1 collection related to North Carolina -- Politics and government -- 1951-

The James B. Hunt Papers, 1945, 1953-2018 include videotapes, films, compact discs, audiotapes, photographs, correspondence, speeches, news clippings, ad slicks, position papers, advertisement scripts, cue sheets, stickers, buttons, artifacts, and brochures relating to the personal life and political campaigns of James Baxter Hunt Jr., who was a Democratic lieutenant governor, 1973-1976, and four-term governor of North Carolina, 1977-1985 and 1993-2001. The largest portion of the collection is manuscripts, which feature debates, speeches, correspondences, advertisements and personal notes. The bulk of the materials include Hunt’s 1976 and 1980 gubernatorial campaigns, his unsuccessful 1984 bid to unseat Republican Jesse Helms as United State Senator from North Carolina, and his 1992 and 1996 gubernatorial campaigns. Also included are materials documenting Hunt’s acts post-governorship, including the establishment of the Smart Start program, the Institute for Emerging Issues, and The Hunt Institute. Not included are any materials specifically documenting Hunt’s official acts as governor. James Baxter Hunt, Jr. (1937- ) was the Democratic governor of North Carolina from 1977 to 1985 and 1993 to 2001. After serving as Lieutenant Governor from 1973 to 1977, he served two terms as Governor, from 1977 to 1981 and 1981 to 1985. In 1984 he waged an unsuccessful campaign to unseat Republican Jesse Helms as United States Senator from North Carolina. The closely contested race, which Helms eventually won with 52% of the vote, garnered national attention as both sides engaged in negative campaigning. The campaign ultimately cost a combined $22 million, making it the most expensive Senate race in American history to that point. Hunt returned to elected office in 1993, winning a third term as Governor by defeating Republican Lieutenant Governor James C. Gardner. In 1996, he was elected to a fourth term over Republican state Representative Robin Hayes. Hunt left the office of the governor in 2001. Less