In 1948 , Connor 's officers arrested the U.S. Senator from Idaho , Glen H. Taylor . He was the running mate of Progressive Party presidential candidate Henry Wallace , former Democratic Vice President . Taylor , who had attempted to speak to the Southern Negro Youth Congress , was arrested for violating Birmingham 's racial segregation laws . Connor 's effort to enforce the law was sparked by the group 's reported communist philosophy , with Connor noting at the time , " There 's not enough room in town for Bull and the Commies . " During the 1948 Democratic National Convention , Connor led the Alabama delegation in a walkout when the national party included a civil rights plank in its platform . The offshoot States ' Rights Democratic Party ( Dixiecrats ) nominated Strom Thurmond for president at its convention in Birmingham 's Municipal Auditorium
1948 Democratic National Convention
1948 Democratic National Convention
Bull Connor