Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library, Special Collections & Archives
Bobbie Coray papers
UUS_COLL MSS 422
9.5 linear feet
17 boxes
1985-1995
This collection documents Bobbie Coray's career in public service, particularly her 1994 campaign as the Democratic candidate in Utah's First Congressional District race.
Material in English
Processed in May of 2016, additional materials added to finding aid in 2024
These materials were donated to Special Collections and Archives in 2004 by Bobbie Coray.
Not available through interlibrary loan. Additionally, contact information will be redacted from documents in boxes 10 and 11 until 2044.
It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain any necessary copyright clearances.
Permission to publish material from the Bobbie Coray Papers must be obtained from the Manuscript Curator and/or the Special Collections Department Head.
Initial Citation: Bobbie Coray Papers USU_COLL MSS 422, Box [ ]. Special Collections and Archives. Utah State University Merrill-Cazier Library. Logan, Utah.
Following Citations:USU_COLL MSS 422, USUSCA.
Bobbie Bicknell Coray was born June 17, 1946. Coray travelled extensively in her youth due to her father's career in the military. She attended schools in Turkey, Washington D.C., Colorado and Utah before graduating from Salt Lake City's East High in 1964. After high school, Coray attended the University of Utah where she received a bachelor's degree in education in 1972. While enrolled at the University of Utah she met her husband Chris Coray and the couple married in 1967. In addition to her degree in education, Coray also studied architecture at Idaho State University from 1973 to 1975.
Coray's career in public service began with her position on the Hillcrest Elementary PTA council in 1976. She continued to serve in the public sphere and was appointed as Director of Economic Development for Cache County in 1985. In 1992 Pat Shea, the Utah Democratic gubernatorial candidate, requested that Coray be his running mate. After losing the race to Republican Michael Leavitt, Coray returned to state politics in 1994 as a challenger to Utah's first district congressional representative, Jim Hansen. Hansen soundly defeated Coray, but she remained active in Utah politics, serving as the state liquor commissioner in the early 2000s. At the time of processing Coray lived with her husband in Garden City, Utah.
The Bobbie Coray papers contain various documents, letters, and newspaper clippings regarding Utah political campaigns in the late 1980s and early to mid-1990s. The bulk of the collection consists of material from Bobbie Coray's 1994 campaign to unseat seven-term incumbent Congressman Jim Hansen. This portion of the collection includes correspondence with various individuals, special interest groups, and political action committees as well as campaign planning documents, pollster data, marketing and advertising documents, material related to Jim Hansen, and a large collection of newspaper clippings relating to both national and local political issues. Also included are 23 audiovisual cassettes with news reports, campaign promotional material, and Cache Valley special advertisements.
This collection would be useful for anyone researching politics in Utah, specifically on the Democratic side. They provide insight into Democratic fundraising and election strategy in the 1994 mid-term elections, which ultimately led to the Republican sweep of both the House and Senate following the party's "Contract with America." Coray's materials are particularly significant given that they offer a woman's perspective in what had traditionally been a male-dominated profession.
This collection is arranged by topic.
The Papers of James V. Hansen, Coll MSS 351
The books and photographs in the collection were transferred to the respective curators.
Political campaigns--Utah.
Politics, Practical--Women--Utah.
Politics, Practical--Utah.
Businesses and Corporations
Civic Activism
Economics and Banking
Gays and Lesbians
Labor Unions
Women
Laws and Legislation
Media and Communication
Political Campaigns
Politics and Politicians
Cache Valley
Logan
Sound Recordings
Bobbie Coray: 1994 Campaign for Congress
Bobbie Coray: General Correspondence
1985-1995
Thank you letters from various individuals including several corporations and Senator Bob Bennett and Congressman Jim Hansen.
1991-1994
1
1
Various invitations to attend fundraising events.
1994
1
2
Correspondence with several political consultants.
1994
1
3
Correspondence with Utahans for Choice and Women's Campaign Fund.
1994 March to June
1
4
Correspondence with Gay and Lesbian Utah Democrats (GLUD).
1994
1
5
Fundraising letters.
1994
1
6
Correspondence with various individuals regarding Democratic issues.
1994
1
7
Thank you letters for volunteers of July 25th Parade in Ogden.
1994
1
8
Conciliatory letters due to campaign loss.
1994 November
1
9
Correspondence with Political Action Committees (PACs)
undated
Letters and accompanying literature regarding Emily's List.
1991-1994
1
10
Correspondence and financial statements from various industrial and manufacturing labor unions.
1993-1994
1
11
Correspondence and financial statements from various government employee Political Action Committees.
1993-1994
1
12
Correspondence and financial statements regarding senior citizen, environmentalist and anti-nuclear PACs.
1993-1994
1
13
Letters and financial statements from several union PACs, including the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations.
1993-1994
1
14
Letters, literature and financial reports from various women's PACs.
1993-1994
1
15
Letters, literature, and financial reports from various service industry based unions, including the Brotherhood of Teamsters.
1993-1994
1
16
Correspondence with various PACs containing or regarding questionnaires.
1994
1
17
Letters, emails and faxes from the League of Conservation Voters.
1994
1
18
Letter and House of Representative Bills from the League of Conservation Voters.
1994
2
1
Correspondence and financial statements from various labor union PACs.
1994
2
2
Letter and H.R. bills from the National Farmers Union Political Action Committee.
1994 October 06
2
3
Political Action Committees (PACs) Documents
undated
PAC Manager magazine article concerning Bill Orton and Rick Santorum with Bobbie Coray's notes.
1991
2
4
Financial reports and papers from various labor union PACs.
1993
2
5
Financial donation statements from various corporations and Political Action Committees.
1993
2
6
Notes and papers detailing how to obtain PAC money.
1986-1994
2
7
Equipment Leasing Association of America newsletter and various PAC financial reports.
1993-1994
2
8
Various PAC financial reports, literature regarding PACs and Federal Election Commission lists of PACs.
1993-1995
2
9
Financial donation reports and papers from healthcare profession related PACs.
1993-1994
2
10
Applications and pledge to United We Stand America, Inc. and the Citizens Flag Alliance.
1994
2
11
Papers, call lists, and legal sized data printouts for labor union PACs. (See legal box 16 Fd: 8)
1994
2
12
Papers, call lists and legal sized data printouts for special interest group PACs. (See legal box 16 Fd: 9)
1994
2
13
Various papers and financial statements regarding pro-Israel PACs.
1994
2
14
Federal Election Commission 1994 Congressional Fundraising Report.
1995 April 28
2
15
"Campaign Funding: Let's Give Elections Back to the People" by Richard G. Mueller.
undated
2
16
Campaign Data
undated
Statewide questionnaire results: questions 9a, 11 and 12 with "The Model Plan."
1985-1994
3
1
Sample-polling survey.
1993
3
2
Sample focus group survey.
1994
3
3
Statewide questionnaire results: questions 19a and 19b.
1994
3
4
Papers relating to The Feldman Group Inc. polling company.
1994 June 29
3
5
Political polling data and Coray's notes regarding the data.
1994 June
3
6
Favorability polling data.
1994 June
3
7
A tabular report survey of probable voters in Utah.
1994 June
3
8
Polling data for the first Congressional District of Utah.
1994 July 21
3
9
Political polling data sheet.
undated
3
10
Political polling data sheet with notes.
undated
3
11
Political polling data: gender, religious activity, employment.
undated
3
12
Coray for Congress: Campaign Advertising
undated
Material related to media consultant firm Paul Kinney Productions, and Democratic Party consultants.
1993-1994
4
1
Campaign sign and bumper sticker prints.
1994
4
2
Documents and legal papers from Fenn-King-Murphy Communications, a campaign and media consultant firm.
1994
4
3
Instructions and drafts relating to the development of the Coray for Congress campaign brochure.
1994
4
4
Unbound copies of press packets from Coray for Congress.
1994
4
5
Bound copies of press packets from Coray for Congress.
1994
4
6
Draft copies of press packets from Coray for Congress.
1994
4
7
List of various media outlet contacts.
1994
4
8
Fenn-King-Murphy Communications advertising plans.
1994
4
9
Bobbie Coray Announcement Press Packet.
1994 March 10
4
10
Papers from Project Vote Smart, a non-partisan media outlet.
1994 July 11
4
11
Papers regarding Reagan Advertising.
1994 August 2
4
12
Impact Design papers, sign and flyer drafts.
1994 August
4
13
Papers regarding several aerial advertising firms.
1994
4
14
Fenn-King-Murphy television ad scripts.
1994 September 19
5
1
Scrapbook of various campaign signs and brochures.
1994
5
2
Utah Press Association advertising papers.
1994
5
3
Folder with papers from Direct Response political advertising firm.
1994
5
4
Papers regarding the role of the media in the 1994 election.
1995
5
5
Coray for Congress: Campaign Plan
undated
Copies of campaign plans for various politicians.
1986-1992
6
1
Campaign headquarters planning.
1994
6
2
Davis County campaign plan.
1994 May 17
6
3
Weber County campaign plan.
1994 May 17
6
4
Coray for Congress payments.
1994 September 6
6
5
Unbound draft copy of "Bobbie Coray for Congress Campaign Plan."
1994 June 24
6
6
Bound copies of the "Bobbie Coray for Congress Campaign Plan" and "Strategic Plan for Bobbie Coray."
1994
6
7
Papers regarding campaign-financing plan.
1994
6
8
Coray for Congress: Positions on Political Issues
undated
Papers regarding the Middle Income Tax Cut Initiative.
1993-1994
6
9
Papers relating to Coray's stance on the possible closure of Hill Air Force Base.
1994
6
10
Assorted speeches, notes, and papers regarding various topics including: gun regulation, education, economics, and healthcare.
1994
6
11
Copy of Pam Maraldo's speech regarding Planned Parenthood.
1994 March 5
6
12
Papers regarding education issues.
1994
6
13
Assorted newsletters, papers, and correspondence relating to policy Development.
1994
6
14
Documents relating to chemical weapons use and disposal.
1994
6
15
Official campaign release statements of Coray's positon on issues.
1994
7
1
Draft copies of "Bobbie Coray on the Issues."
1994
7
2
Various papers regarding gun control and gun violence.
1994
7
3
Papers regarding crime punishment and prevention.
1994
7
4
Bobbie Coray's position on U.S./Israel Relations.
1994
7
5
Binder containing information regarding issues such as: education, healthcare, defense, seniors, crime and agriculture.
1994
7
6
Booklet with information about the General Agreement On Trades and Tariffs (GATT).
1994
7
7
Letter outlining Coray's position on gay marriage.
1994
7
8
Booklet of Air Force Association Policy.
1995
7
9
Coray for Congress: Fund Raising
undated
Campaign donation envelope "Bobbie Bucks from Bobbie Backers."
1994
7
10
Samples of fund raising letters.
1994
7
11
Fundraising Events instruction packet.
1994
7
12
Flyers and invitations regarding fund raising events.
1994
7
13
Material regarding the Alta Club Fundraising event.
1994 June 23
7
14
Material and notes from Coray's trip to the Women's Campaign Fund conference in Washington D.C.
1994 June
7
15
Material Regarding Congressman Jim Hansen
undated
Coray's personal notes regarding Jim Hansen.
1994
8
1
Material from the Coray campaign attacking Jim Hansen.
1994
8
2
Various papers relating to Jim Hansen's effectiveness in office.
1994
8
3
Information packet containing details about Hansen's career as a congressional representative.
1994
8
4
Handouts, fliers, papers and correspondence from Jim Hansen and other Republicans campaigns.
1994
8
5
General Campaign Documents
undated
Bobbie Coray's campaign notes.
1994
8
6
Bobbie Coray's campaign log.
1994
8
7
Several campaign speeches with handwritten notes.
1994
8
8
Various Bobbie Coray resumes.
1994
8
9
Material regarding Dr. Laura D'Andrea Tyson's, member of the Council of Economic Advisors, travel and luncheon.
1994
8
10
Fax templates and blank Coray for Congress letterhead.
1994
8
11
General election papers and sample ballots.
1994
8
12
Notes and papers from Coray's trip to St. George, Utah.
1994 June 10
8
13
Notes and papers regarding campaign volunteers.
1994
8
14
Bobbie Coray call lists, notes and phone call schedule.
1994
8
15
Audio recordings from various campaign events.
1994
8
16
Floppy disc labeled "Eccles.txt."
undated
8
17
Newspaper Article Clippings and Copies
undated
Utah Press Association news clippings mostly concerning Thiokol and Hill Air Force Base.
1994
9
1
Herald Journal articles about public health issues.
1994
9
2
Copies of articles from various newspapers regarding Coray's plans to run for office.
1994
9
3
Faxed copies of newspaper clips regarding the 1994 race.
1994
9
4
Political cartoons from various news outlets.
1994
9
5
Network article regarding the first congressional district race.
1994 October
9
6
Newspaper articles regarding taxes and other local issues.
1994
9
7
Newspaper articles from various sources regarding political parties in Utah.
1994
9
8
Newspaper articles concerning Jim Hansen and Bobbie Coray.
1994
9
9
Articles concerning national and Utah political issues.
1994
9
10
News articles about Bobbie Coray. 1994
1994
9
11
News articles regarding various issues including: crime, education, and international events.
1994
9
12
Newspaper articles regarding Utah Republican Party and members.
1994
9
13
Gunn McKay: 1988 Campaign for the First Congressional District
Gunn McKay for Congress financial reports.
1988-1999
12
1
Multiple audio recordings of Gunn McKay's campaign speeches.
1988
12
2
Correspondence from Gunn McKay's congressional campaign.
1988
12
3
Bobbie Coray: 1992 Campaign as Lieutenant Governor
Federal Election Commission list of receipts and expenditures.
1991-1992
12
4
Bobbie Coray's correspondence during campaign.
1991-1992
12
5
Ron Holt for Congress financial reports.
1992 December 04
12
6
Various papers from Coray's campaign for Lt. Governor of Utah.
1992
12
7
Papers and speeches regarding issues and stances of Pat Shea and Bobbie Coray's campaign.
1992
13
1
Newspapers and other documents related to the Utah governor's race.
1992
13
2
Newspaper articles from various news outlets regarding campaign and Democratic National Convention.
1992
13
3
Newspaper articles regarding election results.
1992
13
4
Governor's Spring Gala Committee meeting.
1993 April 06
13
5
Utah Democratic Party
Papers, handouts and articles of the Utah Democrat Committee and Association of State Democratic Chairs.
1992-1995
13
6
1994 Utah Democrat campaign literature.
1994
13
7
Papers regarding the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.
1994
13
8
Various flyers and invitations for Utah Democrats regarding their events.
1994
14
1
Papers regarding the Utah Democrat's campaign strategy.
1994
14
2
Papers and program of the Utah Democratic Convention.
1994
14
3
Various papers and packets relating to the Democratic National Committee.
1998
14
4
Notable 1994 Campaigns
News articles and other material regarding Mitt Romney's campaign for Massachusetts senator.
1994
14
5
Material, including financial reports, regarding Bill Orton's campaign for re-election to congress.
1994
14
6
Bobbie Coray: Personal Material
Material relating to a vacation to California.
undated
14
7
Bobbie Coray: Cache Valley Economic Development
Awards and photographs of plaques from Coray's time on the Cache County Economic Development Council.
1985-1987
15
1
Thank you letters from various corporations and individuals.
1986-1988
15
2
Correspondence as director of Cache Valley Economic development.
1987-1991
15
3
Handouts and brochures regarding Cache County and Utah economics.
1990-1995
15
4
News articles regarding tourism and business appeal of Logan, Utah.
1992-1993
15
5
Various papers regarding METRO Utah, Inc.
1992-1993
15
6
Assorted notes, booklets, and guides relating to economics and business.
1992-1995
15
7
Cache County economic data and demographics.
1993-1994
16
1
Cache Valley General Plan booklet, slides and flow chart.
1993 January
16
2
Assorted documents relating to Cache County economic development post 1994 election.
1995
16
3
Booklets, and papers regarding the White House Conference on Small Business.
1995 June
16
4
Cache County Clerk race material.
undated
16
5
Assorted businesses cards.
undated
16
6
Bobbie Coray's economic development speech and overhead slides.
undated
16
7
Papers, call lists, and legal sized data printouts for labor union PACs. 1994 (From box 2 Fd: 12)
undated
16
8
Papers, call lists and legal sized data printouts for special interest group PACs. 1994 (From box 2 Fd: 13)
undated
16
9
Audiovisual materials
1987-1994
17
24 cassettes with various news reports, advertisements, and documentary material detailing Coray's campaign and Cache Valley development. May require additional processing to access. All materials are VHS cassettes unless noted otherwise.
Aggie Day
1993 November 1
17
1
Cache Valley, Utah... the Uncommon Choice
undated
17
2
Cache Economic Development: Cache Valley, Utah, Of Course
undated
17
3
Fenn, King and Murphy: Bobbie Coray for Congress, "Many"
1994 October 17
17
4
Betacam cassette
Fenn, King and Murphy: Bobbie Coray for Congress, "Many"
1994 October 17
17
5
VHS copy
Coray for Congress Tape 1: Wilson School
1994
17
6
Coray for Congress Tape 2: Wilson School, Senior Center, Tom Jensen
1994
17
7
Coray for Congress Tape 3: JHCH Architects, Bobbie at Desk/Drafter, Conference Room
1994
17
8
Coray for Congress Tape 4: Lundall, Coray Residence
1994
17
9
Coray for Congress Tape 5: Coray Residence, Personal Bites, Wayne Tate
1994
17
10
Coray for Congress Tape 6: Coray Residence, Bobbie on Camera
1994
17
11
Coray for Congress Tape 7: Bobbie on Camera
1994
17
12
Bobbie Coray Announcement: Logan, Brigham, SL Airport, Tooele, Jan Graham, Davis Co.
1994 April
17
13
Bobbie Coray for Congress: Chris Vanocur Debate
undated
17
14
Dixie Commentary: Bobbie Coray
1994 September 8
17
15
Utah News Clips, Inc. KTVX Vanocur Group: Utah Political Races
1994 July 3
17
16
Wade Productions, Inc. Washington County Industrial Development
undated
17
17
Fenn King Murphy Communications: Bobbie Coray Compilation Reel
1994
17
18
Fenn King Murphy Communications: Bobbie Coray for Conress "Committed"
1994 October 25
17
19
KSL: Contract with America
1995 April 7
17
20
Election 1994: 1st Congressional Debate Coray/Hansen
1994
17
21
Dale Danks, 5:00 and 6:00 News
1992 April 8
17
22
MacNeil Lehrer/PBS Nightly Business Report
1992 March 30
17
23
Harriman Communications Center: Gunn McKay for Congress, "Future," "Table"
1988 September 28
17
24
U-matic master tape