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W.D.V.: How do you feel about all the legislative reforms that have been

made in the last eight years?

Thomas: Of course, coming from this part of the state, I'm almost taking

my life in my hands, 'to say it, but you know, they were long overdue. And

for God's sake, I had better cut off right there and don't quote me on

this. Because I've still got to sell Chevrolets in Panama City. So don't

quote me, but you know, for years and years what was called the "Pork

Chop Gang" controlled the legislature, until they had reapportionment.

And boy, they didn't let anything get through that they didn't want to.

And so, they held the populist areas of the state down, for many years.

But boy, many a guy has been frozen out up here for making that statement.

One poor guy .

W.D.V.: Is it still that strong?

Thomas: Yeah, oh yeah. Yes sir. One poor guy here was a television

announcer and he took the campaign for a candidate from South Florida, it

must have been for a cabinet post or something, having no idea that they

would have a tape campaign show of this guy's speeches made down in South

Florida and there he was raising hell about the "Pork Choppers." And boy,

they froze this guy out. Just because he was the guy's campaign manager.

He had no idea about how the guy felt about it, you know. But here he

was on local television raising hell about eh "Pork Chop Gang." And oh

man, they are still tough. Another thing that we don't talk about up

here is have you ever seen the green belt map of this area? Are

you familiar with what I'm talking about?

W.D.V.: No.

Thomas: Well, I wish that I had one, you ought to have it. I can mail it


From the Southern Oral History Program, #4007, Interview 4-60 in the Southern Historical Collection,
University of North Carolina Library, Chapel Hill. FOR REFERENCE ONLY: PERMISSION TO
PUBLISH MUST BE REQUESTED. WARNING: MOST MANUSCRIPTS ARE PROTECTED BY COPYRIGHT.