Gizzi on Politics

Human Events, Feb 16, 2009 by Gizzi, John

But conservatives best remember Rodgers as one of the original backers of Reagan for President. The Tennessean was one of the key players in Reagan's near-successful challenge to President Gerald Ford in 1976. When the Reagan campaign "needed around $100,000 to get it off the ground, where it sat because of overdue bills," longtime Reagan aide Lyn Nofziger wrote in his memoirs, "[Rodgers] raised the money overnight.

"I don't know to this day if Ronald Reagan realizes what he owes Joe Rodgers and [Texas banker] Jimmy Lyon and [California record promoter] Mike Curb," Nofziger wrote in 1992. "Without those three, his 1976 campaign would have collapsed. He never would have had the opportunity to capture the hearts and souls of the rank-andfile of the Republican Party during the 1976 National Convention. And without their support then, there is little chance that he would have run for President in 1980. That contest in all likelihood wowanave been between Jimmy Carter and -George Bush. The Lord works in mysterious ways His wonders to perform."

A graduate of the University of Alabama, the young Rodgers launched a general contracting business that took off when it began working witìi me hospital chain now known as HCA. Rodgers' company built HCA's first hospital in Erin, Tenn., and was soon doing business in 30 states, the Netherlands, Greece, and Saudi Arabia. He also helped build the Opryland theme park.

In the 1960s and '70s, Rodgers was one of the "go-to-guys" for the Tennessee Republican Party, then still meeting in me proverbial phone booth. Rodgers joined with a few other Nashvillians who signed a $25,000 note in 1974 to help the young Lamar Alexander make his first race for governor. Alexander lost that year, but came back in '78 to win the governorship and is today is senior senator from the Volunteer State.

Recalling his last visit with Rodgers shortly before his death, Sen. Alexander told me Tennessean: "Obviously, he was in some pain, but didn't mention it He was interested, opinionated and in as good a humor as anyone could be." Alexander's strongest recollection of his old friend was: "Joe was always doing something for somebody else."

Mr. Gizzi, political editor of HUMAN EVENTS, welcomes political intelligence from subscribers on campaigns and issues at the local and state level. Though he cannot reply to all correspondents, he appreciates your contributions.

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