded Electorate Chapter 17 13. Identity Crisis: The Goldwater GOP Battles Byrd Chapter 18 14. Aboard the Lady Byrd Special Chapter 19 15. The Godwin Revolution Chapter 20 16. 1966: End of an Era Part 21 IV. Triumph and Turmoil: The Holton GOP (1968-1971) Chapter 22 17. Prologue: Republican Resolve, Democratic Division Chapter 23 18. "It's Time for a Change" Chapter 24 19. Linwood Holton and the Burden of Being Governor First Chapter 25 20. 1970: Opportunity Lost Chapter 26 21. The Reynolds Tragedy Part 27 V. Obenshain, Godwin, and the Rapid Realignment (1945-1953) Chapter 28 22. The Realignment that Might Have Been Chapter 29 23. 1972: Obenshain Takes Charge Chapter 30 24. Mills Godwin: Reluctant Republican Chapter 31 25. Armageddon, Virginia-Style Chapter 32 26. Watergate: Realignment Reassessed Part 33 VI. The Conservative Coalition and Republican Ascendancy (1976-1980) Chapter 34 27. The Enigmatic "Coalition" Chapter 35 28. The State-of-the-Art GOP Chapter 36 29. Henry Howell Strikes Again Chapter 37 30. 1977: The Dalton Dream Fulfilled Chapter 38 31: The "Great Indoor Primary" of 1978 Chapter 39 32. The Obenshain Tragedy Chapter 40 33. The Country Catches Up Part 41 Epilogue: Into the Reagan Era

Editorial Reviews

Frank Atkinson's book is a dramatic account of the political events that precipitated the realignment of both political parties in the state. His work is an indispensable starting point for anyone interested in understanding the modern Virginia political scene.--Thomas R. Morris, former President of Emory & Henry College and co-editor of Virginia: Government and Politics

This book is packed with insights, and it's essential reading for every informed Virginian. The Dynamic Dominion is an eminently fair, comprehensive account of the tumultuous events that have shaped this state in the modern era, told by a premier interpreter of our contemporary political history.--Dr. Larry J. Sabato, Director of the University of Virginia Center for Politics

From the Publisher

Frank Atkinson's book is a dramatic account of the political events that precipitated the realignment of both political parties in the state. His work is an indispensable starting point for anyone interested in understanding the modern Virginia political scene.

Thomas R. Morris

This book is packed with insights, and it's essential reading for every informed Virginian. The Dynamic Dominion is an eminently fair, comprehensive account of the tumultuous events that have shaped this state in the modern era, told by a premier interpreter of our contemporary political history.

Dr. Larry J. Sabato