Bricker backers still seek votes
Despite declining prospects, campaign is pushed along 800 unpledged delegates
Chicago, Illinois – (June 26)
The declining prospect that Governor John W. Bricker of Ohio can win the nomination as Republican standard-bearer failed today to diminish their persistency with which he and his backers are pressing his campaign.
A statement from his headquarters indirectly recognized the odds against him when Roy D. Moore, Mr. Bricker’s campaign manager, stated that the Governor would not withdraw from the race and that the nomination would be placed before the convention.
Mayor James G. Stewart of Cincinnati has been designated to make the nominating speech for Governor Bricker. He has asked the Ohio delegation, unanimous in its backing of Governor Bricker, to “carry the torch for John Bricker to the end.”
W. B. Horton, secretary of the Chicago Bricker-for-President Club, denounced the Illinois delegation for pledging its vote to Governor Dewey.
Mr. Horton said:
On behalf of the 13,000 new members of the Chicago Bricker Club who have enrolled during the past three weeks, we repudiate the actions of the Illinois delegation, as not representing the sentiment of Illinois Republicans, in pledging their support to Thomas E. Dewey.
We believe this to be true of other Midwestern states included in our membership. Several Illinois delegates have advised us that they only voted for Dewey under pressure. We do not believe this is the time for such action.
We further believe that John W. Bricker, the only avowed candidate for the nomination, is the only real American who can defeat anyone the Democrats nominate. He is the popular choice among Republicans of this state.
Governor Bricker spent most of the day conferring privately with delegates, but made no formal appearances or engagements. His workers spent the day meeting as many as possible of the 800 unpledged delegates.