Tucson Region

Tucson Time Capsule : Oliver North seeks funds for defense

In 1988, Oliver L. North was in the news because of the Iran-Contra affair; he also was in Tucson to help raise funds for his North Defense Fund. North was facing a trial expected to cost more than $7 million. On Nov. 18, 1988, more than 300 people paid $20 each to hear the former Marine colonel speak at the Sheraton El Conquistador. North told them the two biggest threats to American youths were drug trafficking and communism. He was very distrustful of the Soviet leader, whom he called "Mickey Gorbachev." "Before the lamb lies down with the lion, the spots must change on that leopard," he said. At least 100 people were outside the hotel to protest his visit.