I do not believe the Democratic National Party, as it now stands, will seriously push this segregation issue, so I would not want to inaugurate a movement myself in South Carolina at the present time to lead the state out of the Democratic Party because of my position here in Washington. I have to get along with some of these fellows in order to get things done, but I think the people down there should start a movement along this line. I would be delighted to come to Jasper County and make a speech any time soon on the principles of real Southern democracy. In fact, I am very anxious to speak to the real Democrats in your county. These valuable records allow the reconstruction of Dorn's activities in Congress and his views on important subjects of the day.
Topical files comprise by far the largest series in the collection.
Files contain legislative matter, reference material, and correspondence from other members of Congress, constituents and other interested citizens, and persons in state and local government. Of particular interest are files, 1959-1974, on the development of power plants along the Savannah River and the construction of Hartwell Dam and the dam at Trotters Shoals. Dorn led the opposition to the latter project, championed by South Carolina's senior senator Olin D. Johnston. Dorn believed that proposed industrial development of the area and the resulting increase in the tax base outweighed any benefit in building the dam and losing valuable land under water. Related files are found under such headings as Duke Power Company, Keowee-Toxaway, Mead Corporation, and Trotters Shoals.