The American Spectator : My Dad, RIP

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My Dad, RIP

By Quin Hillyer on 5.7.10 @ 6:09AM

Not a lot of fathers are longtime lieutenants in the conservative movement.

We held a memorial service on Monday for my father, who died at age 72 of cancer on April 28. Ordinarily I would think it best for a writer in a mostly political publication to keep private his reminiscences of a recently deceased father. There is nothing new, after all, about sons being able to share stories about the ball games where their fathers cheered for them and the barbecues and camping trips they shared. But not a lot of fathers were longtime lieutenants in the conservative movement. My dad, Haywood H. Hillyer III, was one such mid-level leader. (He's been mentioned before in American Spectator articles.) His story of political activism can serve as a reminder that American government is not just the province of political professionals, but instead is the responsibility, and the privilege, of every American citizen.

That idea, by the way, is what the Tea Party movement and other recent grass-roots activism is all about. Had he been healthy, Dad surely would have been an active Tea Party enthusiast. His whole life in volunteer politics was pursued remarkably without regard for the opinions of Washington elites.

Dad was a mildly left-leaning Tulane University student in the late 1950s when one professor's particularly virulent leftist advocacy seemed to him to be so unfair and wrongheaded that Dad began re-examining his own barely formed beliefs. Soon, he said, he felt very alone. Even then, the prevailing "wisdom" on campus was so decidedly to the left that Dad wasn't even sure if his own doubts made him a freak. By pure happenstance, in a doctor's office, he stumbled across a copy of National Review -- and suddenly felt no longer so alone.

Within short order, he became founder and president of the Tulane Conservative Club. He founded and edited one of the earliest college conservative papers in the country, called the Liberator. Somehow he prevailed upon rising conservative icon Barry Goldwater, who was making a speech in New Orleans, to submit an exclusive column for the Liberator's premier issue.

Dad attended the famous Sharon Conference in 1960, at which Young Americans for Freedom was founded. He became active in what was then known as "College Young Republicans," and cast one of the deciding votes that made the slightly younger Morton Blackwell the group's Louisiana state chairman.

These were the days when nobody associated Republicans with segregation: The Southern officials who were vicious racists were all Democrats. Dad's interests were all for freedom: smaller government to ensure it at home, and a strong military to defend it abroad. Indeed, Dad regularly ignored segregationist custom by going to the back rooms and back alleys to which black traditional-jazz musicians were relegated between sets, in order to just hang out with them and listen to their stories of the early days of jazz.

Anyway, when Dad became a Republican activist, fewer than 10,000 voters were registered as Republicans in the whole state. Dad believed in a two-party system, and in a conservative alternative to the Democratic old-boy network. He devoted his energies to building that second party, even at the expense of some awkward social situations.

Longtime Democratic congressman Hale Boggs and his wonderful wife Lindy had both been attendants (maid/groomsman) in Dad's parents' wedding, and Dad's parents likewise served in the Boggs' wedding. But a young conservative lawyer named Dave Treen ran against Boggs in 1962, and then again in 1964 and 1968, focusing especially in that earliest campaign on reining in the continuing excesses of the New Deal. As Dad later told me, "I didn't want Hale to lose, but I really wanted Dave to win." Dad told of pushing aside Treen's meager furniture in 1962 to hold campaign strategy sessions on the living room floor.

Dad was elected in 1963 to the Orleans Republican Parish Executive Committee, and four years later to the State Central Committee -- on which he served for a full quarter-century. He also volunteered in way too many campaigns, delighting in doing the scutwork of drawing up precinct "walk lists" for volunteers or serving as an election observer doing "ballot security" in neighborhoods where lots of voters were rumored to come early and often from the city's famous cemeteries.

In my eulogy on Monday, I described the party committee meetings:

For the last dozen of [Dad's years on the State Central Committee], I often attended meetings with him in the state legislative chamber. Almost invariably, the same scene occurred. For those unfamiliar with it, what the Central Committee does is, basically, to write the rules by which the party organization operates. They decide things such as whether or not the state party will have a primary or district caucuses to choose delegates for the presidential nominating convention. It's pretty dry stuff, but passions almost always run high nonetheless, with various factions vying for advantage. And there they would go, loudly arguing to no real effect, creating a perfect cacophony of anger completely outsized for the subject matter. Finally, with exquisite timing, my father would ask to be recognized. Taking the mike, clearly and concisely and in quiet tones, he would lay out a sensible solution, explain why it was fair to everybody, and then move for its adoption. And, almost every time, the hostility would dissipate, the tension would break -- and Dad's proposal would soon prevail. That's why, one time when Dad ran for re-election, the late Charlie Dunbar [A Louisiana Republican of even longer standing than my father] took it on himself to send a campaign letter on Dad's behalf. Its first line, borrowed from the old E.F. Hutton commercial, was simple: "When Haywood Hillyer talks, people listen."

In 1980, my father was one of eight Louisiana "steering committee" members for Ronald Reagan's primary campaign effort against George H.W. Bush, Bob Dole, and others. (Dad was chairman for the Second Congressional District.) In 1986, Ed Meese's Justice Department chose him as a nominee for the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals -- but when the Democrats took over the Senate, Dad was borked behind the scenes (this was actually before Robert Bork himself was borked) and withdrawn.

(The nomination, by the way, came out of the blue. He had never asked to be considered. He had held, or would hold, numerous elected leadership positions for the New Orleans Bar Association, the Louisiana Bar Association, and the Federal Bar Association -- but Dad never once, in all his years of volunteer service, had ever asked for a contract, legal case, or other perk in return for political work or bar association service. He loved his country. For him, that was enough.)

Dad bounced back from the disappointment. In early 1988, he saw a growing rift between the rapidly growing Christian Coalition in Louisiana and the old-line Republicans of both conservative and moderate bents. Worried that the party would erupt in internecine warfare, and realizing that he was one of the few people trusted by both sides (he was not a member nor an ally of the Christian Coalition, but he shared some of its members concerns and had always encouraged their participation), he decided on very short notice to run for the state's lone Republican National Committeeman spot. He won, and spent the next five years (a quirk of election scheduling extended the normal four-year term) working in concert with his old friend Morton Blackwell to try to push the RNC to pressure the elder Bush's administration to the right. As a labor-relations attorney by trade, Dad particularly worked hard with Blackwell to try convincing the RNC to adopt a resolution urging the administration to implement (codify) the new Beck decision giving union members the right to withhold that part of their dues that was being used for political activity. The administration, though, convinced an RNC majority to quash the resolution.

Meanwhile, Louisiana Republicans were faced with the bizarre, dangerous, and meteoric political rise of ex-Klan leader David Duke. (In a wonderful and welcome news story on Dad's death, the New Orleans Times-Picayune quite accurately characterized Dad's brave activities against Duke, albeit by quoting me far too extensively when plenty of others could have attested to Dad's work.) Suffice it to say that the journalists who covered the Duke story most closely all credited Dad with being a stalwart opponent of his.

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About the Author

Quin Hillyer is a senior editor of The American Spectator and a senior fellow at the Center for Individual Freedom.

Letter to the Editor View all comments (28) | Leave a comment

Alexandra H Mulkern| 5.7.10 @ 6:54AM

Haywood H. Hillyer III has been lifted up on Eagle's wings and GOD now holds him in the hollow of his hands. May GOD bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Stephanie| 5.7.10 @ 8:25AM

My heart aches with you Quinn. He as at peace now and his pain is gone.

Alan Brooks| 5.8.10 @ 2:47AM

He is in a better world, because the hereafter could only be less wicked than this world.

TennesseeVolunteer| 5.7.10 @ 8:32AM

Quin, be of good heart. You are blessed to have had a Father of kindness, intellect and good spirit. My Father's passing of cancer at the age of 73 was one of the three signature moments of my life. My prayers are with you and your family.
My overwhelming feeling at my Dad's passing was "now, I am the Dad". I innately knew that people would now look to me because my Dad was no longer there.
I know you will not disappoint.

Neal Freeman| 5.7.10 @ 8:43AM

Perfectly said, Quin. I had the pleasure of meeting him during a few political conspiracies, always a sensible voice in the nonsensical scrum of urgent voices. Peace to you, too.

Maddox| 5.7.10 @ 10:03AM

Thank you for sharing your Dad's story of dedication to his country and family.
I am sure he is smiling down on you with great pride.

Nobama| 5.7.10 @ 10:22AM

Memory Eternal! Deepest Sympathies!

EricTheRedVM| 5.7.10 @ 11:03AM

So sorry for your loss. Sounds like your father was a wonderful guy. May his memory always be for a blessing.

Beth| 5.7.10 @ 12:16PM

My dear friend and a National Committeewoman, Jeannie Boese (RIP), - she and my mama graduated from Newcomb together - loved and respected your daddy very much, Quin. John Cade, too. How well I remember the David Duke debacle and your daddy’s incredible work and influence.

During my tenure on the RSCC (1996-2004), the “old hands,” John Treen, among them, and John Musser, who became National Committeeman, never failed to mention your daddy. Fortunately, for me, I once had the chance to meet him, however briefly. Although I didn’t know him well, I do know he is and will be sorely missed.

From one Episcopalian to another: My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Quin| 5.7.10 @ 1:57PM

To Neal Freeman and to Beth, who shared quick memories of direct contact with my father, I greatly appreciate your kind reminiscences. They mean a lot. (To Neal Freeman: I didn't know you knew him. I admire all the work you have done for so many years.) To everyone else who shared such thoughtful condolences: Many thanks. I am deeply touched. -- Quin

Anthony| 5.7.10 @ 2:34PM

Quin, my deepest sympathies to you and the rest of your family. You should take solace in the fact that you made your father a very proud dad, with your own substancial contributions to the conservative movement.

Michael L. Hauschild| 5.7.10 @ 7:10PM

Reading of your father certainly reinforces the reason there is a “G” in the GOP.

John| 5.7.10 @ 10:13PM

You have displayed the loyalty and love from a son that I, as father, can appreciate. I too attended the Sharon Conference in CT and must have met your father at the time. We ( he is included of course) were a different breed of young and often inexperienced true patriots. Your father was a real patriot and evidently one helluva a Dad. He leaves behind a legacy that will be lasting . The recent events must have been deeply hurtful for him, but now he is at peace. Your comments display the affection and honor that he deserved. You can be assured that the world is a better place due to his efforts and integrity. God bless you

Quin| 5.8.10 @ 12:48PM

John,
Thank you very much. Please write me at Qhillyer@Gmail.com to let me know your last name and contact info. I understand there are people who are at least considering putting together a Sharon 50th reunion.

Bruce| 5.8.10 @ 12:37AM

Mr. Hillyer, may I join with the rest in offering you and your family my most sincere condolences on the passing of your dad. It always struck me that ones mom always get the top spot when death strikes a family - a fact that sadly neglects the stunning emotional impact of a man losing his dad. When I lost my dad some 15 years ago at age 79 from heart failure, I was completely devastated knowing that the ONE PERSON I could talk to about virtually anything, without being spoken down to, was now gone. I felt as I expect you do at this time - adrift, trying to make sense of what my station in life now was.

Be strong - you are among a legion of friends.

Gerald Stephens| 5.8.10 @ 12:43PM

RIP

Now seventy, and my Dad passed twenty years ago at 92, tears still streak over the memory of his loss.

The lesson...our nation embodies through the love and devotion of parents the full riches of the American soul. The lieutenant ' s life honors his family and country.

His parting so sadly mourned, his gifts immortal.

IMKessel| 5.8.10 @ 8:46PM

May God rest your father and grant your family peace.

Bruce| 5.8.10 @ 9:07PM

Will the Webmaster here PLEASE, PLEASE PLEASE,be so good as to kill these damned pingbacks! My God - this is ridiculous! It should take no more than a tic of a mouse to remove the ability to send pingbacks, and therefore eliminate once and for all these unbelievably annoying spam messages!

Cutch| 5.8.10 @ 10:52PM

Amen! Amen! Amen! Kill them sir! Kill them all! the doggone pingbacks, I mean, of course.

Oldefarte| 5.9.10 @ 1:55PM

Quin, Unfortionately, I did not know your father, but many of us are grateful to him for giving us the gift of your [his son's] writings. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Margie| 5.9.10 @ 2:53PM

Quinn,
I wish to give you my heartfelt condolences on the loss of your Dad. He sounded like a really great guy, and I loved reading what you wrote about him. My Dad's still with us and is going to be 80. I can't imagine losing him, either. I'm thankful for all the work you Dad did in the conservative arena, and it looks like you're following in his footsteps. Now as for Sarah Palin... well, that's another story for another time. :)
God bless you, Quinn, may your heart be comforted by the Great Comforter Himself, Jesus.

Andrew Hyman| 5.9.10 @ 5:38PM

Thanks Quin, for telling us about your Dad. I wish there were more like him. RIP.

P.S. Down with pingbacks!

S.L. Toddard| 5.10.10 @ 12:52PM

Requiescat in pace.

Cug Smith| 5.11.10 @ 12:24PM

As a New Orleans native (now living on Belle River) I can remember some of the struggles of the Republican Party in Louisiana during my youth. My dad, who moved to New Orleans in early 1944, registered as a Republican. When he married my mother (a New Orleans native) in November of that year, her parents pitched a fit, telling him it was stupid to be a Republican in Louisiana because he would never “get to vote” (meaning that with the “closed primaries” and no Republican power in the state, he needed to be a Democrat in order to choose among the only candidates having a chance of winning). As you know, in those days statewide politics was New Orleans against the rest of the State of Louisiana, and my grandfather’s concern was getting as many votes as possible for the New Orleans candidates (who almost invariably were defeated by the rest of the state). Some of my earliest political memories are of the 1959 Governor’s race, which severely upset my parents when Jimmy Davis defeated the former New Orleans Mayor deLesseps “Chep” Morrison. I first got personally interested in politics while in junior high school during the 1964 Presidential race, when my parents were “Democrats for Goldwater” (I still have the campaign button), but most of my classmates from the uptown area near Tulane University were Johnson supporters. While in high school, I played in the Tulane University band (which supplemented their forty or so college students with about fifteen of us from Fortier HS, in order to have full instrumentation), so I know what you mean about the liberal leanings on the Tulane campus. The 1972 Presidential election was the first in which I was eligible to vote (the voting age was still 21, when I turned 18), and by that time all of my family were registered as Republicans.

People like your father helped make the Republican Party viable in the "Deep South". My dad died in 2002 (thus avoiding Katrina, which would have been too much for him to bear). It is thanks to his love of American history and his high conservative ideals that I became the conservative I am today. As a state employee, I cannot currently engage in any political activities, but rest assured, that will change when I retire in 2012. I dream of my father often, and they are always pleasant dreams, as I am sure it will be with you for your father. To paraphrase a portion of the Latin Requiem: “May angels lead him into Paradise…May the Chorus of Angels receive him…May he have eternal rest.”
Cug Smith
Pierre Part, LA

Quin| 5.12.10 @ 10:27AM

Mr. Smith,
Thank you so much for those wonderful stories, and for your kind words. God Bless.

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