The Life of Pennsylvania Governor George M. Leader

Challenging Complacency

Kenneth C. Wolensky

The Life of Pennsylvania Governor George M. Leader tells the story of George Michael Leader who, at 36 years old, was the second youngest governor ever elected to the office, and served from 1955 to 1959. His chances at being elected were tenuous at best: Democrats never fared well in pursuit of the Governor's Office in the Keystone State. His election was an upset. Republican Party stalwarts were stunned at the tally in Leader's favor. And, his election ushered in an era when the Commonwealth's electorate shifted its allegiance from majority Republican to majority Democrat, a trend that continues in the 21st century.

Leader's administration achieved landmark legislation for economic development,
civil rights, education for disabled children, mental health care reform, the environment, expansion of civil service, professionalization of government and in many other areas. Some referred to Leader as a refreshing change to politics-as-usual in the State Capitol. His opposition referred to him as "that stubborn young governor." Leader was proud of both monikers.

George Leader dates to an era when politics were quite different. Handshakes secured votes, campaign budgets were small, modern mass media was in its infancy, personal attacks were few and political patronage was rampant at all levels of government.

Challenging Complacency stands as the only oral history-based account of a Pennsylvania governor. Written by a leading Pennsylvania historian while the former governor was in his 9th decade of life, here Governor Leader tells his remarkable story.

University Press Copublishing Division / Lehigh University Press

Pages: 176 • Trim: 6½ x 9½

978-1-61146-079-7 • Hardback • August 2011 • $105.00 • (£81.00)

978-1-61146-080-3 • eBook • September 2011 • $99.50 • (£77.00)

Subjects: Political Science / American Government / Local, Political Science / American Government / State

The Life of Pennsylvania Governor George M. Leader

Challenging Complacency

Hardback

eBook

Summary

The Life of Pennsylvania Governor George M. Leader tells the story of George Michael Leader who, at 36 years old, was the second youngest governor ever elected to the office, and served from 1955 to 1959. His chances at being elected were tenuous at best: Democrats never fared well in pursuit of the Governor's Office in the Keystone State. His election was an upset. Republican Party stalwarts were stunned at the tally in Leader's favor. And, his election ushered in an era when the Commonwealth's electorate shifted its allegiance from majority Republican to majority Democrat, a trend that continues in the 21st century.

Leader's administration achieved landmark legislation for economic development,
civil rights, education for disabled children, mental health care reform, the environment, expansion of civil service, professionalization of government and in many other areas. Some referred to Leader as a refreshing change to politics-as-usual in the State Capitol. His opposition referred to him as "that stubborn young governor." Leader was proud of both monikers.

George Leader dates to an era when politics were quite different. Handshakes secured votes, campaign budgets were small, modern mass media was in its infancy, personal attacks were few and political patronage was rampant at all levels of government.

Challenging Complacency stands as the only oral history-based account of a Pennsylvania governor. Written by a leading Pennsylvania historian while the former governor was in his 9th decade of life, here Governor Leader tells his remarkable story.

Details

University Press Copublishing Division / Lehigh University Press

Pages: 176 • Trim: 6½ x 9½

978-1-61146-079-7 • Hardback • August 2011 • $105.00 • (£81.00)

978-1-61146-080-3 • eBook • September 2011 • $99.50 • (£77.00)

Subjects: Political Science / American Government / Local, Political Science / American Government / State

Author

Kenneth C. Wolensky is a historian with the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission inHarrisburg, PA.

Governor George M. Leader was governor of Pennsylvania from 1955-1959 and remains active in public affairs.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Introduction
Chapter 2 Chapter 1: Early Years, Parents, and Family
Chapter 3 Chapter 2: World War II and Early Political Ventures
Chapter 4 Chapter 3: The Keystone State's Chief Executive, 1955-1959
Chapter 5 Chapter 4: The 1958 U.S. Senate Campaign and Post-Gubernatorial Years
Chapter 6 Photographs
Chapter 7 Chapter 5: Wellness, Faith and Family
Chapter 8 Chapter 6: Views, Philosophies, and Ideas about Contemporary Issues
Chapter 9 Chapter 7: The Humanitarian
Chapter 10 Epilogue
Chapter 11 Appendix I: George M. Leader Family Archives, Providence Place, York
Chapter 12 Appendix II: George M. Leader Papers, Pennsylvania State Archives, Historical and Museum Commission, Harrisburg.

Reviews

The book unveil[s] or illuminate[s] much about the life of Governor George M. Leader. ... [T]he book succeeds in its own way in highlighting Leader as a fascinating, exceptionally humanitarian and liberal Pennsylvania politician who. . . . deserves an honored place in the pantheon of Pennsylvania political leaders.
— Pennsylvania History

Awards