|
The 1948 race for governor was what many believe to be the
nastiest political war in state history.
Democrat incumbent Governor Herbert Maw was challenged by
Republican maverick J. Bracken Lee. Maw had narrowly defeated
Lee in 1944 in the tightest election in Utah history.
In 1948, Lee attacked Maw's administration as corrupt.
Maw responded with a "Dear Brother" letter aimed at Mormon
voters, attacking Lee's morality. The letter backfired, and
Lee surged to an upset victory in the race for governor.
Some political grudges die hard.
Forty years later, Herbert Maw and J. Bracken Lee still had
a hard time talking to each other and shaking hands. Characteristically,
each blamed the other for the slight.
It's a page from Utah's political past. This year, your
vote will help write the next chapter of history.
|
J.
Bracken Lee (left) and Herbert Maw (right) held firm political
grudges as a result of the 1948 Gubernatorial race.