Poll: Political air of Illinois is all for Dewey
Some Willkie backer opposed to Chicago for GOP convention
By George Gallup, Director, American Institute of Public Opinion
With Chicago picked as the GOP convention city, surveys of Republican sentiment show the political climate of Illinois is more favorable to New York Governor Thomas E. Dewey than it is to Wendell Willkie.
Although Mr. Willkie declared he had no personal objection to the selection of Chicago, some of his backers were opposed to the choice. The Midwest as a whole, and Illinois in particular, is the center of Mr. Willkie’s weakness as a candidate.
The center of his strength is New England, the stamping ground of Governor William H. Wills of Vermont, who came out with a strong endorsement of Mr. Willkie early this week.
Dewey clearcut choice
The contrast between Illinois and New England is revealed in surveys by the Institute. In Illinois, the current top choice of the Republican rank and file is Governor Dewey. He receives twice as many votes as the next candidate, Gen. Douglas MacArthur. Mr. Willkie and Governor John W. Bricker are the next two choices, running about even in strength. Governor Bricker has gained in recent weeks, whereas Mr. Willkie has lost a little.
In New England, Mr. Willkie enjoys a marked advantage over all other candidates. An Institute survey covering Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont shows him receiving nearly twice as many votes as Governor Dewey. When Governor Wills endorsed Mr. Willkie, he was clearly reflecting the sentiment of this area.
More than half for Willkie
The vote follows:
Asked of Republicans: Whom would you like to see the Republican Party nominate for President?
Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont only
| Willkie | 55% |
| Dewey | 29% |
| MacArthur | 10% |
| Bricker | 4% |
| Stassen | 2% |
A recent survey in Massachusetts likewise found Mr. Willkie leading, with a vote of 40% as compared to 30% for the next most popular candidate, Governor Dewey.