ABSTRACT
We noted in Chapter I that a distinguishing characteristic of a politically autonomous organization is its adherence to “interests and values distinct from those of other institutions and forces.” As the hegemony of the administration faction continued, the public policy views of its elite became increasingly differentiated from those held by the various groups which composed its support coalition. While for the most part its supporters continued to cling to an essentially Jeffersonian view of the proper function of government, the factional elite came to be dominated by proponents of the “New Deal” view that government should play a very active role both in promoting social welfare and in regulating economic activity. This particular vision of the public good, shared by the key advisors and aides to both Governors Combs and Breathitt, was the single most important factor in accounting for the latter’s willingness to offend his powerful allies in the coal industry by embarking upon a strong and comprehensive program of strip mine control.
