Election 1944: Pre-convention news

[NormanStewart]

The Pittsburgh Press (April 20, 1944)

Primer for primaries –
Legislative contests slated in all but two districts in county

Endorsements by party organizations unopposed in 11th and 13th
By Kermit McFarland

Contests for legislative nominations in one or both parties are underway in all the legislative districts of Allegheny County except the 11th and 13th, where organization endorsements by both the Democrats and Republicans weeded out all opposition.

A summary of the lineups by districts follows:

• SEVENTH DISTRICT

Composed of the 22nd, 23rd, 24th and 25th Wards on the North Side.

Rep. John L. Powers, who was first elected in the Roosevelt landslide of 1932, and Rep. Martin C. Mihm, elected in 1936, are Democratic candidates for renomination with organization endorsement. Mr. Powers is a decorator and Mr. Mihm is an attorney.

They are opposed by Paul W. Trimbel of Arch Street (operator of a laundry equipment service) and Raymond J. Wiegand (a patrolman).

For the Republican nominations, the only two candidates are Clarence A. Schaub (business agent for the hotel and restaurant employees’ union) and Louis M. Hubert (a drayman who is also Republican chairman of the 24th Ward).

• EIGHTH DISTRICT

Composed of the 21st, 26th and 27th Wards, this district also elects two members.

Candidates for the two Democratic nominations are Maurine L. Reynolds (seeking a third term in the Legislature), Thomas V. McNally (a clerk in the Prothonotary’s office and formerly

Republican rivalry is divided among three candidates: John R. Callahan (owner of a transportation line), Albert M. Bell (who lists himself as a defense worker) ad Ward C. Sanders (a police lieutenant). Mr. Bell and Mr. Sanders have been candidates before. Mr. Callahan is a fresh candidate.

• NINTH DISTRICT

The 9th district is McKeesport.

Rep. William J. Yester, seeking a third term, is opposed for the Democratic nomination by Joseph M. LeRosa (manager of a beauty salon). Mr. Yester is an optometrist. Richard F. Watson (paint engineer) is unopposed for the Republican nomination.

• TENTH DISTRICT

This district, taking in the Turtle Creek Valley and the municipalities east of the Monongahela, elects four legislators.

Six candidates are out for the four Republican nominations:

• Robert J. Strathearn of Swissvale (an auditor and former deputy in the local Internal Revenue Bureau office)

• Albert E. Beech of Wilkinsburg (a clerk for the State Labor and Industry Department)

• William P. H. Johnson of Penn Township (an auto dealer)

• Walter C. Feick of Glassport (a dentist and former school director)

• John Wayne Judge of Pitcairn (clerk for a machine company)

• Paul M. Bardes of Oakmont (real estate and insurance broker, former legislator and former squire).

The Democratic organization’s slate in this district is unopposed. It consists of Reps. Thomas J. Heatherington of Versailles Township (a foreman for the County Public Works Department), J. P. Moran of Turtle Creek (a machinist), and B. Frank Hunter of Wilkinsburg (assistant County Paymaster), and also William L. Shaffer (North Braddock lawyer who served one term in the House and two years ago was a candidate for the Senate).

• ELEVENTH DISTRICT

There are no contests in either party for legislative nominations in this district, composed of the 31st Ward of Pittsburgh, Clairton, Duquesne, Dravosburg, Homestead, Munhall, West Elizabeth, West Homestead, West Mifflin, Whitaker and Jefferson Township.

Reps. Thomas E. Barrett of Homestead (secretary in the Clerk of Courts office) and David M. Boies (Clairton dentist) are unopposed for renomination on the Democratic ticket. James F. Lawry (West Mifflin steelworker) and Lida R. Lutz (Clairton hardware merchant) are the candidates for Republican nominations.

• TWELFTH DISTRICT

This is a big district, electing four legislators, taking in the 29th, 30th and 32nd Wards of the city and all the boroughs and townships south of the rivers not included in the 11th district.

Six candidates seek the four Republican nominations, including the four incumbents.

Aspiring to renomination are Reps. Edwin C. Ewing (Mount Lebanon sales engineer), George W. Cooper (Mount Lebanon lawyer), John R. Haudenshield of Carnegie (secretary to a building and loan association), and Norman H. Laughner (a hauling contractor of Glenwillard). Running against this slate are Irwin I. Tryon of Baldwin Township (attorney) and Samuel K. Calhoun (ret.) of Mount Oliver.

• THIRTEENTH DISTRICT

This district is without primary contests for legislative nominations.

The Democratic candidates for the two nominations are David M. Huston (son of Register of Wills), John M. Huston of Allison Park, and L. C. Lockerman (Cheswick merchant and president of the borough school board).

Republican candidates are Rep. Robert D. Fleming (Aspinwall insurance agent) and George D. Stuart of Tarentum (editor of the Valley Daily News).

The district takes in all the boroughs and townships north of the Allegheny and Ohio Rivers.

[NormanStewart]

Stokes: Warren out of race for Vice President

Eliminated by choice as GOP keynoter
By Thomas L. Stokes, Scripps-Howard staff writer

Washington –
The selection of Governor Earl Warren of California as keynote speaker of the Republican conventions eliminates him as a possible vice-presidential nominee, for which he had been mentioned as running mate with New York Governor Thomas E. Dewey.

Instead, the inclination of Republican leaders is to pick their vice-presidential candidate from the Midwest.

This was the word received here from the meeting of the arrangements committee of the Republican National Committee which also recommended that the convention again elect Rep. Joseph W. Martin (R-MA) as permanent chairman, as it did in 1940.

3 others suggested

It is customary to select both as keynote speaker and as permanent chairman men who are not candidates for the presidential or vice-presidential nomination, for the obvious reason that these positions should not be used to promote candidacies or influence the convention.

It was with the understanding that Governor Warren is not a candidate for second place on the ticket that he was chosen to deliver the keynote address, it was learned.

Among Midwesterners available for second place on the ticket, those mentioned most prominently are Ohio Governor John Bricker, now campaigning for the presidential nomination, Rep. Charles A. Halleck (R-IN), a House leader and chairman of the Republican Congressional Campaign Committee, and Rep. Everett M. Dirksen (R-IL), who is also an announced candidate for the presidential nomination.

Gesture of governors

The selection of Governor Warren for the keynote address was recognition of the importance of California in Republican consideration, and a gesture to the 26 Republican governors who have assumed major influence in party councils and affairs. The governors will be powerful in the convention.

Governor Warren will have control of California’s 50 votes at the convention. Delegates will be elected at the May 2 primary. The delegation will be uninstructed.

Prefers Cabinet post

The Governor, it is said, was averse to the vice-presidential nomination, for which he has been prominently mentioned. He would prefer a Cabinet post as Attorney General, should the Republicans win, it is reported, because of experience fitting him for such a position. He was Attorney General of California for eight years.

The elimination of Senator Arthur Vandenberg (R-MI) as the keynote speaker, for which he was considered, was regarded here as due to his championship of the nomination of Gen. Douglas MacArthur who has won virtually no support among Republican leaders.

The Senator is reported now as cooling off considerably toward the general as the result of his letters to Rep. A. L. Miller (R-NE), recently made public by the Congressman, and the Senator said to be drifting toward the Dewey camp.

[NormanStewart]

The Pittsburgh Press (April 21, 1944)

GOP given policy outline

Washington (UP) –
Chairman Robert A. Taft (R-OH) of the Senate Republican Steering Committee, today submitted to his GOP colleagues a list of legislative topics for study in developing an affirmative Republican program “in this and the next session of Congress.”

Mr. Taft suggested the following topics for study and action “within the next year and a half:”

• Current legislative problems – such matters as the anti-poll-tax bill, reconversion and Lend-Lease.

• Post-war program – including stimulation of business and employment, Social Security, government reform and foreign policy.

[NormanStewart]

Editorial: Disagreement, not disunity

As the presidential election draws nearer, criticism of the present administration is bound to grow sharper and more frequent.

This is only natural in a democracy where the pros and cons of vital issues may be debated publicly even during a war.

Though this precious privilege carries with it the grave responsibility of refraining from loose invective which may harm the nation’s relationships with its Allies, it does not – as many administration leaders would have us believe – require silent acquiescence to error in the name of unity.

Disagreement in a democracy is not a sign of disunity. On the contrary, it is a sign of vigor an outward reminder that a people united for victory in the battle for world freedom remains ever-jealous to safeguard its own.

Political hatchet men who always are anxious to brand administration critics as breeders of disunity will perform an invaluable service to democracy – and help maintain national unity – if they will desist them such national unity – if they will desist from such charges and accept the challenge to discuss the many vital issues in open, frank debate.

As Senator Bridges aptly put it:

The consent of the governed is not an unlimited license conferred upon government, once in four years, to do what it pleases, and no questions asked. On the contrary, if democratic self-government is not to be perverted into arbitrary authority, that consent must be continuous…

The free interplay between government and people, day after day is what gives democracy its living quality. It is a current of contact, a flow of popular energy, that cannot be broken without doing violence to the heart and vitals of our democracy. Its expression must remain varied and manifold; not only approval but dissent, not only applause but sharp protest, not only hurrah-shouting but open and courageous opposition…

Public opinion is a force that constantly reaffirms that mandate residing in government; but it is also a constant brake and corrective on officialdom as well…

A lively and unhampered public opinion is not a luxury reserved for bright, clear days. It is a necessity, basic and indispensable, especially in periods of trouble and social challenge. The test of any system of government is in times of crisis, and American democracy is no exception in this respect.

The next administration, faced as it will be by the difficult task of restoring order at home and abroad, cannot hope to succeed without the support of a well-informed people united in common understanding.

Disagreement is not disunity – and silence does not bespeak patriotism.

[NormanStewart]

Editorial: The freedom not to run

Gen. MacArthur has as much right to be not-a-candidate for President as Mr. Dewey has, or as Mr. Roosevelt has.

[NormanStewart]

Stokes: Second place stirs hopefuls in GOP race

Backers capitalize on Stassen’s vote
By Thomas L. Stokes, Scripps-Howard staff writer

Washington –
The race for the Republican vice-presidential nomination has opened up again and sponsors of a whole assembly of hopefuls have begun to embroider the qualifications of their candidates.

This has come about by selection of Governor Earl Warren of California as keynoters of the Republican Convention which, under long-established custom, is regarded as a [] to nomination for either first or second place. The broad-shouldered Californian had been linked generally as a running mate for Governor Thomas E. Dewey of New York.

Champions of LtCdr. Harold Stassen, ex-Governor of Minnesota, were among the first to seize the opening to push him forward as vice-presidential candidate. They capitalized upon his recent victory in the presidential preference primary in Nebraska and his placing ahead of Wendell L. Willkie in the Wisconsin primary, despite the fact that he could appear personally.

Brace of youngsters

A Dewey-Stassen ticket would be a brace of youngsters. The former was 42 in March; the latter was 37 only a few days ago.

The Midwest is now regarded as the hunting ground for a vice-presidential candidate. Ex-Governor Stassen fulfills that geographical qualification.

His chief claim, beyond his record as three-time Governor of Minnesota, would be his attraction to those – Republicans as well as independent voters – who are for a strong post-war international organization to keep the peace. He campaigned for a specific plan of post-war organization before he left for the Navy.

His nomination, it is argued, would strengthen the ticket to meet the administration’s emphasis on post-war international collaboration, and the young, forceful man would be effective as a campaigner.

Others mentioned

Another Midwestern governor who has been making the most active national campaign for the presidential nomination, Ohio Governor John W. Bricker, also has a high rating among the bookmakers as a running mate for Governor Dewey, Nebraska Governor Dwight Griswold also has his eyes on second place on the ticket.

Some observers are inclined to think Republicans might go to the House or Senate for a vice-presidential candidate because of their stress on cooperation between the President and Congress. Mentioned in this category is Rep. Everett Dirksen (R-IL), one of the able and vigorous younger members of the House who is conducting a whirlwind campaign for the presidential nomination, though creating no sensation so far.

Another being talked of is Rep. Charles Halleck (R-IN), chairman of the Republican Congressional Campaign Committee, who nominated Mr. Willkie at the 1940 convention.

[NormanStewart]

Michigan GOP backs Dewey

The Michigan State Republic Convention today endorsed New York Governor Thomas E. Dewey, a native of Owosso, Michigan, as candidate for the GOP presidential nomination.

The highlight of the convention was Governor Harry Kelly’s fight to gain control of the Michigan delegation to the national conclave. His apparent victory in garnering at least 26 delegates out of 34 named in the caucuses, and a majority of the seven delegates-at-large, gives him control of the party, and may result in the ouster of Frank D. McKay, political boss from Grand Rapids, as national committeeman.

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Cdr. Stassen rescued at sea

Madison, Wisconsin (UP) –
LtCdr. Harold E. Stassen, former Governor of Minnesota, was recently picked up in the South Pacific by a sub-chaser after his patrol boat stalled.

The incident was made public by Mrs. Harriet Bartholomew of Madison, whose brother, William Bormett, 22, was aboard the sub-chaser.

Bormett wrote his sister that while out on patrol his boat picked up a group of men from a stalled motorboat. One of the men identified himself as Cdr. Stassen, he said.

“Maybe we just picked up the next President of the United States,” Mrs. Bartholomew said her brother commented at the end of the letter, received Feb. 17.

[NormanStewart]

Primer for primaries –
State to send total of 148 delegates to national conventions

GOP will elect 70 and Democrats 78; local contests are mainly Republican
By Kermit McFarland

Pennsylvania will send 70 delegates to the Republican National Convention opening June 26 and 78 delegates to the Democratic National Convention beginning July 19.

There will be 12 Democratic delegates elected at large and four Republicans elected at large. None has opposition in the Tuesday primary.

Locally, the delegate contests mainly are on the Republican side.

Delegates are elected two to a Congressional district. Each district also elects two alternates.

Write-in votes asked

In the 30th district, four names will appear on the ballot for the two Republican delegate positions, but one of the candidates, George R. Hann (Sewickley Heights lawyer) has asked the voters to write in his name for alternate instead of voting for him as a delegate.

There are no Republican candidates for alternate on the ballot in this district, so the alternates to be chosen will be elected by write-in votes.

The Republican organization has endorsed William H. Robertson (26th Ward Republican chairman and a county assessor) and attorney Hale Hill of Harrison Township, but Ralph E. Flinn, delegate to former conventions, is also a candidate with the support of some factions.

Serving in Coast Guard

Mr. Flinn is serving in the Coast Guard as a volunteer lieutenant commander. He gets no salary. He has been a frequent contributor to Republican campaign funds.

In the 32nd district, there are four candidates for delegate. Slated by the organization are James F. Malone (5th Ward lawyer) and former Congressman Harry A. Estep. Running against this combination are George F. Otto (milk company head) and Paul F. Hanzel (North Side auditor).

In other districts, the slated candidates, both Republican and Democratic, are not expected to have serious trouble winning election.

The other candidates are:

• TWENTY-NINTH DISTRICT

Democratic delegates: Mayor Cornelius D. Scully (7th Ward) and County Commissioner George Rankin of Wilkinsburg.

Republican delegates: Robert R. Work (East Liberty real estate dealer), County Commissioner John S. Herron and William P. Witherow (14th Ward manufacturer).

Democratic alternates: Katherine O’Neil Duff (wife of Councilman John T. Duff) and Helen Stotlemeyer of Wilkinsburg.

Republican alternates: Adelaide Rigby Conly (Young Republican leader) and Nelle G. Dressler (vice chairman of the Republican County Committee).

• THIRTIETH DISTRICT

Democratic delegates: Irwin D. Wolf of Fox Chapel (department store executive) and Robert C. Malcolm (Curtisville cashier).

Democratic alternates: Nellie Chillcott of North Side and Edward B. Johnson (Democratic chairman of the 27th Ward).

• THIRTY-FIRST DISTRICT

Democratic delegates: Marguerite Naughton of West End and County Coroner William D. McClelland of Mount Lebanon.

Republican delegates: Frank J. Harris of Crafton (former State Senator), George F. Lutckens (Carnegie mechanic) and William B. McFall of Mount Lebanon (bank president).

Democratic alternates: Lily Hershman (wife of David Hershman, McKees Rocks Democratic leader) and Recorder of Deeds Anthony J. Gerard of Mount Oliver.

Republican alternates: Alexander P. Craig (Ingram clerk) and Mary Leslie Hart Poling of Dormont.

• THIRTY-SECOND DISTRICT

Democratic delegates: Mario L. Bove (Oakland real estate dealer), City Treasurer James P. Kirk of Oakland, and Register of Wills John M. Huston (10th Ward).

Democratic alternates: Irma D’Ascenzio of Almeda Street and Prothonotary David B. Roberts.

Republican alternates: Anna M. Conley (Republican chairman of the 9th Ward) and Ray E. Schneider (former North Side alderman).

• THIRTY-THIRD DISTRICT

Democratic delegates: Mayor Frank Buchanan of McKeesport and Clerk of Courts John J. McLean of Homestead.

Republican delegates: C. J. McBride (Republican chairman of the 31st Ward) and Paul W. Macks of McKeesport.

Democratic alternates: Ethel C. Mullen (wife of Mayor James J. Mullen of Clairton) and Peter Maracini (Broughton constable).

Republican alternates: Thomas A. Steele (McKeesport physician), Frank Kopriver (Duquesne councilman) and David H. Anderson (Homestead merchant).

• CANDIDATES-AT-LARGE

The Democratic candidates for delegate-at-large include U.S. Senator Joseph F. Guffey, his sister Mrs. Emma Guffey Miller, County Commissioner John J. Kane, Postmaster General Frank C. Walker of Scranton, CIO President Philip Murray, Attorney General Francis Biddle of Philadelphia, Democratic State Chairman David L. Lawrence, Meredith Meyers of Lewiston (former Democratic State Chairman), and William C. Bullitt (former Ambassador to Russia and France).

Republican candidates for delegate-at-large are Governor Edward Martin, G. Mason Owlett (president of the Pennsylvania Manufacturers’ Association), Republican State Chairman M. Harvey Taylor and Marion Margery Scranton (Republican national committeewoman).

[NormanStewart]

The Pittsburgh Press (April 22, 1944)

Primer for primaries –
4-against-1 race features 31st district

Lt. Fulton, Navy, man to beat
By Kermit McFarland

Spotlighted among the Congressional contests in Allegheny County is the Republican race in the 31st district (South Hills).

Four of the five candidates in this district, as the campaign has shaped up, are running against the fifth, Navy Lt. James G. Fulton (Dormont lawyer). Lt. Fulton, in the judgment of leading politicians in the district, is the man to beat.

Rated the best chance is Joseph A. White of Brentwood (vice president of the Harris stores). Other candidates are Eugene O’Neill of Brentwood (a delegate to the 1936 Republican convention and a former member of the Republican State Committee), Walter V. Richardson (Mount Washington metallurgist) and Clifford Ball (Mount Lebanon aviation executive). Mr. Ball has not made an active campaign for the nomination.

Similar in 30th district

Lt. Fulton is barred by Navy regulations from making an active campaign. If elected, he will be relieved of his naval duties to take his seat in Congress.

The 30th district (North Hills) presents a similar picture. There, the man to beat for the Republican nomination is Sheriff Robert J. Corbett. Running against him are Grover C. Berg (Bellevue food jobber), Arthur H. Johnson Jr. (wholesale heating supplies), Bob Kegg (North Side clerk) and J. K. Porter (Millvale distributor).

In both districts, the Democratic incumbents are unopposed for renomination. Congressman James A. Wright of Brentwood is the only Democratic candidate in the 31st district and Congressman Thomas E. Scanlon of North Side, the only entry in the 30th district.

Republicans agree in 29th

In the 29th district (eastern wards, boroughs and townships), the Old Guard Republicans and the Young Republicans have agreed on Howard E. Campbell, president of the Pittsburgh Real Estate Board, for the Republican nomination.

Running independently are John McDowell (Wilkinsburg publisher and former Congressman), John A. Franklin (Forest Hills insurance agent), George E. Sipple (East End electrician) and T. W. Stephens (Wilkinsburg florist).

Because of the reapportionment last year, no present Congressman is a resident of this district. The Democratic nomination has been slated for John F. Lowers of Swissvale, chief clerk in the County Deed Registry Bureau, who is the only candidate.

Others are unopposed

Congressional candidates in both parties in the other two Congressional districts of the county are unopposed at the primary.

In the 32nd district, Congressman Herman P. Eberharter of Oakland is the only Democratic candidate, and Gregory Zatkovich of Oakland (former City Solicitor) is unopposed for the Republican nomination.

Congressman Samuel A. Weiss of Glassport has no opposition for renomination in the 33rd district and the sole Republican candidate is Ray A. Liddle (McKeesport attorney).

[NormanStewart]

5 Senators named election probers

Washington (UP) –
Vice President Henry A. Wallace today named the five members of a Senate committee which will investigate the campaign expenditures of candidates for President, Vice President and Senators in the 1944 election.

He appointed Theodore F. Green (D-RI), Tom Stewart (D-TN), James M. Tunnell (D-DE), Joseph H. Ball (R-MN) and Homer Ferguson (R-MI).

[NormanStewart]

The Pittsburgh Press (April 23, 1944)

Stokes: GOP ‘oracle’ predicts Dewey on first ballot

Governor Bricker may be his running mate
By Thomas L. Stokes, Scripps-Howard staff writer

Washington – (April 22)
Every so often an oracle speaks and you know what’s coming.

Such was the statement of Col. R. B. Creager, long-time Republican National Committeeman from Texas, that he could not see how Governor Thomas E. Dewey of New York could fail to win the Republican presidential nomination on the first ballot.

He made the remark in Chicago after the meeting of the Arrangements Committee of the Republican National Committee. It was generally overlooked. It should not have been.

It meant, for one thing, that Governor John W. Bricker’s campaign for the nomination is washed up, if this was not apparent already.

It meant, for another, that not only Texas but the rest of the South will drop into the Dewey basket, for Col. Creager is a kingpin among Southern bosses of what are sometimes known as “the kept delegations.”

For Taft in 1940

It meant, further and most important, that there will be no “Stop-Dewey” movement at Chicago.

Col. Creager has long been identified with the Republican Old Guard, and in recent years with the Taft forces in the South. He was floor manager for Senator Robert A. Taft at the 1940 Republican convention when the Ohio Senator lost to Wendell L. Willkie.

This year, the Taft forces were turned over, lock, stock and barrel, to the Bricker candidacy, and it was presumed that Col. Creager was cooperating.

Others agree

But he has seen the light gleaming from the watchtower at Albany, New York, and has submitted to the course of events.

The colonel went further and said the Dewey candidacy had gone so far that nothing should be allowed to interfere with it. An inquiry here today disclosed that leaders of other Southern delegations are of the same mind. This means no “Stop-Dewey” movement.

For if there were such a movement it would come from the Old Guard group in which Col. Creager is included, and which revolves about Senator Taft. The Senator, himself, is resigned to the Dewey nomination.

Not entirely satisfied

This is not to say that some of the Old Guarders are entirely satisfied with the New York governor. Some would prefer some fellow more tractable, less inclined to make up his own mind. But events have gone beyond them.

Nothing more than the Creager word is necessary to indicate a first ballot nomination.

It was learned here that Republican leaders have decided upon this, to do it quickly and unanimously, if possible, for the effect that will have upon party unity and party morale.

This early surrender of the Taft forces, as made public by Col. Creager, would indicate that they will now turn to promoting Governor Bricker for the vice-presidential nomination.

‘Deal’ expected

They will expect some consideration for steeping out of the way of the Dewey bandwagon, and catching on as it went by. Something of this sort may have been arranged already.

There was a big crop of “Dewey-Bricker” ticket rumors when California Governor Earl Warren, hitherto considered almost surefire for second place on the ticket, was selected as the keynote speaker by the Arrangements Committee, a position usually regarded as a bar to candidacy for either first or second place.

[NormanStewart]

The Pittsburgh Press (April 24, 1944)

Light balloting due tomorrow

State polls open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

An estimated 785,000 Republicans and 410,000 Democrats will go to polling places throughout the state between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. tomorrow to draw sides for the crucial November elections.

Primary balloting is expected to hit a new low for a presidential year because of wartime conditions and the fact that outcome of the elections, except for a few instances, is a foregone conclusion. The estimated total vote is only about a third of registrations for the two parties.

Presidential voting

Observers were divided on whether there will be much significance in preferential voting for presidential candidates. President Roosevelt, whose name is formally on the Democratic ballot, is the only presidential candidate listed, but some quarters expected a large write-in vote to be case by Republicans.

The only statewide intraparty contest is between State Treasurer g. Harold Wagner of Wilkes-Barre, Democratic organization choice for the auditor general nomination, and John F. Breslin of Carbon County, an independent candidate.

James vs. Rhodes

There is also a crossed-line contest for nomination to the Superior Court between former Governor Arthur H. James of Plymouth and incumbent Judge Chester H. Rhodes of Stroudsburg, holders of Republican and Democratic organization support respectively, who are seeking both party nominations to the $18,000-a-year position.

Seeking nomination to a second Superior Court position, but only in respective party primaries, are Republican Judge J. Frank Graff of Kittanning and Democratic Auditor General F. Clair Ross of Butler.

Other contests

Other statewide candidates, all running unopposed with organization backing, are:

REPUBLICANS: U.S. Senator James J. Davis of Pittsburgh (for renomination), Howard W. Hughes of Washington (for the State Supreme Court), Philadelphia City Treasurer Edgar W. Baird Jr. (for State Treasurer), State Senator G. Harold Watkins of Schuylkill County (for Auditor General).

DEMOCRATS: Congressman Francis J. Myers of Philadelphia (for U.S. Senator), U.S. Circuit Court Judge Charles Alvin Jones of Pittsburgh (for State Supreme Court), and Ramsey S. Black of Harrisburg, third assistant U.S. Postmaster General (for State Treasurer).

Delegate races

Completing the list of statewide posts at stake are four positions as delegate-at-large to the GOP National Convention, each having one vote, and 12 as delegate-at-large to the Democratic nominating convention, each with a half vote, and a like number of alternates to each session. All are unopposed.

Each party will also elect 66 district delegates and alternates, and, in other regional contests, nominations will be made for 33 Congressional, 25 state senatorial and 208 State House seats, and 113 memberships each on the Republican and Democratic State Committee.

[NormanStewart]

The Pittsburgh Press (April 25, 1944)

Even one board is absent –
County’s voters shun polls for presidential primary

By Kermit McFarland

Allegheny County voters stayed away from the polls in record numbers today as Pennsylvania went through the motions of a presidential primary.

Veteran political leaders said they could not recall a quieter election, or a lighter vote. Apparently the indifference in Allegheny County was typical of the state.

Distracted by war news and unmoved by the relatively few real contests in the primary, voters failed to respond to efforts to turn them out today.

The polls opened at 7:00 a.m. ET and were scheduled to close at 8:00 p.m.

In one district, only four voters had appeared an hour and a half after the polls opened, in another seven at 9:30 a.m., in another two at 9:00 a.m. And so it went around the county.

Political headquarters reported none of the customary complaints or requests for information from poll workers.

The high spot of the morning voting was a telephone call from the 19th district of the 4th Ward which reported there was no election board, no chairs or tables, no light and no heat. Only one board member showed up, somebody stole the chairs and table and somebody forgot to turn on the electricity.

In McKeesport, the municipal offices were at work on orders of Mayor Buchanan for the first time in years.

Despite the small turnout of voters, elections boards did not expect an early end to their counting job. Although many of the nominations at stake in today’s primary are uncontested, the election of delegates to the national conventions and members of party committees make a long ballot and slow up the tabulation.

Political organizations, in the main, were content with the light vote, since it enhanced the prospects for slated candidates. Independent candidates, seeking to break these slates, worked industriously, but apparently with small success, in an effort to turn out the independent vote.

All of the Allegheny County contests of any note are in the Republican primary. Candidates endorsed by the Democratic county organization either are unopposed or face only minor competition.

Pledge for Dewey

The principal action of the day came in a statement by Paul F. Hanzel, candidate in the 32nd district for delegate to the Republican National Convention. He announced he will support Governor Thomas E. Dewey of New York for President on the first and all ballots.

This created a relative “sensation” in the drab primary because no other Republican delegate candidates have announced themselves.

Candidate for delegate quits

The only other development of the day in political ranks was the withdrawal of a candidate for delegate to the Republican National Convention – Robert R. Work of 818 Heberton Avenue, whose name is on the ballot in the 29th district. He withdrew in favor of William P. Witherow, president of Blaw-Knox Company, who, with County Commissioner John S. Herron, has been endorsed by the Republican organization. There are no other candidates.

Assured of renomination by the Republicans is U.S. Senator James J. Davis. Also without opposition in the Republican primary are Supreme Court Justice Howard W. Hughes of Washington, Edgar W. Bair of Philadelphia (for State Treasurer) and Senator G. Harold Watkins of Schuylkill County (for Auditor General).

For Superior Court

Superior Court Judge Arthur H. James and his running mate, Judge J. Frank Graff of Kittanning, were expected to win nominations for the Superior Court, although Judge Chester H. Rhodes, a Democrat, is also entered on the Republican ballot.

Judge James is also running on the Democratic ballot, but Judge Rhodes and Auditor General F. Clair Ross are expected to win the Democratic nomination easily.

Congressman Francis J. Myers of Philadelphia, slated candidate for the U.S. Senate nomination, and federal judge Charles Alvin Jones, endorsed for the Supreme Court, are unopposed in the Democratic primary. Also unopposed is Ramsey S. Black, third assistant postmaster general, seeking the Democratic nomination for State Treasurer.

GOP battles here

John F. Breslin, a deputy in the Auditor General’s office, is running against State Treasurer G. Harold Wagner for the auditor general nomination.

Allegheny County lists Republican Congressional contests in four of the five districts, but no Democratic Congressman is opposed for renomination.

[NormanStewart]

Voting light in Massachusetts

Boston, Massachusetts (UP) –
Partial tests of President Roosevelt’s possible fourth term strength and Governor Thomas E. Dewey’s popularity in this state featured Massachusetts presidential primary today.

An extremely light vote was forecast, with perhaps not more than 100,000 ballots to be cast among the 2,450,000 which were distributed in the 351 cities and towns.

[NormanStewart]

Editorial: Possible Presidents

There is much talk about possible nominees for Vice President Most of it is based on political considerations, and these are based mostly on geography.

As for geography, this may not yet be “one world” but it is one country, and people care less where a man comes from than what he is and what he stands for.

As for politics, the best politics always is to eschew politics and get down to business. And what is the business of the summer of 1944? It is to select four men, any one of whom may have the job of leading the nation through difficult times.

Four men, we say. Because it looks like a close race between the Democratic and Republican nominees for President, and any man who may be Vice President may succeed to the Presidency.

A candidate for the Vice Presidency should be chosen not only as a potential President, but also as a possible right-hand man for the President.

If it becomes understood that the Vice President is to be an assistant President, if it is never forgotten that he may become President – as two Vice Presidents have done in the lifetime of many now living – the Vice Presidency will not be considered the graveyard of presidential hopes and it will attract the able men that the nation’s need demands.

The candidate for second place on either ticket must be a man whom the party can present to the nation as one fit in all respects to be President. A party which chooses any other kind of candidate for Vice President does not deserve the confidence of the voters.

[NormanStewart]

Ferguson: Fourth term and Mrs. R

By Mrs. Walter Ferguson

Mrs. Roosevelt can claim one distinction: She is the only person in the United States who says she is not curious about Mr. Roosevelt’s fourth term intentions. The rest of us want to know, and I think his silence makes woeful waste since reams of paper are used daily as the commentators argue the matter.

The First Lady played the same game in 1940. Until the moment she was rushed to Chicago to stampede the convention for her husband, Mrs. Roosevelt declared she had not the slightest idea about campaign plans.

Why must we be subjected to the same tricks again? People know that the First Lady is affected by the political future of her husband. After all she breezes into the White House occasionally and she gets her mail there. And, if only in her capacity as a wife whose destiny is bound up with that of her husband, she deserves to be consulted on such important family business.

The wives of the nation either will feel she is badly treated so long as this state of affairs goes on, or they will surmise that somebody believes somebody else can’t keep a secret.

Even if the President doesn’t wish to inform the people of his plans still, I think he ought to tell his wife. A pert “Wouldn’t you like to know?” to press conference questions would sound better than Mrs. Roosevelt’s present reply, “I have not been told and I do not care to be informed.”

That attitude sets the First Lady too far above other women; it makes her less human than we would like her to be.

[NormanStewart]

Bricker shuns second place

New York (UP) –
Governor John W. Bricker of Ohio said today that he was “not interested” in the Republican vice-presidential nomination.

Mr. Bricker will address the Ohio Society dinner tonight. His speech will be broadcast at 10:30 p.m. ET by WJAS.

He was asked during a press conference:

Would you accept a position on the Republican ticket as Vice President?

Mr. Bricker said:

I am not interested in that at all. I am a candidate for President and nothing else.

Mr. Bricker’s campaign manager, Roy d. Moore, predicted that his candidate would have at least 257 delegates’ votes pledged at the convention start, June 26. Mr. Moore declined to say from which states the 257 votes would come. He also predicted that there would be no first-ballot nomination.

Five hundred and thirty votes are necessary to nominate.

[NormanStewart]

The Pittsburgh Press (April 26, 1944)

Dewey write-in vote features primary; few races are close

Nominees for state posts chosen
By Kermit McFarland

An impressive showing by Governor Thomas E. Dewey, despite a record light vote, featured Allegheny County’s presidential-year primary yesterday.

Mr. Dewey, although his name did not appear on the ballot, piled up a surprising write-in vote, overwhelming all other Republican possibilities in this informal contest.

22,151 Dewey write-ins

In 927 of the county’s 1,017 districts, Mr. Dewey attracted 22,151 write-in votes compared to 1,611 for Gen. Douglas MacArthur, his nearest Republican opponent.

President Roosevelt polled 1,955 Republican write-ins. On his own Democratic ballot, where he was unopposed for the presidential preference, Mr. Roosevelt collected 82,397 votes in 1,009 of the 1,017 districts.

Mr. Dewey’s showing, in the absence of any organized campaign on his behalf, was regarded as remarkable by local political circles.

Wide popularity shown

His popularity was demonstrated by a similar write-in vote throughout the state, but in some eastern countries this was attributed to a last-minute campaign by Pennsylvania friends.

Estimates of the vote cast in yesterday’s primary did not exceed 30%. It was possible the lightest vote in the county’s history notwithstanding the absence of thousands of voters in the Armed Forces.

Otherwise, the primary here was featured by a close fight for the Republican Congressional nomination in the new 29th district, by the defeat of David C. “Cap” Davies for the Republican senatorial nomination in the 45th district (South Hills) and the renomination of State Rep. John R. Bentley in a bitter Democratic contest in the 12th, 13th and 14th Wards.

Howard E. Campbell, president of the Pittsburgh Real Estate Board, who had the endorsement of both the Young Republicans and the Old-Line Republicans in a pre-primary deal, narrowly escaped defeat for the Congressional nomination in the 29th district.

McDowell is close behind

Former Congressman John McDowell, Wilkinsburg publisher, running without the backing of the Young Republican organization he helped to organize, ran only 360 votes behind Mr. Campbell with six precincts missing in the district. The official count, to start Friday, could alter the result.

Three other candidates split up the vote.

Mr. Davies, secretary to County Controller Robert G. Woodside, was generally forecast a winner in the 45th district senatorial fight, but trailed Thomas Lewis Jones, young Baldwin Township attorney, in a close fight.

Dispute recalled

The fight against Homewood attorney Mr. Bentley was led by Charles A. Papale, 12th Ward Democratic chairman, and resulted from a dispute between ward alderman Mr. Papale and the Democratic county organization over city and county patronage.

Mr. Papale put Julius Zangrille, a 12th Ward plumber, into the race in an effort to wheedle more jobs from Democratic headquarters. He was joined in the contest against Mr. Bentley by Louis Leff, 14th Ward chairman.

On the basis of nearly-complete returns, Mr. Bentley was renominated by a margin of 3–2.

In other Republican Congressional contests, Sheriff Robert J. Corbett in the 30th district (North Hills) and James G. Fulton of Dormont, now a lieutenant in the Navy, were easy winners, each in a field of five. Mr. Fulton will be the Republican nominee in the 31st district (South Hills).

All candidates slated by the Democratic organization were nominated safely. Only Mr. Bentley had a serious contest.

Woman wins race

In the Republican legislative contests, a feature of the results was the runaway victory of Bernyce Lysle, the only woman in the Republican primary, in the 2nd legislative district. She almost doubled her nearest opponent, Alexander Dlugonski, a previous candidate, who was also nominated.

The only other woman nominated for public office in the Allegheny County primary was Mrs. Emma Bray of Baldwin Township, who won a Democratic nomination for the Legislature in the 12th district. The slate on which she was a candidate was unopposed.

The 12th district turned up with a close race in the Republican legislative primary, late returns showing Baldwin Township attorney Irwin I. Tryon pushing Rep. Norman H. Laughner of Crescent Township for the fourth place on the ticket. Reps. Edwin C. Ewing and George W. Cooper of Mount Lebanon and John R. Haudenshield of Carnegie were safely renominated.

Christler wins

Charles M. Christler, 14th Ward attorney and former legislator, easily won the Republican legislative nomination in the 5th district, despite opposition of Young Republicans who backed William F. White (Brushton restaurant operator) who ran second, just ahead of Alderman Kenneth H. Davies of the 14th Ward.

In the 10th district, Swissvale auditor Robert J. Strathearn broke the organization-endorsed slate by a wide margin. He defeated Walter C. Feick, Glassport dentist backed by organization leaders. Also nominated were Albert E. Beech (a state employee of Wilkinsburg), Paul M. Bardes of Oakmont (former legislator) and William P. H. Johnston (Penn Township auto dealer).

McNair is victor

Former Mayor William M. McNair, running with the support of the Democratic machine, easily won the legislative nomination in the 4th district and will oppose Rep. O. B. Hannon in November.

Mr. McNair defeated Michael J. Holland, a city fireman. Mr. Hannon was renominated by a heavy majority over former legislator Harry B. Ackermann and Edward W. Brinling.

Party men win

In other statewide contests, candidates backed by party organizations easily won nominations.

Superior Court Judge Arthur H. James and Common Pleas Judge J. Frank Graff of Kittanning won Republican nominations for the State Superior Court by handsome majorities over Judge Chester H. Rhodes, a Democrat who entered the Republican primary.

Judge Rhodes, nominated for a second term by the Democrats, and Auditor General F. Clair Ross, named as his running mate for the Superior Court, polled similar majorities over Judge James, former Governor, who took a fling at the Democratic primary.

In the only other statewide Democratic contest, State Treasurer G. Harold Wagner was nominated for Auditor General over John F. Breslin, an assistant in the Auditor General’s office.

Davis renominated

U.S. Senator James J. Davis was renominated by the Republicans and Congressman Francis J. Myers of Philadelphia was named for the Senate by the Democrats. Neither had primary opposition.

Also nominated without opposition were Democrat federal judge Charles Alvin Jones and Republican Justice Howard W. Hughes for the State Supreme Court, and Democrat Ramsey S. Black, third assistant postmaster general, and Republican City Treasurer Edgar W. Baird of Philadelphia for State Treasurer.

[NormanStewart]

Avert U.S. politics, Britons warned

By Helen Kirkpatrick

London, England –
Britons traveling to the United States on business in recent weeks have been admonished by Prime Minister Churchill himself against any talk or action which might in any way be interpreted as interference in American politics.

Among the usual documents that outward-bound travelers receive has been a letter from Mr. Churchill strongly urging Britons going to the United States not to make any statement or engage in any discussions which might subsequently be construed as indication of the British attitude toward American elections. He expresses his determination that nothing shall be done to endanger the good relations between the United States and Britain.

[NormanStewart]

In primaries –
Bay State favors Dewey and Roosevelt

Ely, New Deal critic, lags behind

Boston, Massachusetts (UP) –
Complete unofficial returns from the Massachusetts presidential primary showed today that Democrats elected a slate of delegates largely unpledged but favoring a fourth term for President Roosevelt.

Only six of the 56 Democratic district delegates chosen were pledged to former Governor Joseph B. Ely, anti-New Dealer and fourth term foe, who is a candidate for his party’s presidential nomination in Massachusetts.

In the two Congressional districts where the popularity of New York Governor Thomas E. Dewey was put to a minor test, the pro-Dewey delegates were elected by the Republicans over unpledged opponents.

Roosevelt men happy

Results of the balloting, probably the lightest in Massachusetts history, were hailed by Democratic State Chairman William H. Burke Jr. as a definite Roosevelt fourth term victory. He predicted that within 48 hours Mr. Ely would endorse the President for a fourth term.

However, Mr. Ely said the returns indicated:

Such a substantial cleavage in the party that I should think the vote would serve as a warning to fourth-termers.

Ely is a delegate

Mr. Ely himself was assured a seat at the National Convention since he was one of 12 Democratic delegates-at-large elected without opposition.

The seven-man Republican at-large slate, including Governor Leverett Saltonstall and House Minority Leader Joseph W. Martin Jr. likewise was unopposed.

It was in the 13th Congressional district comprising part of Boston and a Southeastern Massachusetts area, that the Ely forces made their best showing. All four convention seats at stake in that district were won by Ely-pledged candidates: Michael P. Feeney of Boston, Francis J. Carroll of Canton, Clement A. Riley of Norwood and Alice M. Durst of Boston.

Some Ely men trail 4–1

Mr. Ely’s other two delegates were in the 10th district, a Boston-Brookline area. They were Boston City Councilor Michael J. Ward and David J. Brickley of Boston, who ran both as members of the pro-Roosevelt slate presented by the Democratic State Committee, and at the same time endorsed Mr. Ely’s candidacy.

Pro-Ely candidates were entered in a total of seven of the state’s 14 Congressional districts, but trailed in most cases, sometimes by as much as four-to-one.