Biographical Overview
Dewey Follett Bartlett was born on March 28, 1919, in Marietta, Ohio, and died on March 1, 1979, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Before entering politics, Bartlett established himself as a successful businessman in Oklahoma's oil industry, building a fortune that would later support his political ambitions. He moved to Oklahoma in the 1940s and became deeply involved in the state's petroleum sector, founding Keener Oil and Gas Company.
Bartlett's entry into politics began at the state level, where he served as the 19th Governor of Oklahoma from 1967 to 1971. As governor, he focused on modernizing state government, improving education funding, and promoting economic development. His gubernatorial tenure was marked by efforts to streamline state operations and attract new businesses to Oklahoma, leveraging his background in the private sector.
Congressional Service and Political Positions
Bartlett was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1972, defeating Democratic incumbent Fred R. Harris in a closely contested race that reflected the changing political landscape of the early 1970s. He served one term from January 3, 1973, to January 3, 1979, representing Oklahoma during a tumultuous period in American politics that included the Watergate scandal and the energy crisis.
Committee Assignments
During his Senate tenure, Bartlett served on several important committees that aligned with his expertise and Oklahoma's interests:
- Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
- Committee on Environment and Public Works
- Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
Legislative Focus and Political Stance
As a Republican senator, Bartlett generally supported conservative fiscal policies and advocated for reduced federal spending and lower taxes. His background in the oil industry positioned him as a knowledgeable voice on energy policy during the 1970s energy crises. He consistently supported deregulation of the oil and gas industry and opposed what he viewed as excessive federal intervention in energy markets.
Bartlett was a strong supporter of defense spending and took hawkish positions on foreign policy issues. He backed President Nixon's policies in Vietnam and later supported President Ford's approach to Cold War tensions with the Soviet Union.
Historical Significance and Impact
Bartlett's Senate service occurred during a critical period when Republicans were rebuilding their party's credibility following the Watergate scandal. His business-oriented approach to governance and emphasis on free-market solutions helped articulate conservative economic principles that would later influence the Reagan revolution of the 1980s.
His advocacy for energy independence and domestic oil production proved prescient given the oil embargoes of the 1970s. Bartlett consistently argued that America needed to reduce its dependence on foreign oil through increased domestic production and reduced regulatory barriers.
Lesser-Known Contributions and Personal Life
Beyond his political career, Bartlett was known for his philanthropic activities in Oklahoma, particularly supporting educational institutions and healthcare facilities. He maintained strong ties to the University of Oklahoma and contributed to various civic organizations throughout his life.
Bartlett lost his 1978 reelection bid to Democrat David Boren, reflecting the challenging political environment for Republicans in the post-Watergate era. He died just two months after leaving office, cutting short what many believed could have been a continued influence in Oklahoma politics and business.