The bulk of the James O. Davidson collection deals with state political affairs for the years 1906-1910, including political relations between Davidson and Robert M. La Follette in 1905-1906 and the complicated campaign of 1906, the John Dietz “battle” at Cameron Dam in 1906 and reverberations in years following, patronage, campaign funds raised by game wardens in 1908, routine matters of state administration, complaints, pardon and parole matters, and civil service policies. There are numerous letters from local political leaders, and occasional letters relating (in 1909) to the governor's political future, to a proposed state park in Door County, the career of former Mayor David S. Rose of Milwaukee, the campaign of 1912 in Wisconsin, and personal matters. Among occasional correspondents are William D. Connor, John M. Nelson, and Isaac Stephenson.
Material on legislative issues for the gubernatorial years is scanty. The collection contains an occasional veto message and opinions of the attorney general on pending legislation, and in 1907 touches upon several rural schools bills, telegraphers eight-hour bill, two-cent fare bill, and bills regulating insurance companies.
Material for years preceding 1906 relates to Davidson's campaign for state treasurer, patronage, and routine matters connected with administration of the state treasury. Among occasional correspondents for this period are William D. Hoard, Atley Peterson, Joseph W. Babcock, Albert R. Hall, and Samuel Harper. Letters after 1910 relate to efforts of Davidson to obtain a federal appointment, to several business propositions, and beginning in 1915 to pardon and parole matters and an investigation of the Wisconsin School of the Deaf.
