Rayburn Worked His Magic Behind The Scenes

A White House errand boy delivered a handwritten message from the President to the Speaker of the House on May 7, 1949.

Sam Rayburn left the floor earlier in the day feeling that his passionate defense of an administration bill had been near perfect. But if anyone could find fault with his remarks, it was Harry Truman.

“Sam, you made a wonderful speech this afternoon,” read the note. “You choked me up so I could hardly talk.”

Mr. Sam began his 54-year career in public service while still in law school at the University of Texas. Confident that legislative duties would not conflict with his studies, the folks back in Bonham elected their down-to-earth favorite son to the Texas House in 1906.

Toward the end of his third term, the incumbent congressman in Rayburn