In mid-July of 1959, Senator Hubert H. Humphrey (D-Minnesota) became the first official candidate for President of the United States when he approved the announcement by Governor Orville Freeman and Senator Eugene McCarthy of Minnesota that they were forming Humphrey for President committees. On December 30, 1959, he announced his decision to enter the Wisconsin primary to be held April 5, 1960, which he did, losing to his only opponent, John F. Kennedy, by 100,000 votes.
A Wisconsin Committee for Humphrey had begun operations as early as April, 1959. Frank Wallick, campaign coordinator, and Sara Moore, secretary, were in charge of headquarters in Milwaukee. A statewide organization was set up at a September 19 meeting where Sam Rizzo was elected chairman. Also in September, a Madison office headed by Joe Checota and Roger Stauter was established. With assistance from the Midwest Regional campaign office in Minneapolis, headed by Karl F. Rolvaag, the Wisconsin Committee was soon active in most parts of the state. Their activities included scheduling Senator Humphrey's visits to the state, encouraging county campaign committees, publicity work, fund-raising, and general enlisting of support.
