Interview with Clifford Krueger, February 18, 1981, Madison, Wisconsin

Partial Transcript: John Schewe, a self-educated farmer, and Mrs. Angie Hildebrand, the Party Secretary and very active in community affairs in Tomahawk, most prominent leaders. The Progressive and Republican parties were well-organized at the precinct level though the Democrats were not.

Partial Transcript: Beginnings of Krueger's own political involvement. Young Progressives did basic organizational work: raised funds, distributed tabloids and sponsored events. One summer (1938) Young Progressives put on 3-day carnival show which raised $1200 for county and state Progressive parties.

Partial Transcript: Carry all but two offices: county clerk and register of deeds.

Partial Transcript: In addition to the carnival (probably in 1938, since Young Progressives were not formally organized in 1936) the Young Progressives traveled around the county organizing card parties--essentially providing entertainment to all corners of the county on behalf of the Progressive Party.

Partial Transcript: Due to the circumstances of the Progressive Party's birth, the relationship was very close. Much of the $1200 raised at the carnival in 1938 was given to the state Party.

Partial Transcript: In 1936, Lincoln County Progressives raffled off a Pontiac and made about $800. In 1938, they had the carnival.

Partial Transcript: Figures known statewide campaigned throughout the state. Tabloids were campaign documents. Young people distributed them to save postage. They distributed them near churches on Sundays, but were careful to never pass them out on church property itself.

Partial Transcript: Ran as Republican in 1934, but lost. In 1936, was elected as Progressive re-elected in 1938. Prohibited by law from running in 1940.

Partial Transcript: Krueger ran for Lincoln County treasurer; state speakers very active. Krueger speculates rigorous campaign activity could have led to Loomis' early death (in 1942 after election as Governor).

Partial Transcript: State speakers would draw large crowds. Other Progressives who did this type of thing: Sol Levitan (State Treasurer), Ted Dammenn (Secretary of State), and Ralph Immell (Phil La Follette's Adjutant General). Immell became a force himself. He was hard-working in solving problems throughout the state and had lots of contact with constituents. Usually more than one speaker at this type of event. Progressive congressmen participated as well--Barney Gehrmann and a “railroad man” from La Crosse [Gardner R. Withrow].

Partial Transcript: Memory vague but thinks Ekern probably stronger in that area. Amlie regarded as too liberal and some thought he was even a communist.

Partial Transcript: Some communists in Lincoln County. Some claimed to be communists just to attract attention. There were Latvians, Lithuanians, and Russians in the county and Emil Krueger as sheriff had to keep an eye on them for the FBI. A lot of this the product of fear and hysteria. Never had to send anyone back to Russia.

Partial Transcript: Krueger and Young Progressives supported Paul Alfonsi who was from the area and a good speaker. But in general election, Young Progressives committed themselves to Loomis.

Partial Transcript: Krueger always felt that the Republican Party should be the Progressive Party. One of the troubles with the Progressive Party was that it was viewed as the La Follette Party. Loomis' election marked the beginning of new or at least different blood into the party.

Partial Transcript: Very unified; strong emphasis to vote straight ticket. 1936 strong effort by state party to recruit candidates and encourage competition at county level. Wanted to make strong showing in the primary.

Partial Transcript: Even as a candidate, Krueger remained active in Young Progressives. Affiliated with state Young Progressives, which was largely dominated by University crowd from Madison. One of the state-wide conventions was in Merrill. Young Progressives in Lincoln County remained very close over the years. They were nucleus of Krueger's beginning in politics.

Partial Transcript: Elected alderman in Merrill in 1946 as preparation for 1946 State Senate race. One of the reasons he ran for county treasurer in 1940 was to prepare for 1942 State Senate race. State Senate always the goal.

Partial Transcript: No particular comment. Emil Krueger not as interested as his son in Progressive movement. Had Emil had steady employment he probably would never have run for sheriff. Tiny remembers pictures of the convention, the symbol and Republican criticism.

Partial Transcript: Real Progressive Movement was in the Republican Party and Republican Party is big enough for diversity. La Follettes were not anti-business, just against injustice. Democrats were as bitter enemies of the Progressives as the Republicans and sometimes more so. The Democrats took advantage of Progressive "limbo" after 1946. Krueger had to fight to get back into the Republican Party. Bob La Follette Sr. would turn over in his grave if he knew Progressives had joined Democratic Party.