Writers: Elmer Kelm, a Chanhassen banker; and Congressman Elmer Ryan

Year: 1940

Elmer KelmPublished: Speech to be delivered on WTCN radio. This address is in Elmer Ryan’s files, held at the Minnesota Historical Society. It is unknown if this was the final version that was broadcast.

What: This was apparently Kelm’s introductory speech as chairman of the Democratic Party in Minnesota, largely ghost-written by Congressman Elmer Ryan. The speech served as a rallying cry to unite the Democratic Party and fire a warning shot across the bow of the Farmer-Labor party. The Farmer-Labor party had long dominated state politics and relegated the Democrats to third-party status in Minnesota, even though the Democrats controlled the White House. As chair, Kelm and future Vice President Hubert Humphrey lobbied to merge the Democratic and Farmer-Labor Party in 1944 to form the DFL that has since played a major role in Minnesota politics.

More info: For a profile on Elmer Kelm, click here.

Notable quote: “The Farmer-Labor party of Minnesota is an orphan party in the national eye and the rank and file of that party should now realize that it is to their interests to now join hands with the Democrats and create a strong, liberal Democratic party for Minnesota that we may all be well proud of.”

By Elmer Kelm

My friends, at the outset of these few words which I will address to you this afternoon, I wish to make the prediction that within the next few years you will witness the building in Minnesota of a united, harmonious, progressive Democratic party.

For many years there has been a crying need in our state for a liberal Democratic Party organization which could furnish leadership to Minnesota people on the road of sound, liberal thought. As the newly elected state Chairman of the Democratic Party, it is my pledge that my every effort will be devoted toward that end.

Since 1932, this nation has striven forward under the magnificent leadership of a great humanitarian and a great Democrat, Franklin Delano Roosevelt. During the years since 1932, we have seen the Democratic Party in almost every State in the Union rise to great heights in popular favor as the advocate of the great liberal, forward looking principles of the Roosevelt Administration. I am sorry to say that Minnesota has been one of the few states which has lagged behind in joining this sweeping Democratic movement.

We now propose by hard work, by loyal service to the party and by unfaltering devotion to the principles of the great leaders of our party to place Minnesota among the foremost in the ranks of Democratic states.

Many a true and progressive Democrat has been rendered heartsick by the spectacle of continuing factional warfare which has rent our party asunder and which has discouraged the rank and file of Minnesota Democrats and, on many occasions, turned them aside from the Democratic ticket at the polls. Today and henceforth we propose to end factional warfare within the party.

We believe the question of Democracy is a sacred trust placed upon the party leadership. We believe the question of Democracy is a sacred trust placed upon the party leadership. We believe that this trust must be placed first ahead of the personal ambitions of any leader or of any group.

We invited the cooperation, support and suggestions of every Democrat in Minnesota and of every progressive thinking citizen of the State.

We will endeavor to give an honest, forceful and effective leadership to those who join with us in support of liberal government obtained through the Democratic Party.

The Farmer-Labor party of Minnesota is an orphan party in the national eye and the rank and file of that party should now realize that it is to their interests to no join hands with the Democrats and create a strong, liberal Democratic party for Minnesota that we may all be well proud of. The remarks I am now about to make are addressed to the leadership of the Farmer-Labor group who seek to control that party and not to the rank and file of its members.

The attempt by the Farmer-Laborite nominees to coerce the Democratic National organization in to giving them campaign funds on the threat of splitting the Roosevelt-Wallace vote in Minnesota and throwing the state to Willkie shows that the same people who wrecked the Farmer-Labor party two years ago are still in complete control.

These same Farmer-Laborites have tossed all principles overboard and are now resorting to cheap tactics which appear to be nothing more than a shakedown. They have furnished one more proof that it is high time for Minnesota to return to a two-party system and rid the State once and for all of these racketeering practices of which we saw all too much when they were in control of the State.

So far as the Democratic Party organization in Minnesota is concerned, it will never yield to or endorse any movement that calls for a payoff in order to obtain support for Franklin Roosevelt and Henry Wallace, but will instead follow the course of honor and conduct a vigorous campaign for the entire State and National Democratic ticket.

To those Farmer-Laborites who are opposed to these shady deals and are sincere in their desire to help President Roosevelt we extend an invitation to join with us in our efforts to defeat Republican reaction and carry Minnesota for Franklin D. Roosevelt. …