Although liberal Republicans today constitute a nearly extinct species, after WW II they represented a significant force in the GOP, notably in the Northeast and on the West Coast. One of the most influential of these Republicans was Clifford Case of New Jersey, who served four terms in the House and another four in the Senate until he lost the primary for a fifth term in 1978 to a young movement conservative. A workhorse, rather than a show horse, and a remarkable vote-getter until the end of his career, Case championed civil rights and liberties, environmental protection before it became a mainstream concern, and the expansion of the welfare state during the 1950s and 1960s, in each case working closely with allies in both parties. His causes included government transparency and limiting presidential authority in foreign affairs. Case gradually questioned the American war in Vietnam and by 1970 began shaping legislation to bring American troops home. Exhaustively researched and distinctly sympathetic to its subject, this biography tracks Case’s activities in at times excessive detail. The bottom line according to Fernekes —that Case mattered and that his brand of bipartisan politics is missed today—is persuasive. Recommended. Graduate students, faculty, and professionals.

Choice Reviews

Meticulously researched, extremely informative, and well-written, William Fernekes’ biography of Clifford P. Case is a solid contribution to our broader understanding of the U.S. political landscape during the mid-20th century. Case represented New Jersey in Congress for over three decades as a moderate Republican, with 24 years in the Senate as a member of the minority. He championed civil and human rights, focused on foreign policy, demonstrated concern over government ethics, and tackled environmental issues, particularly those concerning New Jersey. Fernekes’ narrative is based on extensive research in primary and secondary sources, including the voluminous Case Papers at Rutgers, holdings of several presidential libraries, published commentaries in local and national newspapers, and numerous interviews with associates of the Senator. He clearly demonstrates Case was a man of principle, integrity, and decency. He demonstrated patience and understood the importance of compromise and collaboration as he confronted complex issues, events, and difficult personalities. These qualities were appreciated by his Senate colleagues, contributing to his success as a leading member of the GOP within New Jersey and the nation during a tumultuous era in American history.

Thomas Frusciano, Rutgers University

William Fernekes’ expertise as a scholar and educator are on full display in this important and long overdue biography of Senator Clifford P. Case. Meticulously researched and replete with rich descriptions of Case’s life and career, Fernekes provides an engaging narrative of a public servant at the forefront on such issues as environmental protection and civil rights who was widely admired and adept at crafting bipartisan solutions. At a moment in which examples of elected officials working across the aisle seem rare, this biography offers a political role model in New Jersey’s own Senator Clifford Case. A must read for students of politics from the Garden State and beyond who seek inspiration and glimmers of hope for our fractured democracy.

Elizabeth C. Matto, Rutgers University

Senator Clifford Case successfully sponsored bipartisan responses to critical national and international issues such as the struggle for civil rights and ending the Vietnam War, but fought his most difficult battles within his own party. William Fernekes ably analyzes the triumphs and eventual unraveling of Case’s brand of liberal Republicanism.

Donald A. Ritchie, US Senate Historian Emeritus