Byron Whitlock

Bryon Whitlock in 1936

Senator of South Carolina (1974-1976)

Secretary of State (1976-1980)

**Byron Whitlock** (June 19th, 1916 -) was an American politician, and member of the Republican Party, serving as the Senator of South Carolina, and 104th Governor under the Democratic Party, alongside Secretary of State from 1977 to 1981 . Bryon Whitlock was born on June 19th in 1916, raised in the upper middle class, he'd be generally considered an alright student and member of society, graduating from Kingstree high school in 1934. Whitlock would be subsequently accepted into the University Of South Carolina in 1935 studying law. He would graduate in 1940. He would join the army in early 1942 and would go on to serve in the North Africa campaign, and Italian campaign, elevating himself to the rank of Sergeant. Whitlock would be a member of the Thurmond campaign, organizing it in South Carolina giving him a jumping off point in local state politics. He would run, and be elected governor of South Carolina in 1950. Whitlock would run as the democratic presidential candidate in 1952 against **Douglas Macarthur** and would lose after liberal Democrats split the vote. Whitlock would form **The Dixie Cause Program** as a result of the failed presidential bid. Whitlock would run again in 1956 and would fail. During a campaign rally, **Fae M.**, would open fire on Whitlock though unsuccessful, leaving 4 spectators killed. Two months later in Jackson, Mississippi, **Fae M.** after narrowly escaping authorities would attempt to assassinate Whitlock, firing into Whitlock with one bullet, and leaving his running mate killed. Whitlock would swiftly be rushed into the hospital where surgery was performed, with Whitlock surviving the attack, with him soon dropping out of the campaign. Whitlock himself would resign as governor in the same year at the end of his term, his wife would succeed him as governor of South Carolina. Whitlock would run in the South Carolina 1960 gubernatorial election and would win.

In 1968, Whitlock would announce his attentions to the 1968 Presidential Election, formally intended to be Bob Mijer running mate under the American Independent Party would change after Mijer would not run for the AIP, with Whitlock taking the position, announcing his candidacy for president. Whitlock throughout the campaign would advocate for maintaining racial segregation though would promise funds to black communities, diplomatic on foreign policies, pro-agricultural reforms, anti-establishment, tax-cuts on middle class, and sought to preserve the 'American Spirit and Civility". Whitlock would be heavily favored during the national debate. Despite this, Whitlock would only able to win the Deep South. Whitlock would immediately call for recounts though it would fall short.

Following the 1968 Presidential Election, Whitlock would later rejoin the Democratic Party as the frontrunner for the remaining Dixiecrats, leaving the American Independent Party. In 1972, Whitlock would announce his candidacy for president, firmly believing he is able to salvage the decaying Dixiecrat caucus back into significance. After his announcement, Whitlock would campaign for commonly conservative policies on social matter however shifted to having moderate remarks on segregation. Alongside for agricultural reforms, preserving the "traditional way of life", drain the swamp, American interest first, and overall, many sought Whitlock as a outsider. Despite this, Whitlock would only be placed in third though able to gain a surprising delegate count throughout much of the South, Midwest, and the Rockies.