The Pittsburgh Press (September 20, 1944)
House members aim of Browder
Communists now in other organizations
Washington (UP) –
Earl Browder, president of the Communist Political Association, told Congress yesterday that his organization has members not only in the AFL and CIO but also in the Republican, Democratic and the Farmer-Labor parties, the Elks, Kiwanis and local chambers of commerce, and even in ministerial societies.
“And some day,” he added, “we hope to have members in Congress.”
His statement was made before the House Committee investigating campaign expenditures when Republican members questioned him closely about the part played by Communists in the CIO Political Action Committee’s campaign for President Roosevelt’s reelection.
Favors socialistic system
Mr. Browder doubted if the Communists would ever try to reestablish their party, dissolved last May, but said they instead would “try to show that America would strengthen itself through a socialistic system.”
Association members are supporting the President for reelection on a “nonpartisan basis,” he said. “If we wanted the quickest turn to communism in this country, we would support reactionary candidates who would leads us quickly back to the days of apple-selling and revolution.”
Doesn’t speak for others
Rep. Clarence Brown (R-OH) asked Mr. Browder if he “could” give the names of Communists active in the PAC.
Asked whether Joseph Curran, president of the CIO’s National Maritime Union is a Communist, MR. Browder replied:
Why don’t you ask him? Every citizen of the United States has a right to stand on his own feet in political life. No man should speak for another man’s politics.
Recalling that the Communists ceased direct participation in political elections when the party was dissolved last May, Browder said that the association this year, instead of running its own presidential; candidate, is supporting the one "endorsed by the broad labor movement.” It is generally known, he added, that Mr. Roosevelt has its support.