It is a real pleasure for me to visit La Crosse. You have a fine Democratic Party with good leaders and good candidates. I confess I was disappointed last year when Norman Clapp failed to join us in Washington as the representative of this district. But it was clear from the close vote that you have succeeded in building an organization here that will be successful in future elections.
Hard work, good issues and good candidates are the touchstone to success in an election, and all of these factors are here. Governor Nelson has led the party in the state with an ability that has earned him the respect of every section of the nation. Senator Proxmire carries the Democratic banner from Wisconsin in the Senate, and has added luster to it by his record there. I am sure that next year you will send a Democratic Congressman for this district.
Source: David F. Powers Personal Papers, Box 32, "Democratic Representatives, La Crosse, WI, 25 September 1959." John F. Kennedy Presidential Library..