Government and Politics, 1922-1945

Materials in this series document Perlman's years in public service and active participation in Maryland politics and include correspondence, memos, legal briefs, copies of Maryland bills and laws, reports, press releases, campaign speeches, radio addresses, campaign propaganda, maps, newspapers, and clippings.

An active member of the Democratic Party, Philip Perlman regularly participated in Maryland political campaigns. A strong supporter of both Mayor Howard Jackson and Governor Albert Ritchie, Perlman worked for their re-election to office several times between 1932 and 1942, and assisted Mayor Jackson in his campaign for governor in 1938. The bulk of the materials in this series document the re-election campaigns, offering great insight into the pressing issues of the time and the political maneuvers of both the Republican and Democratic candidates. Perlman lent his time and legal expertise to the candidates, leading Jackson's efforts to contest the outcome of a primary election for governor in 1938. Perlman often annotated copies of bills and newspapers with his own thoughts and ideas concerning Maryland politics and the campaign agenda. Similarly, Governor Ritchie alerted Perlman to particular issues by circling and noting newspaper articles. In addition to documenting Perlman's relationship to those in power, these records offer information related to Maryland and Baltimore politics, and political campaigns in the 1930s and 1940s.

Perlman's growing influence in the national Democratic Party is evidenced by his involvement in additional congressional campaigns and his role in drafting the Democratic National Convention platform in 1940. Furthermore, Perlman rebutted internal criticisms launched by John O'Connor in a publicized debate. Copies of both O'Connor's letter and Perlman's response can be found in the folders titled "O'Connor's Letter."

Arrangement is alphabetical by topic.