Editorial: Republican trend?
Republicans are happier about results of the special election in the New York 21st district which they lose, than over some of their victories in recent off-year elections in Kentucky and Pennsylvania. They think the New York test was even a better indication of a possible national Republican trend by next November, because the GOP vote jumped from 33% of the total in 1942 to almost 48% Tuesday in that normally heavy Democratic district.
Significantly, the Republican candidate polled more than the Democratic, who barely slipped in with American Labor Party votes. So, the Tammany leader’s statement that this “is an endorsement by the voters of President Roosevelt’s” record, sounds like the quavering whistle of a boy passing a graveyard.
Certainly, all signs indicate the electorate is swinging away from the administration now. But there is plenty of time for reverse trends before November. If the Republicans count on easy victory and stumble around, they probably will lose. If they provide leadership in Congress, unite on a strong presidential candidate, and keep their campaign on a high level of national interests, they have a chance to win.