The Pittsburgh Press (October 10, 1944)
Dewey backers believe he’ll win
Pennsylvania one of four ‘testing grounds’
By Charles T. Lucey, Scripps-Howard staff writer
New York –
Four weeks from the day on which the nation will decide whether to give President Roosevelt a fourth term or succeed him with Governor Thomas E. Dewey, the Dewey high command, after what was termed a “coldly realistic war council,” believes the Republican candidate is on his way to victory.
This doesn’t mean the Dewey strategists believe they can coast; but party leaders feel that unless some now unforeseeable factors occur, their chances are good. Some sharp change in the trend of the war is a factor which conceivably could affect the election. A major blunder by the Republicans might be another.
Real test in four areas
With top campaign strategists apparently satisfied as to Dewey strength in the Midwest, New York, upper New England and one or two other areas, the real testing ground, as they see it, breaks down into four “areas.”
These are, first, Pennsylvania; second, the border states; third, the West Coast, and fourth, the lower half of New England, including important Massachusetts.
Dewey supporters believe their position is improving in Pennsylvania, and both Mr. Dewey and John W. Bricker, his running mate, will probably appear there. A Pittsburgh meeting is a good bet for Mr. Dewey. County-by-county organization work in Pennsylvania is reported effective, and Governor Edward Martin is personally working hard for the national ticket.
Roosevelt edge in Massachusetts
In the border states, GOP campaigners say they have good prospects in Missouri, West Virginia and Maryland. The more optimistic add Oklahoma. Mr. Dewey will make his big bid for support in St. Louis Monday night, and Governor Bricker will be in Missouri for one or two speeches.
President Roosevelt generally has been given the edge in Massachusetts. Mr. Dewey will make his major appeal there in a Boston meeting Nov. 1.
The Republicans, juggling the electoral figures, hardly expect to win all four areas, but express confidence they will count sufficiently in them to provide victory.