Ernest McFarland

Ernest McFarland was a prominent American politician who served as a United States Senator from Arizona from 1941 to 1953, and later as the Governor of Arizona from 1955 to 1959. During his tenure, he worked closely with notable figures such as Harry S. Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Lyndon B. Johnson. McFarland's political career was marked by his involvement in significant events, including the Yalta Conference and the Potsdam Conference. He was also a strong supporter of the Tennessee Valley Authority and the Rural Electrification Administration.

● Early Life and Education

Ernest McFarland was born in Earlsboro, Oklahoma, and later moved to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, where he attended Oklahoma City High School. He then enrolled in East Central State College in Ada, Oklahoma, and later transferred to Oklahoma State University–Stillwater, where he earned a degree in Agricultural Education. McFarland's early life was influenced by his interactions with notable figures such as Will Rogers and William Jennings Bryan. He was also an active member of the Future Farmers of America and the National Grange.

● Career

Before entering politics, McFarland worked as a teacher and a farmer, and was involved in various organizations, including the American Farm Bureau Federation and the National Farmers Union. He was also a strong supporter of the New Deal policies implemented by Franklin D. Roosevelt, including the Agricultural Adjustment Administration and the Works Progress Administration. McFarland's career was also influenced by his interactions with notable politicians, including George Norris and Robert La Follette.

● Senate Career

As a United States Senator, McFarland served on several committees, including the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry and the Senate Committee on Appropriations. He was a strong advocate for the interests of Arizona and the Southwest United States, and worked closely with other notable senators, including Carl Hayden and Barry Goldwater. McFarland was also a key player in the passage of significant legislation, including the Full Employment Act of 1946 and the National Security Act of 1947. He was a strong supporter of the United Nations and the Marshall Plan.

● Governor of Arizona

As the Governor of Arizona, McFarland focused on issues such as water rights and land use, and worked to promote the state's economy and infrastructure. He was a strong supporter of the Colorado River Compact and the Boulder Dam, and worked closely with other governors, including Goodwin Knight of California and Edwin Mechem of New Mexico. McFarland was also a key player in the development of Arizona State University and the University of Arizona.

● Later Life and Legacy

After leaving office, McFarland returned to his farm in Arizona and remained active in politics, serving as a member of the Democratic National Committee and the Arizona Democratic Party. He was also a strong supporter of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Great Society programs implemented by Lyndon B. Johnson. McFarland's legacy was recognized by the Arizona State Legislature, which named the Ernest McFarland State Park in his honor. He was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Jimmy Carter.

● Political Positions

Throughout his career, McFarland was a strong supporter of liberalism and progressivism, and was influenced by the ideas of notable thinkers such as Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson. He was a key player in the development of the New Deal Coalition and the Fair Deal policies implemented by Harry S. Truman. McFarland was also a strong advocate for the interests of labor unions, including the American Federation of Labor and the Congress of Industrial Organizations. He was a supporter of the National Labor Relations Act and the Fair Labor Standards Act. McFarland's political positions were also influenced by his interactions with notable figures such as Eleanor Roosevelt and Hubert Humphrey.