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Voters in 31 states to name executives
New York (UP) –
Voters in 31 states today were deciding major political party strength in state governments which have been edging toward Republicanism in recent elections.
Last ditch battles, which may determine the GOP’s state prowess for the next two years, were underway in Massachusetts, Connecticut, North Dakota, Idaho, Colorado and Utah.
Less doubtful, but by no means assured early today, were the results of elections in Indiana, Washington and Tennessee.
Republicans, with holdover governors in New York, New Jersey, Maine (elected in September), Pennsylvania, Kentucky, California and Oregon, were virtually certain of victories in Delaware, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Vermont and Wisconsin.
If, as Republicans were predicting, Washington stayed in the GOP camp, their total would be at least 21.
Sure of nine states
The Democratic Party was sure of nine states – Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Missouri, New Mexico, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Texas and West Virginia – to add to its holdover strength in 10 states: Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Nevada, South Carolina, Virginia, Wyoming and Oklahoma.
They expected, also, to capture Indiana and Tennessee for a total of 21, thereby putting the emphasis for a balance of power in the six other contests.
Two doubtful in East
Massachusetts and Connecticut were the only doubtful states in the east, while other heated battles were limited primarily to the western regions.
In the Bay State, where Boston’s Democratic mayor, Maurice J. Tobin, was neck-and-neck with Lieutenant Governor Horace T. Cahill, observers weighed Mr. Cahill’s chances in the light of the strength he derives as a party mate of the popular governor, Leverett Saltonstall, who is assured of a seat in the U.S. Senate.
Governor Raymond E. Baldwin, one of 12 Republicans seeking re-election, was vigorously fighting in Connecticut against former Democratic Governor Robert A. Hurley, who was swept into office on President Roosevelt’s coattails in 1940 and was beaten by Mr. Baldwin in 1942.
Experts favor Jackson
In Indiana, Democratic Senator Samuel D. Jackson was matched against a strong Republican candidate, Ralph Gates. The present governor, Henry F. Schricker, was a sensational contender. Both candidates had strong support in industrial districts. Political observers conceded the likelihood of a Democratic state victory even if Indiana went for Dewey.
Although not in the close category, the Ohio gubernatorial election attracted attention. It pitted Cleveland’s Democratic mayor, Frank J. Lausche – who was expected to win – against another municipal chief, Republican James G. Stewart of Cincinnati. Mr. Lausche, who bucked the Democratic State organization in his mayoral fight and who was opposed by the American Federation of Labor, was a 9–5 favorite in betting circles.
Gubernatorial contests in Colorado and Idaho, both Republican, and in North Dakota and Utah, both Democratic, were expected to be decided by the vote for the presidential candidates.
Tight contest assured
The Washington battle, which appeared to lean to the incumbent, Republican Arthur B. Langlie, was marked by the stiff opposition of Democratic Senator Mon C. Wallgren.
In addition to Governor Baldwin and Governor Langlie, 10 Republicans were seeking reelection: John C. Vivian of Colorado, Walter W. Bacon of Delaware, Dwight H. Green of Illinois, Andrew F. Schoeppel of Kansas, Harry F. Kelly of Michigan, Edward J Thye of Minnesota, Sam C. Ford of Montana, Dwight Griswold of Nebraska, M. Q. Sharpe of South Dakota and Walter S. Goodland of Wisconsin.
Democratic repeaters – all deemed safe – were Sidney P. Osborn of Arizona, J. J. Dempsey of New Mexico, J. Howard McGrath of Rhode Island, Coke R. Stevenson of Texas and Herbert B. Maw of Utah.
Fourteen states had third-party candidates, none of whom were considered serious contenders. Michigan had Prohibitionist, Socialist, Socialist-Labor and America First candidates.