In December 1967, the Wisconsin McCarthy for President Committee was formed shortly after Senator Eugene J. McCarthy announced his candidacy for president. Although headquartered in Madison, the committee was active in the entire state. It had close ties to the Concerned Democrats, a previously established anti-war group which intended to make the 1968 election a forum for national debate on the Vietnam war. Reflecting these ties, Donald O. Peterson, chairman of the McCarthy Committee, was state chairman and national co-chairman of the Concerned Democrats. Other officers of the McCarthy Committee included:
| Vice Chairmen |
Michael Bleicher (also chairman, Dane Co. Democrats) |
| |
Ted Warshafsky |
| |
Jack Nikolay |
| State Organization Director |
Arnold Serwer |
| State Headquarters Director |
Midge Miller |
| State Communications Director |
Jay Sykes |
| State Campaign Director and Field Coordinator |
Robert L. Reynolds |
Prior to the Wisconsin primary on April 2, 1968, the committee concentrated on the primary; it formed county organizations, canvassed voters, and waged a wide media campaign. Following McCarthy's primary victory, the committee prepared for the Democratic National Convention -- especially to insure that Wisconsin sent the proper number of delegates pledged to McCarthy.
