Interview of Bill Graves, February 13, 2004

Interview Description

This transcript documents an interview of former Kansas Governor Bill Graves, conducted in 2004 by Dr. Bob Beatty. The interview was part of a project by Washburn University to preserve the legacy of Kansas leaders. The Kansas Oral History project is grateful to Dr. Beatty for providing the transcript and granting permission for it to be included the the KOHP Kansas Governors Collection. In the interview, Graves reflects on his "high and tight" campaign slogan which reflected his emphasis on fiscal efficiency and discusses his efforts to balance internal Republican party friction between moderate and conservative factions. Graves describes his commitment to infrastructure investment, the privatization of social services, and the personal joy of adopting his daughter while serving as Governor. The interview is a reflection on the executive mindset, highlighting the importance of surrounding oneself with a talented cabinet and maintaining a calm, pragmatic approach to governance.

____________________________________

Interviews of former Kansas governors conducted by Dr. Bob Beatty of Washburn University during the early decades of the 21st Century for the Kansas Governors Recorded History and Documentary Projectprovide a view of the lives, political philosophies, and governing styles of governors who led Kansas from the late 20th to the early 21st Century. Beatty generously granted the Kansas Oral History Project (KOHP) permission to house the transcripts of these interviews conducted with former governors John Anderson, William Avery, John Carlin, Bill Graves, Mike Hayden, Mark Parkinson, and Kathleen Sebelius. These interviews are a significant addition to the Kansas Governors Collection, and the KOHP Board is grateful to Dr. Beatty for making the transcripts available for posting here.

Interviewee Biographical Sketch

William Preston (Bill) Graves was born and raised in Salina, Kansas. He was in the first graduating class in 1971 of Salina Central High School, after which he attended Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina so he could play football and baseball. Graves loved the small college environment and expected after graduation in 1976 to earn an MBA at the University of Kansas in preparation for going to work at Graves Truck Line. Unexpectedly, his father sold the company in 1980 and his life plans changed abruptly. Jack Brier's offer of a job in the Secretary of State's office started him on a new path which led to being elected the youngest governor in Kansas history. Following his tenure as governor, he returned to his original plan, serving as president of the American Trucking Associations.

Interviewee Date of Birth

January 9, 1953

Interviewee Political Party

Republican

Interview Location

Topeka, KS