Object Record
Images
Metadata
Object Name |
Button, Political |
Catalog Number |
1987.30.59 |
Date |
1979 |
Material(s) |
Paper/Plastic/Tinplate/Ink |
Dimensions |
H-3.438 W-3.438 Dia-3.438 inches |
Description |
This is a circular celluloid-type political button for John Y. Brown, Jr.'s campaign for Governor of Kentucky. The background is white with red and navy blue lettering and a navy blue drawing of a wildcat's head. The button features the phrase "I'M A WILDCAT FOR John Y. Brown, JR. FOR GOVERNOR." The wording across the top in red reads "I'M A WILDCAT FOR" with the drawing of a wildcat is in navy blue centered beneath the lettering. "John Y. Brown, Jr." is printed in navy blue just below midline. The text "FOR / GOVERNOR" is printed directly below with "GOVERNOR" printed along the bottom edge. The back of the button is made of tinplate and has a stick pin closure. |
Notes |
John Y. Brown, Jr., governor during 1979-83, was born in Lexington, Kentucky, on December 28, 1933, to John Young and Dorothy (Inman) Brown. He received his bachelor's degree (1957) and law degree (1960) from the University of Kentucky. Brown entered law practice with his father but soon turned to business, having dramatic success with the Kentucky Fried Chicken fast-food chain, which made him wealthy. Brown spent considerable time outside the state, and his jet-set, high-stakes life-style revealed little interest in state politics prior to March 27, 1979. On that day he surprised most Kentuckians, including the other candidates for the Democratic nomination for governor, by announcing his candidacy. Between that day and the May primary, he staged a media blitz that overcame his late start and his lack of a record in office. Brown committed himself to few specific issues, saying instead that he would be a salesman for Kentucky and would run the government like a business. The primary was so close that runner-up Louisville Mayor Harvey Sloane did not concede for two days; Brown was a plurality winner with 29.89 percent of the vote. In the fall election he won an easy victory over former Gov. Louie B. Nunn, 554,083 to 376,809. |
Collection |
Drexell R. Davis Collection |
People |
Brown, John Y., Jr. (John Young), 1933-2022 |
Subjects |
Buttons Campaigns, Political Government executives Government officials Governors Elections Political candidates Political campaigns Political candidates Political elections Political loyalty State government Wildcats |
Search Terms |
Button, Political Campaign buttons Campaigns, Political Elections Governors Governor's elections Governor's races Governors elections Governors races Gubernatorial elections Gubernatorial races Political buttons political campaigns Political candidates Political elections political souvenirs Politicians Politics Politics & government Politics, Kentucky State elections Wildcats |
Physical Holder |
Kentucky Historical Society - KHS |