Phil M. Donnelly (D)

Overview

At a Glance

• Signed King-Thompson Anti-Strike Law
• Vetoed "excessive" appropriations for schools
• Raised sales taxes on cigarettes to fund education
• Named Dogwood as the Missouri State Tree (1955)
• Set all-time veto record by vetoing twenty-six bills in 1955
• Opposed unionization of St. Louis Police Department

Personal History

Phil Matthew Donnelly was born in Lebanon, Missouri, to Phil and Margaret Halloran Donnelly. He received his education in Missouri and earned a law degree from St. Louis University in 1913. That same year, he began his private law practice in Lebanon, serving as both the city attorney and the prosecuting attorney for Laclede County. In 1915, he married Juanita McFadden, and they had one son, David, who later became an attorney and joined his father's law practice. Throughout his career, Donnelly received honorary degrees from several institutions, including Culver-Stockton College, Westminster College, and William Jewell College.

Donnelly served two terms as the governor of Missouri, during which he was known for his willingness to challenge special interests both within the state and within his own political party. As a conservative Democrat, he successfully implemented important reforms. After completing his terms, he returned to Lebanon, where he continued to practice law until his passing. Donnelly was buried in Lebanon City Cemetery.

Political History

In 1922, Phil M. Donnelly entered state politics by winning a seat in the Missouri House of Representatives. Two years later, he was elected to the Missouri Senate, where he served until 1944. During his time as a state senator, Donnelly held several leadership positions, including party leader of the Senate Democrats and president pro tempore.

On November 7, 1944, voters elected Donnelly as governor of Missouri. One of his first responsibilities was to appoint a successor to Senator Harry S. Truman. Thomas C. Hennings, Jr., a Democratic senator from St. Louis, sought the position and lobbied for support from President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Truman. However, Donnelly chose Frank Parks Briggs for the appointment instead, leaving the reasons for his decision unclear.

During his first term, Donnelly faced conflicts with organized labor in Missouri. In 1947, he signed the King-Thompson Anti-Strike Law, which prohibited strikes against utility companies—a move he strongly supported. He also opposed organized labor's efforts to unionize the St. Louis Police Department. After leaving office in 1948, Donnelly remained active in Missouri politics, with supporters considering him a potential candidate for the U.S. Senate in 1950. Despite his strained relationship with organized labor, party leaders believed he could be a strong opponent against Republican Forrest C. Donnell. However, Donnelly chose to run for a second term as governor instead.

In 1952, Donnelly was reelected, overcoming challenges including opposition from labor unions due to the conflicts during his first term and a national political climate that favored the Republican Party. Although he secured victory, the Democrats lost control of the Missouri House of Representatives and maintained only a slim majority in the Senate. As a result, Donnelly had to navigate a strong opposition party during his second term.

Education became a critical issue during Donnelly's second term. However, his relationship with educators began on a contentious note when, in 1953, he vetoed an appropriation for Missouri schools that he deemed excessive. This decision sparked backlash from teachers and administrators, leading to a lawsuit against the Governor, which the Missouri Supreme Court declined to hear. Despite the contention, education reforms did occur during his second term. The legislature enacted a higher sales tax on cigarettes to increase state revenue for education, and by 1956, Missouri voters approved a $75 million bond issue for the construction of facilities at state colleges and universities.

Historical Significance

Phil M. Donnelly identified as a Democrat but adhered to a conservative political philosophy, which influenced his governance style. This outlook often placed him in conflict with key factions within his own party, especially labor unions. His opposition to the unionization of the St. Louis City Police Department highlighted this stance, as did his support for the King-Thompson Anti-Strike Law, legislation perceived as anti-union.

Furthermore, Donnelly's commitment to prioritizing legal qualifications over political affiliation in judicial appointments demonstrated his willingness to diverge from party norms. He aimed to select qualified individuals for these positions rather than choosing appointees based solely on party loyalty, reflecting his emphasis on merit and the rule of law in the state's judicial system.