Chapter 4, Rise to Power in the Senate Summary and Analysis

For three years, Johnson aligned himself with the Southern Democratic bloc of the Senate, keeping a low profile. He declined, however, to join the Southern Caucus, a group of twenty-two senators who met weekly to discuss pending legislation and to adopt a united position. Johnson knew that, by doing this, he would forever be "branded" a conservative when that position might at some future time be an unfavorable one. He continued to vote with them on the floor, and that was enough for the time being. His behavior pleased both the Southern Caucus and a wide constituency base back home.

When the Democratic Party Whip position became available, Johnson got the job. It was not a particularly sought after position, because it confined one to Washington most of the...