Changing the lives of Ron Paul, George W. Bush, and the Republican Party.

[ChairmanSanchez]

The inspiration for this timeline comes from Kalwejts "Changing the lives of George Wallace, Jim Folsom, John Patterson, and US History". This is a similar story, involving two differant factions of the Republican Party, and their leaders from Texas. I also want to thank Oakvale for letting me borrow some elements of George W. Bush from his Jerry Brown timeline of AH.com.
Changing the Lives of Ron Paul and George Bush: A timeline
November, 1976.
Texas 22nd Congressional District, 1976
(R) Ron Paul-50.6%-97,557 votes
(D) Robert Gammage-49.4%-95,244 votes


“Thank You Texas-I’m so honored that you have the faith in me to send me back to Washington. I think it’s high time that we elect a government that supports less spending and less taxes and less government. What do you think?”
(Audience loudly applauds)
“I think it’s time we elect a Congress which can’t be bought and paid for with worthless money!”
(More applause)
“And I think it’s time we restore Conservative values to the Republican Party!”
(More Applause)
“We didn’t get our chance in Kansas City”
(Scattered boos)
“But let the results of tonight’s Presidential race show that the Conservative wing of the Republican Party can and will no longer be ignored”
(Loud cheering for both Paul and Reagan’s names begin)


”The 1976 Congressional elections saw no changes in the number of seats. Well--several seats switched hands, the net number of both parties members did not change, I should say, and Democrats remained in control of the House”-The Oral Histories of Newt Gingrich, © 2014, Newt and Callista Gingrich.

“In his second term, Congressman Paul voted against the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977, the Community Reinvestment Act, the Clean Water Act, the Humphrey-Hawkins Full Employment Act, and the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, among other things. In fact, one of the few major bills he did support was the Airline Deregulation Act.”-The Life and Times of “Dr. No” © 2020, Prof. Alex Jones

“The economy in 1978 was racked by inflation, the Middle East was tense, and plus you had the scandals regarding Bert Lance and the whole Billy Carter-Qaddafi link as well..”-Former President Ron Paul interviewed by Brit Hume, October, 2008.

“As the year 1977 progressed, economic troubles got worst. The rate of inflation hovered around 6.5%, and the little known Congressman from Texas soon became a national celebrity for his defense of the gold standard. The economic stagflation that would mark the Carter Presidency was becoming a hot button issue, and soon, another rising star in Texas launched his career…”-The GOP and Texas © 2004, Prof. Mary Ruwart


“I am here today to announce my candidacy for the House of Representatives”-George W. Bush, announcing his 1978 Congressional campaign.

“The day I announced, I had received several calls. One came from Governor Reagan, who was gearing up to run for President (against my father) for the GOP nomination. Former President Ford, former White House Chief of Staff Dick Cheney, Congressman Ron Paul, and former Senator Edward Gurney all called me up and offered endorsements and support. I was thrilled…”-Decision Points © George W. Bush, 2010.

[Jerseyrules]

This is awesome!  Please sir may I have some more?

[CathKhan]

This really is quite sweet. I hope you continue this!

[ChairmanSanchez]

This is awesome!  Please sir may I have some more?

Thank You, I like to get as far ahead as possible in my timelines before posting, but that has been the death of many of them.

This really is quite sweet. I hope you continue this!

I plan on it I am currently on the 1980 elections.

[Jerseyrules]

This is awesome!  Please sir may I have some more?

Thank You, I like to get as far ahead as possible in my timelines before posting, but that has been the death of many of them.

This really is quite sweet. I hope you continue this!

I plan on it I am currently on the 1980 elections.

Sounds good!  Looking forward to it

[CathKhan]

C'mon, man!

[CathKhan]

By the way, I really like the format you've got for this tl.

[Jerseyrules]

I really like the format you've got for this tl.

[ChairmanSanchez]

The 1978 elections represented a chance for the Republican Party to make gains in Congress. The unpopularity of Carter was growing, and the GOP was quick to capitalize on this.
(R) Republican
(D) Democrat
(LIB) Libertarian
(I) Independent
(C) Conservative
(AIP) American Independence Party
(PF) Peace and Freedom
(SWP) Socialist Workers Party
(CPUSA) Communist Party USA
(RTL) Right to Life
(SLP) Socialist Labor Party
(LAB) US Labor
(LRU) La Raza Unida
(WI) Write In

 1978 Gubernatorial Elections
1978 Alabama Gubernatorial Election
(D) Fob James-64.5%
(R) H. Guy Hunt- 33.6%
(PHB)  Jim Partain-1.0%
(I) Richard Dare-0.9%
(Democratic hold)

1978 Alaska Gubernatorial Election
(WI) Walter Hickel-33.4%*
(R) Jay Hammond-33.3%
(D) Chancy Croft-14.6%
(I) Tom Kelly-9.7%
(I) Don Wright-9.0%
*Hickel was a Republican, who ran a write-in campaign. He governed and remained a member of the Republican Party.
(Republican hold)

1978 Arizona Gubernatorial Election
(D) Bruce Babbitt-55.8%
(R) Evan Mecham-43.9%
(LIB) Gene Lewter-0.2%
(SWP) Jessica Sampson-0.1%
(Democratic hold)

1978 Arkansas Gubernatorial Election
(D) Bill Clinton: 70.1%
(R) Lynn Lowe: 29.9%
(Democratic hold)

1978 California Gubernatorial Election
(D) Jerry Brown: 53.7%
(R)  Evelle Younger: 35.3%
(LIB) Ed Clark: 5.8%
(PF) Marilyn Seals: 3.1%
(AIP) Theresa Dietrich: 2.1%
(Democratic hold)

1978 Colorado Gubernatorial Election
(D) Dick Lamm: 54.7%
(R) Ted Strickland: 39.7%
(AIP) Roy Peister: 3.4%
(SWP) Elsa Blum: 1.7%
(I) Sal Mandor: 0.3%
(PHB) Earl Dodge: 0.2%
(Democratic hold)

1978 Connecticut Gubernatorial Election
(D) Ella Grasso: 60.0%
(R) Robert Sarasin: 40.0%
(Democratic hold)

1978 Florida Gubernatorial Election
(D) Bob Graham: 55.5%
(R) Jack Eckerd: 44.5%
(Democratic hold)

1978 Georgia Gubernatorial Election
(D) George Busbee: 100%
(Democratic hold)

1978 Hawaii Gubernatorial Election
(D) George Ariyoshi: 52.7%
(R) John Leopold: 45.6%
(I) Alema Leota: 0.9%
(LIB) Greg Reeser: 0.5%
(I) John Moore: 0.3%
(Democratic hold)

1978 Idaho Gubernatorial Election
(D) John Evans: 57.8%
(R) Allan Larson: 40.5%
(AIP) Wayne Loveless: 1.7%
(Democratic hold)

1978 Illinois Gubernatorial Election
(R) James Thompson: 62.5%
(D) Michael Bakalis: 34.6%
(LIB) Georgia Shields: 1.2%
(SWP) Cecil Lampkin: 0.9%
(LAB) Melvin Klenetsky: 0.8%
(Republican hold)

1978 Iowa Gubernatorial Election
(R) Robert Ray: 59.7%
(D) Jerome Fitzgerald: 40.3%
(Republican hold)

1978 Kansas Gubernatorial Election
(R) Robert Bennett: 50.4%
(D) John Carlin: 49.1%
(AIP) Frank Shelton: 0.4%
(PHB) Berry Beets: 0.1%
(Republican hold)

1978 Maine Gubernatorial Election
(I) James Longley: 43.5%
(D) Joseph Brennan: 30.2%
(R) Linwood Palmer: 15.6%
(I) Herman Franklin: 10.7%
(Independent hold)

1978 Maryland Gubernatorial Election
(D) Harry Hughes: 71.5%
(R) James Beall: 28.5%
(Democratic hold)

1978 Massachusetts Gubernatorial Election
(R) Francis Hatch: 53.6%
(D) Michael Dukakis: 46.4%
(Republican gain)

1978 Michigan Gubernatorial Election
(R) William Milliken: 56.7%
(D) William Fitzgerald: 43.3%
(Republican hold)

1978 Minnesota Gubernatorial Election
(R) Al Quie: 52.4%
(D) Rudy Perpich: 45.6%
(AIP) Richard Pederson: 1.5%
(SWP) Jill Lakowske: 0.5%
(Republican gain)


1978 Nebraska Gubernatorial Election
(R) Charles Thone: 55.0%
(D) Gerald Whelan: 45.0%
(Republican gain)

1978 Nevada Gubernatorial Election
(R) Robert List: 64.7%
(D) Robert Rose: 32.8%
(AIP) Thomas F. Jefferson: 2.5%
(Republican hold)


1978 New Hampshire Gubernatorial Election
(D) Hugh Gallen: 50.1%
(R) Meldrim Thompson: 39.5%
(LIB) Mabel Everett: 10.4%
(Democratic gain)

1978 New Mexico Gubernatorial Election
(R) Joe Skeen: 50.1%
(D) Bruce King: 49.9%
(Republican gain)

1978 New York Gubernatorial Election
(R) Perry Duryea: 49.8%
(D) Hugh Carey: 46.4%
(RTL) Mary Jane Tobin: 2.7%
(LIB) Gary Greenberg: 0.4%
(SWP) Dianne M. Feeley: 0.3%
(CPUSA) Jarvis Tyner: 0.2%
(LAB) Paul Gallagher:  0.2%
(Republican gain)

1978 Ohio Gubernatorial Election
(R) James Rhodes: 51.5%
(D) Dick Celeste: 48.5%
(Republican hold)

1978 Oklahoma Gubernatorial Election
(R) Ron Shotts: 50.2%
(D) George Nigh: 49.8%
(Republican gain)

1978 Oregon Gubernatorial Election
(R) Victor Atiyeh: 58.6%
(D) Robert Straub: 41.4%
(Republican gain)

1978 Pennsylvania Gubernatorial Election
(R) Dick Thornburgh: 52.5%
(D) Peter F. Flaherty: 46.4%
(SWP) Mark Zola: 0.6%
(I) Lee Frissell: 0.5%
(Republican gain)

1978 Rhode Island Gubernatorial Election
(D) John Garrahy: 70.0%
(R) Lincoln Almond: 30.0%
(Democratic gain)

1978 South Carolina Gubernatorial Election
(D) Richard Riley: 65.5%
(R) Edward Young: 34.5%
(Democratic gain)

1978 South Dakota Gubernatorial Election
(R) Bill Janklow: 60.0%
(D) Roger McKellips: 40.0%
(Republican gain)

1978 Tennessee Gubernatorial Election
(R) Lamar Alexander: 55.8%
(D) Jake Butcher: 44.2%
(Republican gain)

1978 Texas Gubernatorial Election
(R) Bill Clements: 50.0%
(D) John Hill: 49.2%
(LRU) Mario Compean: 0.6%
(SWP) Sara Jean Johnston: 0.2%
(Republican gain)

1978 Vermont Gubernatorial Election
(R) Richard Snelling: 69.0%
(D) Edwin Granai: 31.0%
(Republican hold)

1978 Wisconsin Gubernatorial Election
(R) Lee S. Dreyfus: 54.4%
(D) Martin J. Schreiber: 44.9%
(I) Eugene R. Zimmerman: 0.4%
(I) John C. Doherty: 0.1%
(SWP) Adrienne Kaplan: 0.1%
(SL) Henry A. Ochsner: 0.1%
(Republican gain)

1978 Wyoming Gubernatorial Election
(R): John Ostlund: 50.1%
(D): Edgard Herschler: 49.9%
(Republican gain)


Gubernatorial Results

[ChairmanSanchez]

1978 Senate Elections
1978 Alabama Senate Election
(D): Howell Heflin: 90.0%
(PHB): Jerome Couch: 10.0%
(Democrat hold)

1978 Alabama Special Senate Election
(R) James D. Martin: 49.5%
(D) Donald Stewart: 48.5%
(LIB) Michael Erdey: 1.5%
(PHB) AJ Killingsworth: 0.5%
(Republican gain)

1978 Alaska Senate Election
(R) Ted Stevens: 75.5%
(D) Donald Hobbs: 24.5%
(Republican hold)

1978 Arkansas Senate Election
(D) David Pryor: 77.4%
(R) Tom Kelly: 12.2%
(I) John Black: 10.4%
(Democrat hold)

1978 Colorado Senate Election
(R) William Armstrong: 55.9%
(D): Floyd Haskell: 44.1%
(Republican gain)

1978 Delaware Senate Election
(D) Joe Biden: 55.4%
(R) James Baxter: 41.1%
(AIP) Donald Gies: 3.5%
(Democrat hold)

1978 Georgia Senate Election
(D) Sam Nunn: 80.1%
(R) John Stokes: 19.9%
(Democrat hold)

1978 Idaho Senate Election
(R) James A. McClure: 63.4%
(D) Dwight Jensen: 36.6%
(Republican hold)

1978 Illinois Senate Election
(R) Charles Percy: 51.6%
(D) Alex Seith: 44.8%
(LIB) William Roy: 1.9%
(SWP) Patricia Grogan: 0.9%
(SLP) Gerald Rose: 0.8%
(Republican hold)

1978 Iowa Senate Election
(R) Roger Jespen: 50.0%
(D) Dick Clark: 49.2%
(I) Gerald Baker: 0.6%
(LIB) Ben Olson: 0.2%
(Republican gain)

1978 Kansas Senate Election
(R) Nancy Landon Kassebaum: 58.3%
(D) William Roy: 40.0%
(C) James Maher: 1.2%
(PHB) Russell Mickels: 0.5%
(Republican hold)

1978 Kentucky Senate Election
(D) Walter Huddleston: 60.0%
(R) Louis Guenthner: 39.1%
(AIP) Anthony McCord: 0.9%
 (Democrat hold)

1978 Louisiana Senate “Jungle Primary” runoff
(D) Bennett Johnston: 60.0%
(D) Louis Jenkins: 40.0%
(Democrat hold)
*Louisiana has a system in which all candidates, of all parties, run together in one primary. The top two candidates go on forward to the runoff. This means two Democrats could run against each other.

1978 Maine Senate Election
(R) William Cohen: 63.5%
(D) William Hathaway: 26.5%
(I) John Jannace: 10.0%
(Republican gain)

1978 Massachusetts Senate Election
(D) Paul Tsongas: 50.1%
(R) Edward Brooke: 49.9%
(Democrat gain)


1978 Michigan Senate Election
(R) Robert Griffin: 50.2%
(D) Carl Levin: 49.8%
(Republican hold)

1978 Minnesota Special Senate Election
(R) David Durenberger: 67.4%
(D) Bob Short: 32.6%
(Republican gain)

1978 Minnesota Senate Election
(R) Rudy Boschwitz: 56.7%
(D) Wendell Anderson: 43.3%
(Republican gain)

1978 Mississippi Senate Election
(I) Charles Evers: 34.2%
(R) Thad Cochran: 34.1%
(D) Maurice Dantin: 31.7%
(Independent gain)

1978 Montana Senate Election
(D) Max Baucus: 55.7%
(R) Larry Williams 44.3%
(Democrat hold)

1978 Nebraska Senate Election
(D) J. James Exxon: 67.6%
(R) Donald Shasteen: 32.3%
(Democrat gain)

1978 New Hampshire Senate Election
(R) Gordon Humphrey: 50.3%
(D) Thomas McIntyre: 48.9%
(LIB) Craig Franklin: 0.8%
(Republican gain)

1978 New Jersey Senate Election
(D) Bill Bradley: 59.0%
(R) Jeff Bell: 41.0%
(Democratic gain)

1978 New Mexico Senate Election
(R) Peter Domenici: 57.1%
(D) Toney Anaya: 43.9%
(Republican hold)


1978 North Carolina Senate Election
(R) Jesse Helms: 54.8%
(D) James Ingram: 45.2%
(Republican hold)

1978 Oklahoma Senate Election
(D) David Boren: 60.0%
(R) Robert Kamm: 40.0%
(Democratic gain)


1978 Oregon Senate Election
(R) Mark Hatfield: 62.5%
(D) Vernon Cook: 37.5%
(Republican hold)

1978 Rhode Island Senate Election
(D) Claiborne Pell: 69.2%
(R) James Reynolds: 30.8%
(Democratic hold)

1978 South Carolina Senate Election
(R) Strom Thurmond: 56.3%
(D) Charles Ravenel: 43.7%
(Republican hold)

1978 South Dakota Senate Election
(R) Larry Pressler: 70.1%
(D) Don Barnett: 29.9%
(Republican gain)

1978 Tennessee Senate Election
(R) Howard Baker: 51.2%
(D) Jane Eskind: 42.5%
(I) Thomas Anderson: 6.3%
(Republican hold)

1978 Texas Senate Election
(D) Bob Krueger: 49.9%
(R) John Tower: 47.2%
Write Ins: 1.0%
(LRU) Luis de Leone: 1.0%
(SWP) Miguel Pendas: 0.9%
(Democratic gain)

1978 Virginia Senate Election
(R) John Warner: 53.4%
(D) Andrew Miller: 46.6%
(Republican hold)

1978 West Virginia Senate Election
(R) Arch Moore: 50.2%
(D) Jennings Randolph: 49.8%
(Republican gain)

1978 Wyoming Senate Election
(R) Alan Simpson: 73.4%
(D) Ray Whitaker: 26.6%
(Republican hold)

Senate before 1978 Midterm Elections
Democrats: 61
Republicans: 38
Independent: 1

Senate after 1978 Midterm Elections
Democrat-51 (-10)
Republican-47 (+9)
Independent 2 (+1)

Inc. Majority Leader: Robert Byrd (D-WV)
Majority Leader Elect: Robert Byrd (D-WV)

Inc. Minority Leader: Howard Baker (R-TE)
Minority Leader Elect: Howard Baker (R-TE)

House of Representatives before 1978 Elections
Democrats-292
Republicans-143

House of Representatives after 1978 Elections
Democrats-275 (-17)
Republicans-160 (+17)

Inc. Speaker of the House: Tip O’Neill (D-MA)
Speaker Elect of the House: Tip O’Neill (D-MA)

House Minority Leader: John Rhodes (R-AZ)
House Minority Whip: Robert Mitchell (R-IL)



Texas 22nd Congressional District, 1978
(R) Ron Paul-54.6%-59,014 votes
(D) Robert Gammage-45.4%-49,071 votes

Texas 22nd Congressional District, 1978
(R) George W. Bush-51.1%-52,494 votes
(D) Kent Hance-48.9%-50,234 votes


Senate Results
“REPUBLICAN WAVE-9 SENATE GAINS, NUMEROUS GUBERNATORIAL PICK UPS”-New York Times, November 1978.
“ANOTHER BUSH HEADS TO WASHINGTON”-Houston Herald, November 1978.
“CONGRESSMAN PAUL WINS REELECTION”-Galveston Daily News

[ChairmanSanchez]

United States Senate as of January 1979.
Alabama: Howell Heflin (D), James Martin (R)
Alaska: Ted Stevens (R), Mike Gravel (D)
Arizona: Barry Goldwater (R), Dennis DeConcini (D)
Arkansas: Dale Bumpers (D), David Pryor (D)
California:Alan Cranston (D), Samuel Hayakawa (R)
Colorado: Gary Hart (D), William Armstrong (R)
Delaware:William Roth (R), Joe Biden (D)
Florida: Lawton Chiles (D), Richard Stone (D)
Georgia: Herman Talmadge (D), Sam Nunn (D)
Hawaii: Daniel Inouye (D), Spark Matsunga (D)
Idaho: Frank Church (D), James McClure (R)
Illinois:Charles Percy (R), Adlai Stevenson III (D)
Indiana: Birch Bayh (D), Richard Lugar (R)
Iowa: John Culver (D), Roger Jespen (R)
Kansas: Bob Dole (R), Nancy Landon Kassebaum (R)
Kentucky: Walter Huddleston (D), Wendell Ford (D)
Louisiana: Russell Long (D), Bennett Johnston (D)
Maine: Ed Muskie (D), William Cohen (R)
Maryland: Charles Mathias (R), Paul Sarbanes (D)
Massachusetts: Ted Kennedy (D), Paul Tsongas (D)
Michigan: Robert Griffin (R), Donald Riegle Jr. (D)
Minnesota: David Durenberger (R), Rudy Boschwitz (R)
Mississippi: John Stennis (D), Charles Evers (I)
Missouri:Thomas Eagleton (D), John Danforth (R)
Montana: John Melcher (D), Max Baucus (D)
Nebraska: Edward Zorinsky (D), James Exxon (D)
Nevada: Howard Cannon (D), Paul Laxalt (R)
New Hampshire: James Durkin (D),Gordon Humphrey (R)
New Jersey: Harrison Williams (D), Bill Bradley (D)
New Mexico: Peter Domenici (R), Harrison Schmitt (R)
New York: Jacob Javits (R), Daniel P. Moynihan (D)
North Carolina: Jesse Helms (R), Robert Morgan (D)
North Dakota: Milton Young (R), Quentin Burdick (D)
Ohio: John Glenn (D), Howard Metzenbaum (D)
Oklahoma: Henry Bellmon (R), David Boren (D)
Oregon: Mark Hatfield (R), Bob Packwood (R)
Pennsylvania: Richard Schweiker (R), John Heinz (R)
Rhode Island: Claiborne Pell (D), John Chafee (R)
South Carolina: Strom Thurmond (R), Ernest Hollings (D)
South Dakota: George McGovern (D), Larry Pressler (R)
Tennessee: Howard Baker (R), Jim Sasser (D)
Texas: Lloyd Bentsen (D), Bob Krueger (D)
Utah: Jake Garn (R), Orrin Hatch (R)
Vermont: Robert Strafford (R), Patrick Leahy (D)
Virginia: Harry Byrd (I), John Warner (R)
Washington: Warren Magnuson (D), Henry Jackson (D)
West Virginia: Robert Byrd (D), Arch Moore (R)
Wisconsin: William Proxmire (D), Gaylord Nelson (D)
Wyoming: Clifford Hansen (R), Malcolm Wallop (R)

Sitting State Governors as of January, 1979.
Alabama: Fob James (D)
Alaska: Walter Hickel (I)
Arizona: Bruce Babbitt (D)
Arkansas: Bill Clinton (D)
California: Jerry Brown (D)
Colorado: Dick Lamm (D)
Connecticut: Ella Grasso (D)
Delaware: Pierre DuPont (R)
Florida: Bob Graham (D)
Georgia: George Busbee (D)
Hawaii:  George Ariyoshi (D)
Idaho: John Evans (D)
Illinois: James Thompson (R)
Indiana: Otis Bowen (R)
Iowa: Robert Ray (R)
Kansas: Robert Bennett (R)
Kentucky: Julian Carroll (D)
Louisiana: Edwin Edwards (D)
Maine: James Longley (I)
Maryland: Harry Hughes (D)
Massachusetts: Francis Hatch (R)
Michigan: William Milliken (R)
Minnesota: Al Quie (R)
Mississippi: Cliff Finch (D)
Missouri: Joseph Teasdale (D)
Montana: Forrest Anderson (R)
Nebraska: Charles Thone (R)
Nevada: Robert List (R)
New Hampshire: Hugh Gallen (D)
New Jersey:  Brendan Byrne (D)
New Mexico: Joe Skeen (R)
New York: Peter Duryea (R)
North Carolina: Jim Hunt (D)
North Dakota: Arthur Link (D)
Ohio: James Rhodes (R)
Oklahoma: Ron Shotts (R)
Oregon: Victor Atiyeh (R)
Pennsylvania: Dick Thornburgh (R)
Rhode Island:  John Garrahy (D)
South Carolina: Robert Riley (D)
South Dakota: Bill Janklow (R)
Tennessee: Lamar Alexander (R)
Texas: Bill Clements (R)
Utah: Scott Matheson (D)
Vermont: Richard Snelling (R)
Virginia: John Dalton (R)
Washington:  Dixy Ray (D)
West Virginia: Jay Rockefeller (D)
Wisconsin: Lee Dreyfus (R)
Wyoming: John Ostlund (R)

[Jerseyrules]

Looking good

[CathKhan]

I remember thinking Dick Thornburgh, PA Gov., was Republican.

[Jerseyrules]

I remember thinking Dick Thornburgh, PA Gov., was Republican.

As you go, so does the Wiki:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dick_Thornburgh

[ChairmanSanchez]

“Mr. Carter ran for President two and a half years ago as a “outsider” who got here in Washington by claimin’ the government ravaged Americas trust. Well, Mr. Carter, we down here in Texas don’t trust you no more”-Congressman George W. Bush’s maiden speech regarding his request to investigate Billy Carters connections to Libya.



“Mr. Speaker, today the United States is racked by an energy crisis, caused in part by the events in Iran. Recently, the OPEC nations began to increase production in order to fill the gap caused by the Iranians. And the Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, often simplified as Libya, is an OPEC member. Surely no dots need to be connected here. Surely all is well. Perhaps he only has his country on his mind? Or, perhaps he has himself, and more importantly, the President on his mind. Either way, this scandal will and already has greatly dictated US policy regarding Energy and our relations with Libya, and it should be thoroughly investigated”-Ron Paul on the House Floor, January of 1979.

“Billygate was a major problem for Carter, because it was right after Watergate. We had this great scandal with Nixon, and yet, four years later, President Carter, or as we Republicans in the House used to refer him, “Honest Jimmy” was in his own battle. And it was this scandal, which grew even worst after the midterms, that really contributed to bringing down the Carter administration”-The Oral Histories of Newt Gingrich, © 2014, Newt and Callista Gingrich.


“If you want better government, and not bigger government-if you want lower taxes and higher employment-or if you just want to look at America with pride, then I am your candidate for President”-Former Governor Ronald Reagan (R-CA) announcing his run for President, July 4th, 1980.


“I want to talk to you right now about a fundamental threat to American democracy. . . . I do not refer to the outward strength of America, a nation that is at peace tonight everywhere in the world, with unmatched economic power and military might. The threat is nearly invisible in ordinary ways. It is a crisis of confidence. And at the very heart of this crisis, is myself. I have done the best I can for this nation, but different leadership is needed during this time. Therefore, I shall not seek another term as your President”.-Jimmy Carters “Crisis of Confidence” speech.

Reporter: Congressman Bush, who are you supporting for President this year?
George W. Bush: Daddy, who’d the hell did you expect?!


“President Carter has done all he can, and for that, America owes him a debt of gratitude. But, as he himself admitted, America needs a leader who inspires confidence. And I believe I am that man. That is why I am declaring my candidacy for President of the United States”-Senator Ted Kennedy, (D-MA), August 1st, 1979.

“HOSTAGES TAKEN IN IRAN”-San Francisco Chronicle, November 5th 1979.

“I will not run for President this year, and will support the nominee”-Vice President Mondale, November 1979.

“CAREY DECLARES PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN”-New York Times, December 1st, 1979.

Republican nomination polling, January 1980.
Ronald Reagan-27.0%
George Bush-18.0%
John Connally-15.0%
Howard Baker-12.0%
Robert Dole-10.0%
Phil Crane-8.0%
John Anderson-8.0%
Ben Fernandez-2.0%

Democratic nomination polling, January 1980.
Ted Kennedy-29.0%
Hugh Carey-20.0%
Henry Jackson-15.0%
Jerry Brown-12.0%
William Proxmire-6.0%
George McGovern-6.0%
Cliff Finch-2.0%
Fred Harris-1.0%
 “BUSH, KENNEDY SWEEP IOWA”-Chicago Tribune, January 1980
“I am announcing my endorsement of Ronald Reagan for the Republican nomination”-Ron Paul, at a Reagan rally in Concord New Hampshire.

Wikipedia, 1980 Republican Presidential Primaries
In January 1980, the Iowa Republicans decided to have a straw poll as a part of their caucuses for that year. Bush defeated Reagan by a small margin. Bush declared he had "the Big Mo", and with Reagan boycotting the Puerto Rico primary in deference to New Hampshire, Bush won the territory easily, giving him an early lead going into New Hampshire.
 
With the other candidates in single digits, the Nashua Telegraph offered to host a debate between Reagan and Bush. Worried that a newspaper-sponsored debate might violate electoral regulations, Reagan subsequently arranged to fund the event with his own campaign money, inviting the other candidates to participate at short notice. The Bush camp did not learn of Reagan's decision to include the other candidates until the debate was due to commence. Bush refused to participate, which led to an impasse on the stage. As Reagan attempted to explain his decision, the editor of the Nashua Telegraph ordered the sound man to mute Reagan's microphone. A visibly angry Reagan responded "I am paying for this microphone, Mr. Green!" (referring to the editor). Eventually the other candidates agreed to leave, and the debate proceeded between Reagan and Bush. Reagan's quote was often repeated as "I paid for this microphone!" and dominated news coverage of the event. Reagan sailed to an easy win in that state.
 
Heading into the South Carolina primary, political operative Lee Atwater worked to engineer a victory for Reagan. "Lee Atwater figured that Connally was their biggest threat here in South Carolina. So Lee leaked a story to me that John Connally was trying to buy the black vote. Well, that story got out, thanks to me, and it probably killed Connally. He spent $10 million for one delegate. Lee saved Ronald Reagan's candidacy," said Lee Bandy, a writer for the South Carolina newspaper The State.
 
Reagan swept the South, and although he lost five more primaries to Bush, including one where he came in third behind John Anderson, the former governor had a lock on the nomination very early in the season. Reagan said he would always be grateful to the people of Iowa for giving him "the kick in the pants" he needed.

Wikipedia, 1980 Democratic Presidential Primaries
Senator Kennedy was the odds on favorite for the nomination after both Carter and Mondale refused to seek the Presidency. Despite high polling over his rivals, his campaign trailed almost all of the declared Republicans, with the exception of Dole, Crane, and Fernandez. To add more trouble to his campaign, Southern Democrats did not rally around him, and instead opted to either stay home, or support Reagan.

As Kennedys candidacy appeared weaker and weaker, other candidates began to surge. New York Governor Hugh Carey and Washington Senator Henry “Scoop” Jackson took votes from Kennedy from the right, and California Governor Jerry Brown from left. Despite his shrinking position in the polls, Kennedy handily won Iowa with 38% of the vote, compared to his nearest rival, Jerry Browns 19%. Kennedy forced Carey out after he won New Hampshire by a large margin. By early May, only McGovern remained in the race, and Kennedy had carried every primary.

Ted Kennedys Veep Shortlist
Senator Henry Jackson
Governor Hugh Carey
Senator Daniel Moynihan
Senator William Proxmire
Vice President Walter Mondale
Governor Reubin Askew

Ronald Reagan’s Veep Shortlist
Former CIA Director George Bush
Congressman Phil Crane
Congressman John Anderson
Governor Robert Bennett
Senator Robert Dole
Senator Arch Moore


“I am hereby renouncing my affiliation with the Republican Party and will seek the Presidency as an independent candidate. I have asked Senator Charles Evers of Mississippi to be my running mate”-John Anderson announcing his candidacy for President as an independent.

“I graciously accept Mr. Andersons offer, and will be on the ticket with him as his candidate for Vice President”-Senator Charles Evers (I-MS).

“REAGAN TAPS BUSH AS RUNNING MATE”-Seattle Tribune
“KENNEDY ANNOUNCES REUBIN ASKEW AS VEEP PICK”-Washington Post

“The defining moment of the 1980 Presidential Election occurred at the League of Women Voters debate. After a long diatribe by Senator Kennedy attacking him as an “extremist”, and defending the Carter legacy, Reagan simply responded “there you go again, Mr. Kennedy.” Later on the same debate, Reagan replied to a lengthy answer by Senator Kennedy with the simple remark “Are you better off then you were four years ago?”. And, with that, Kennedys coffin received its final nail”—True Conservative-The Presidency of Ronald Reagan © 2010, Sean Hannity.


Governor Ronald Reagan (R-CA)/Former CIA Director George Bush (R-TX)-414 Electoral Votes, 52.3% of the popular vote.
Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA)/Former Governor Reubin Askew (D-FL)-124 Electoral Votes, 38.2% of the popular vote.
Congressman John Anderson (I-IL)/Senator Charles Evers (I-MS)-8.2% of the popular vote.
Mr. Ed Clark (LIB-CA)/Mr. David Koch (LIB-KS)-1.3% of the popular vote.

REAGAN WINS A LANDSLIDE—New York Times, November 5th, 1980.
CAM-E-NOT-Boston Herald, November 5th, 1980.

[CathKhan]

Very nice. Will there be any notable changes to the RL Reagan cabinet? As well, did Evers' presence help Anderson in any notable areas?

[mondale84]

Governor Ronald Reagan (R-CA)/Former CIA Director George Bush (R-TX)-397 Electoral Votes, 52.3% of the popular vote.
Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA)/Former Governor Reubin Askew (D-FL)-141 Electoral Votes, 38.2% of the popular vote.
Congressman John Anderson (I-IL)/Senator Charles Evers (I-MS)-8.2% of the popular vote.
Mr. Ed Clark (LIB-CA)/Mr. David Koch (LIB-KS)-1.3% of the popular vote.

REAGAN WINS A LANDSLIDE—New York Times, November 5th, 1980.
CAM-E-NOT-Boston Herald, November 5th, 1980.

Not to nitpick, but wouldn't NJ be blue? for Reagan?

[Jerseyrules]

Keep it coming!

[ChairmanSanchez]

Governor Ronald Reagan (R-CA)/Former CIA Director George Bush (R-TX)-397 Electoral Votes, 52.3% of the popular vote.
Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA)/Former Governor Reubin Askew (D-FL)-141 Electoral Votes, 38.2% of the popular vote.
Congressman John Anderson (I-IL)/Senator Charles Evers (I-MS)-8.2% of the popular vote.
Mr. Ed Clark (LIB-CA)/Mr. David Koch (LIB-KS)-1.3% of the popular vote.

REAGAN WINS A LANDSLIDE—New York Times, November 5th, 1980.
CAM-E-NOT-Boston Herald, November 5th, 1980.

Not to nitpick, but wouldn't NJ be blue? for Reagan?

I had put NJ as a Democrat state because..its New Jersey. I will change it to Reagan, because he would have won it against Ted Kennedy as well. I also fixed the color and party of Dick Thornborough. I have him listed as a Republican and colored blue in my original draft saved in word so I dont know how that happened.

[Jerseyrules]

This is really good.  Has Ron Paul endorsed?  (He endorsed Reagan in 76 otl, one of only four representatives to do so)

[ChairmanSanchez]

1980 Gubernatorial Elections
1980 Arkansas Gubernatorial Election
(R) Frank White: 55.5%
(D) Bill Clinton: 44.5%
(Republican gain)

1980 Delaware Gubernatorial Election
(R) Pierre DuPont: 70.7%
(D) William Gordy: 28.5%
(LIB) Lawrence Levy: 0.8%
(Republican hold)

1980 Indiana Gubernatorial Elections
(R) Robert Orr: 60.0%
(D) John Hillenbrand: 39.0%
(AIP) Cletis Artist: 1.0%
(Republican hold)

1980 Missouri Gubernatorial Election
(R) Kit Bond: 54.7%
(D) Joseph Teasdale: 43.7%
(SWP) Helen Savio: 1.6%
(Republican gain)

1980 Montana Gubernatorial Election
(D) Thomas Judge: 50.1%
(R) Jack Ramirez: 49.9%
(Democrat hold)

1980 New Hampshire Gubernatorial Election
(D) Hugh Gallen: 53.4%
(R) Meldrim Thomson: 46.6%
(Democrat hold)

1980 North Carolina Gubernatorial Election
(D) Jim Hunt: 58.3%
(R) I. Beverly Lake: 40.0%
(LIB) Robert Emory: 1.5%
(SWP) Douglas Cooper: 0.2%
(Democrat hold)

1980 North Dakota Gubernatorial Election
(R) Allen Olson: 53.0%
(D) Arthur Link: 47.0%
(Republican gain)

1980 Rhode Island Gubernatorial Election
(D) John Garrahy: 69.4%
(R) Buddy Cianci: 30.6%
(Democrat hold)

1980 Utah Gubernatorial Election
(D) Scott Matheson: 50.3%
(R) RL Wright: 48.5%
(AIP) Lawrence Topham: 1.2%
(Democrat hold)

1980 Vermont Gubernatorial Election
(R) Richard Snelling: 62.4%
(D) M. Jerome Diamond: 33.6%
(I) Daniel Woodward: 2.9%
(I) Bruce Cullen: 0.7%
(LU): John Potthast: 0.4%
(Republican hold)

1980 Washington Gubernatorial Election
(R) John Spellman: 58.0%
(D) Jim McDermott: 42.0%
(Republican gain)

1980 West Virginia Gubernatorial Election
(D) Jay Rockefeller: 70.0%
(LIB) Jack Kelley: 30.0%
(Democrat hold)

1980 Senate Elections
1980 Alabama Senate Election
(R) Jeremiah Denton: 52.0%
(D) Jim Folsom: 48.0%
(Republican gain)

1980 Alaska Senate Election
(R) Frank Murkowski: 62.6%
(D) Mike Gravel: 37.4%
(Republican gain)

1980 Arizona Senate Election
(R) Barry Goldwater: 50.3%
(D) Bill Schulz: 44.8%
(SWP) Josefina Otero: 4.7%
(LIB) Fred Easer: 0.2%
(Republican hold)

1980 Arkansas Senate Election
(D) Dale Bumpers: 60.0%
(R) Bill Clark: 40.0%
(Democrat hold)

1980 California Senate Election
(D) Alan Cranston: 58.3%
(R) Paul Gann: 36.2%
(PF) David Wald: 3.0%
(AIP) Jim Griffin: 2.5%
(Democrat hold)

1980 Colorado Senate Election
(D) Gary Hart: 49.4%
(R) Mary Buchanan: 49.1%
(AIP) Henry Olshaw: 1.5%
(Democrat hold)

1980 Connecticut Senate Election
(R) James Buckley: 50.4%
(D) Chris Dodd: 49.6%
(Republican gain)

1980 Florida Senate Election
(R) Paula Hawkins: 54.5%
(D) Bill Gunter: 45.5%
(Republican gain)

1980 Georgia Senate Election
(R) Mack Mattingly: 52.0%
(D) Herman Talmadge: 48.0%
(Republican gain)

1980 Hawaii Senate Election
(D) Daniel Inouye: 100.0%
(Democrat hold)

1980 Idaho Senate Election
(D) Frank Church: 50.1%
(R) Steve Symms: 49.9%
(Democrat hold)

1980 Illinois Senate Election
(R) Dave O’Neal: 53.8%
(D) Alan Dixon: 46.2%
(Republican gain)

1980 Indiana Senate Election
(R) Dan Quayle: 55.0%
(D) Birch Bayh: 45.0%
(Republican gain)

1980 Iowa Senate Election
(D) John Culver: 54.4%
(R) Chuck Grassley: 45.6%
(Democrat hold)

1980 Kansas Senate Election
(R) Bob Dole: 70.0%
(D) John Simpson: 30.0%
(Republican hold)

1980 Kentucky Senate Election
(D) Wendell Ford: 67.3%
(R) Mary Foust: 30.8%
(AIP) Anthony McCord: 1.9%
(Democrat hold)

1980 Louisiana Senate Election
(D) Russell Long: 100.0%
(Democrat hold)

1980 Maryland Senate Election
(R) Charles Mathias: 66.3%
(D) Edward Conroy: 33.7%
(Republican hold)

1980 Missouri Senate Election
(R) Gene McNary: 50.1%
(D) Thomas Eagleton: 49.9%
(Republican gain)

1980 Nevada Senate Election
(R) Paul Laxalt: 73.2%
(D) Mary Gojack: 26.8%
(Republican hold)

1980 New Hampshire Senate Election
(R) Warren Rudman: 52.1%
(D) John Durkin: 47.9%
(Republican gain)

1980 New York Senate Election
(D) Elizabeth Holtzman: 42.1%
(R) Al D’Amato: 41.7%
(I) Jacob Javits: 16.2%
(Democrat gain)

1980 North Carolina Senate Election
(R) John East: 53.7%
(D) Robert Morgan: 46.3%
(Republican gain)

1980 North Dakota Senate Election
(R) Milton Young: 100.0%
(Republican hold)

1980 Ohio Senate Election
(D) John Glenn: 60.0%
(R) James Betts: 40.0%
(Democrat hold)

1980 Oklahoma Senate Election
(R) Don Nickles: 53.5%
(D) Andrew Coats: 46.5%
(Republican hold)

1980 Oregon Senate Election
(R) Bob Packwood: 50.0%
(D) Ted Kulongoski: 43.9%
(LIB) Toni Nathan: 6.1%
(Republican hold)

1980 Pennsylvania Senate Election
(R) Arlen Specter: 54.2%
(D) Pete Flaherty: 45.8%
(Republican hold)

1980 South Carolina Senate Election
(D) Ernest Hollings: 69.0%
(R) Marshall Mays: 31.0%
(Democrat hold)

1980 South Dakota Senate Election
(R) James Abdnor: 59.6%
(D) George McGovern: 38.9%
(I) Wayne Peterson: 1.5%
(Republican gain)

1980 Utah Senate Election
(R) Jake Garn: 75.0%
(D) Dan Berman: 25.0%
(Republican hold)

1980 Vermont Senate Election
(D) Pat Leahy: 51.2%
(R) Stewart Ledbetter: 48.8%
(Democrat hold)

1980 Washington Senate Election
(R) Slade Gorton: 55.3%
(D) Warren Magnuson:  44.7%
(Republican gain)

1980 Wisconsin Senate Election
(R) Robert Kasten: 51.1%
(D) Gaylord Nelson: 48.9%
(Republican gain)

Gubernatorial Results

Senate Results

[ChairmanSanchez]

Senate before 1980 Midterm Elections
Democrats: 51
Republicans: 47
Independent: 2

Senate after 1980 Midterm Elections
Republican-59 (+12)
Democrat-39 (-12)
Independent 2 (-)

Inc. Majority Leader: Robert Byrd (D-WV)
Majority Leader Elect: Howard Baker (R-TE)

Inc. Minority Leader: Howard Baker (R-TE)
Minority Leader Elect: Robert Byrd (D-WV)

House of Representatives before 1980 Elections
Democrats-275
Republicans-160

House of Representatives after 1980 Elections
Democrats-233 (-42)
Republicans-202 (+42)

Inc. Speaker of the House: Tip O’Neill (D-MA)
Speaker Elect of the House: Tip O’Neill (D-MA)

House Minority Leader: Robert Mitchell (R-IL)
House Minority Whip: Trent Lott (R-MS)
Texas 22nd Congressional District, 1980
(R) Ron Paul-54.3%- 113,623 votes
(D) Mike Andrews-45.7%-95,627 votes

Texas 19th Congressional District, 1980
(R) George W. Bush-100.0%-60,532 votes

United States Senate as of January 1981.
Alabama: Howell Heflin (D), Jeremiah Denton (R)
Alaska: Ted Stevens (R), Frank Murkowski (R)
Arizona: Barry Goldwater (R), Dennis DeConcini (D)
Arkansas: Dale Bumpers (D), David Pryor (D)
California:Alan Cranston (D), Samuel Hayakawa (R)
Colorado: Gary Hart (D), William Armstrong (R)
Connecticut: Lowell Weicker (R) James Buckley (R)
Delaware:William Roth (R), Joe Biden (D)
Florida: Lawton Chiles (D)Paula Hawkins (R)
Georgia: Sam Nunn (D)Mack Mattingly (R)
Hawaii: Daniel Inouye (D), Spark Matsunga (D)
Idaho: Frank Church (D), James McClure (R)
Illinois:Charles Percy (R),  Dave O’Neal (R)
Indiana: Richard Lugar (R), Dan Quayle (R)
Iowa: John Culver (D), Roger Jespen (R)
Kansas: Bob Dole (R), Nancy Landon Kassebaum (R)
Kentucky: Walter Huddleston (D), Wendell Ford (D)
Louisiana: Russell Long (D), Bennett Johnston (D)
Maine: Ed Muskie (D), William Cohen (R)
Maryland: Charles Mathias (R), Paul Sarbanes (D)
Massachusetts: Ted Kennedy (D), Paul Tsongas (D)
Michigan: Robert Griffin (R), Donald Riegle Jr. (D)
Minnesota: David Durenberger (R), Rudy Boschwitz (R)
Mississippi: John Stennis (D), Charles Evers (I)
Missouri:John Danforth (R)Gene McNary (R)
Montana: John Melcher (D), Max Baucus (D)
Nebraska: Edward Zorinsky (D), James Exxon (D)
Nevada: Howard Cannon (D), Paul Laxalt (R)
New Hampshire:Gordon Humphrey (R), Warren Rudman (R)
New Jersey: Harrison Williams (D), Bill Bradley (D)
New Mexico: Peter Domenici (R), Harrison Schmitt (R)
New York: Daniel P. Moynihan (D), Elizabeth Holtzman
North Carolina: Jesse Helms (R), John East (R)
North Dakota: Milton Young (R), Quentin Burdick (D)
Ohio: John Glenn (D), Howard Metzenbaum (D)
Oklahoma: David Boren (D), Don Nickles (R)
Oregon: Mark Hatfield (R), Bob Packwood (R)
Pennsylvania: John Heinz (R), Arlen Specter (R)
Rhode Island: Claiborne Pell (D), John Chafee (R)
South Carolina: Strom Thurmond (R), Ernest Hollings (D)
South Dakota:Larry Pressler (R), James Abdnor (R)
Tennessee: Howard Baker (R), Jim Sasser (D)
Texas: Lloyd Bentsen (D), Bob Krueger (D)
Utah: Jake Garn (R), Orrin Hatch (R)
Vermont: Robert Strafford (R), Patrick Leahy (D)
Virginia: Harry Byrd (I), John Warner (R)
Washington: Henry Jackson (D),Slade Gorton (R)
West Virginia: Robert Byrd (D), Arch Moore (R)
Wisconsin: William Proxmire (D), Gaylord Nelson (D)
Wyoming: Clifford Hansen (R), Malcolm Wallop (R)

Sitting State Governors as of January, 1981.
Alabama: Fob James (D)
Alaska: Walter Hickel (I)
Arizona: Bruce Babbitt (D)
Arkansas: Frank White (R)
California: Jerry Brown (D)
Colorado: Dick Lamm (D)
Connecticut: Ella Grasso (D)
Delaware: Pierre DuPont (R)
Florida: Bob Graham (D)
Georgia: George Busbee (D)
Hawaii:  George Ariyoshi (D)
Idaho: John Evans (D)
Illinois: James Thompson (R)
Indiana: Robert Orr (R)
Iowa: Robert Ray (R)
Kansas: Robert Bennett (R)
Kentucky: Julian Carroll (D)
Louisiana: Edwin Edwards (D)
Maine: James Longley (I)
Maryland: Harry Hughes (D)
Massachusetts: Francis Hatch (R)
Michigan: William Milliken (R)
Minnesota: Al Quie (R)
Mississippi: Cliff Finch (D)
Missouri: Kit Bond (R)
Montana: Thomas Judge (D)
Nebraska: Charles Thone (R)
Nevada: Robert List (R)
New Hampshire: Hugh Gallen (D)
New Jersey:  Brendan Byrne (D)
New Mexico: Joe Skeen (R)
New York: Peter Duryea (R)
North Carolina: Jim Hunt (D)
North Dakota: Allen Olson (R)
Ohio: James Rhodes (R)
Oklahoma: Ron Shotts (R)
Oregon: Victor Atiyeh (R)
Pennsylvania: Dick Thornburgh (D)
Rhode Island:  John Garrahy (D)
South Carolina: Robert Riley (D)
South Dakota: Bill Janklow (R)
Tennessee: Lamar Alexander (R)
Texas: Bill Clements (R)
Utah: Scott Matheson (D)
Vermont: Richard Snelling (R)
Virginia: John Dalton (R)
Washington:  John Spellman (R)
West Virginia: Jay Rockefeller (D)
Wisconsin: Lee Dreyfus (R)
Wyoming: John Ostlund (R)

[CathKhan]

Buckley's back in the Senate!

[ChairmanSanchez]

Very nice. Will there be any notable changes to the RL Reagan cabinet? As well, did Evers' presence help Anderson in any notable areas?

Thanks The Reagan administration will be the same as OTL until 1988, when the wheels for the real part of the timeline begin to be put in motion.

This is really good.  Has Ron Paul endorsed?  (He endorsed Reagan in 76 otl, one of only four representatives to do so)

Yes, he endorsed Reagan early on. I thought I put it in there, but I may have forgotten

I remember thinking Dick Thornburgh, PA Gov., was Republican.

Fixed it

My next update will come soon. You will see the begining of the main interpersonal conflict which will define the timeline later on

[Jerseyrules]

Why didn't McGovern lose and D'amato win?