Structure
The broad lines of what would become the Byrd Organization formed in 1925, when Byrd ran for governor. He served until 1930, then was appointed to the United States Senate in 1933, serving until his retirement in 1965.
Over 40 years, Byrd built up relationships with the "courthouse cliques," consisting of the constitutional officers in every county. The five (elected) constitutional officers in each county were the sheriff, Commonwealth's attorney, clerk of the court, county treasurer, and commissioner of revenue.
Perhaps contrary to first appearances, the low public profile "clerk of the court" position held the greatest power in most counties within the Byrd Organization. These courthouse cliques made recommendations for suitable candidates, and Byrd only decided on candidates after careful consultation. Without Byrd's "nod," no candidate had a chance at statewide office in Virginia.
Read more about this topic: Byrd Organization
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