Willkie invited to GOP parley but only as guest
Chicago, Illinois (UP) – (June 24)
The pre-convention gathering of Republicans to pick their 1944 presidential nominee did not include Wendell Willkie, the 1940 choice.
Willkie, who withdrew from the race this year after a crushing defeat in the Wisconsin primary, has an invitation from National Chairman Harrison E. Spangler to attend next week’s sessions as a guest.
He has no place on the program, however, such as has been accorded former President Herbert Hoover and lacks the delegate status held by Alf M. Landon, the 1936 nominee. Willkie has not said whether he will accept Spangler’s invitation. He has offered his platform views through a series of new paper articles.