The Pittsburgh Press (February 8, 1946)
Wallace backs election foe of Democrats
Endorses leftist in New York campaign
By Lyle C. Wilson, United Press staff writer
WASHINGTON – Secretary of Commerce Henry A. Wallace has smacked the New York City Democratic organization in the eye with endorsement of an American Labor Party candidate for Congress.
The candidate is Johannes Steel, a German-born naturalized citizen. Mr. Steel is an author, lecturer and radio commentator whose works are notable among other things for sympathy with the Communist Party line. He is a candidate for Congress in a by-election to be held February 19 in an East Side New York City district.
Arca long Democratic
Mr. Steel’s Tammany-Democratic opponent is Rep. Arthur G. Klein. The Republicans nominated a young Army officer, William S. Shea. The district is lopsidedly Democratic and has not sent a Republican to the House in years – if ever. Mr. Steel’s candidacy unquestionably will split the Democratic vote.
Under those circumstances Mr. Wallace addressed to Mr. Steel’s letter endorsing his candidacy.
The text of Mr. Wallace’s letter was disclosed today in the columns of The Daily Worker, New York Communist publication. The newspaper quoted Mr. Wallace’s letter to Mr. Steel as follows:
“Have just learned of your entry into politics. To my mind you have carried on the fight against worldwide Fascism with great courage and determination and against great difficulties on behalf of the common man.
“Men like you in public life could render great service to our nation in the troublesome years ahead. I wish you all success.”
The Cabinet officer’s action probably will arouse considerable discussion here on two counts. First is the secretary’s opposition to the regular Democratic candidate. Second is the fact that among three candidates he chose the American Labor Party entry whose economic and political convictions apparently are far to the left of most Americans.
Typical of party split
Mr. Wallace on the one hand is backing an extreme left-winger for Congress and on the other heads the Department of Commerce, which has a peculiarly intimate relationship with and responsibility to industry and business. To enable Mr. Wallace to develop a wide-swinging program to aid business, and especially small business, President Truman has proposed to Congress that the Commerce Department’s appropriation for the next fiscal year be increased by more than 100 percent.
The Cabinet officer’s bolt from the Democratic Party in New York’s 19th District is typical of the stresses developing now within the New Deal-Democratic political powerhouse created by the late Franklin D. Roosevelt. Unless the structure can be repaired, the chances of electing a Democratic president in 1948 will not be great.