It was 1964 and Lt. Governor Hillary Bush’s turn to be Governor. He had the backing of most Democratic organizations in the State. Secretary of State Warren Hearnes had also filed for Governor. The Republicans at that time did not have a viable statewide organization so the election was decided in the August primary, which Hearnes unexpectedly won. His biggest supporter in Jefferson City was an old politician, Carl “Buck” Walz. Hearnes immediately upon taking office had an office built in the basement of the Capitol for Buck. From that day on, Buck was called the “downstairs governor”.
Hearnes presented a 36-point program to the legislators and got 32 of them passed. He amended the Constitution to allow Governors including himself to serve two terms. Hearnes has been recognized as one of the most effective Governors the state has ever had.
In the meantime, Buck Walz’s office, which could accommodate 15 to 20 chairs around his desk, was the place to be if you wanted to know what was going on. State Representatives, Senators, and reporters were always present. The Representatives thrashed out their differences on bills, the reporters got their stories and any politician visiting the Capitol could get a drink or an appointment to see the “upstairs” Governor.
Buck was a hidden employee on the state payroll, 66 years old when Hearnes took office, had previously been the Sheriff of Cole County, was loved by not only the people of Jefferson City, the politicians around the state, the reporters, but also by the prisoners when he was Sheriff. One year he let all the prisoners go home for Christmas if they would promise to return the next day, and every one of them did. Today the news media and partisan politics would not allow a “downstairs governor” to exist. But I’ve always suspected Buck was the reason Hearnes was so effective.
Jack can be reached at PO Box 40, Oak Grove, MO 64075 or jackremembers@aol.com
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