Topic: Compromise
Interview of Bill Graves, December 5, 2022
Interviewed by Mike Matson
Mike Matson's 2022 interview of former Kansas Governor Graves shows the deep respect Matson has for the man he describes as "the last of the centrist, moderate Republican Kansas governors." The interview reveals the values that guided Graves throughout his 8 years in office--to whom much is given, much is expected. It shows how a well-grounded young man dealt with the news that the career for which he had prepared was no longer an option, and how he earned the respect of 73 percent of the state's voters resulting in a second term for Governor. Graves talked Show Moreabout his three most difficult decisions: replacing a US Senator (Dole), concealed carry and abortion restrictions. Graves concludes with a discussion of issues he thinks the Republican party should be embracing in the future. Following the interview, Matson wrote a column which summarized Bill Graves' success. A 2016 interview of Graves by Dr. Michael Smith of Emporia State University is published on this site. Two interviews of Graves conducted by Dr. Bob Beatty of Washburn University in 2004 and 2011 are also posted on this site. Show Less
Interview of Sheila Frahm, September 17, 2004
Interviewed by Bob Beatty
During a 2004 interview former Lt. Governor and US Senator Sheila Frahm describes to Dr. Bob Beatty her recollections of serving as Lieutenant Governor with Governor Bill Graves. Frahm explores the collaborative partnership she had with Graves, recalling the process of creating an executive team and the patience required to work with a slow-moving legislature. She recalled Graves’ personal leadership style, noting that a successful governor must balance approachability and willingness to collaborate with the more solitary responsibility of making independent decisions for the state’s benefit. Frahm compared the leadership styles of other former governors whom she had Show Moreobserved. The interview paints a picture of the political culture of Kansas during the late 20th Century and the personal sacrifices inherent in a live of public service.
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Dr. Bob Beatty of Washburn University generously granted the Kansas Oral History Project (KOHP) permission to house this transcript of his oral history interview of Sheila Frahm. The KOHP Board is grateful to Dr. Beatty for making this transcript available.
A 2020 interview of Sheila Frahm is included in the KOHP Women, Then and Now Project collection on this site. Show Less