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The Ballot Box

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U.S. Senate Race of 1950 in Ohio

The Ohio Senate Race of 1950 pitted Robert A. Taft (Republican) against Joseph T. Ferguson (Democrat).   Taking place during the Cold War, Taft’s campaign emphasized the dangers of communism and pummeled the New Deal as communist legislation.  See images from campaign materials below:

Taft campaign button

A campaign button from Robert A. Taft’s 1950 Senate Race
Communism pamphlet cover

The cover of this pamphlet from Taft’s 1950 Senate Race reads:

“Communism, says Senator Taft, is the greatest threat to freedom that the world has ever known.  In this pamphlet, he tells why.  He tells how communism has infiltrated into our government, labor unions, and other institutions and how it seeks to envelope the whole world. “

Taft also attempted to appeal to Veterans in his campaign.  This pamphlet, “The Veteran and the Welfare State” emphasizes American fears during the early Cold War era using phrases like “Commie Infiltration” and “World War III.”

 Veterans pamphlet cover
Cartoon The Taft Papers also contain material from the campaign of his opponent, Joseph T. Ferguson.  In this cartoon, the Ferguson campaign asserts that Taft and others were benefiting from the production of arms and armaments. 
Why vote Ferguson? Ferguson’s campaign material also shows his support of the Democratic programs of the New Deal and the Fair Deal.  Ferguson was likewise supported by several labor unions.  This pamphlet was created by the United Labor League of Ohio.

Exhibit Created by Suzanne Maggard