In his new book, The Dealmakers of Downstate Illinois, political historian Robert E. Hartley describes the fascinating period of about 30 years when southern Illinois lawmakers dominated the Illinois political arena. Hartley details the lives and contributions of the three most influential of the group, Paul Powell, Clyde Choate and John Stelle, during the period 1945-1975.
Hartley traces the personal histories of Powell, Choate and Stelle, describes how they teamed up to advance a downstate political agenda, and reviews their challenges and successes. The book explores their roles in the growth of Southern Illinois University and the passage of income tax legislation. It includes the importance of Powell’s relationship with Gov. William Stratton, Choate’s leadership of the Illinois delegation at the 1972 Democratic National Convention and his relationships with Gov. Dan Walker and with Chicago interests.
Robert E. Hartley will be in Springfield May 12 for a book-signing appearance 4-6 p.m. at Wm. Van’s Coffee. The book is published this month by Southern Illinois University Press. Hartley was a journalist for Lindsay-Schaub Newspapers in Illinois from 1962 to 1979 and served as executive editor of the Toledo Blade and as publisher of the Journal-American in Bellevue, Washington.
This article appears in May 5-11, 2016.
