The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1903-05-21
MINNESOTA POLITICS

politicians are expecting a lively contest
next.year for the republican congressional
nomination.. There are several prominent
men In the party who are perfectly willing
to undertake the dislodgement Of John
Lind, ard the primary fight will probably
be very interesting. With the contests for
United States senator and governor, and
the municipal election, a very lively CAM
paign season is promised. i One good evil.
dencesi is the extent of interest being taken
in the situation at this early day. &, @
Loren Fletcher is furnishing his full
share of gossip. He has kept both his,
friends and his enemies guessing as to
his intentions. The ex-congressman be-
lieves that if he had the nomination next
year he could avenge 1902, and close with
zone more term in congress. He has
allowed the impression to go out that he
will try for the nomination, but he has
never said In so many words that he
will be candidate. He has been advised
by q good many of his old friends and
standbys among business men and poll
ticians to stay out. They generally believe
that new man should be picked to make
the race, and not a candidate discredited
by a defeat.
vice rather than that Of the following
which Is anxious to see him active once
more. Y
Many former supporters of Mr.. Fletcher
have turned to Eugene Hay, who is the
only man considered a sure entry. His
splendid fight Of two years ago has put
Mr.. Hay forward as the logical candidate.
He admits himself that he has no% choice
next year but to stand as a candidate and
his backing is already twice as strong in
influential party men as 1t was last year.
He is the favorite in prediction as to the
nominee, with or without Mr.. Fletcher
in the field. There is a strong feeling that
a. r.l,o ~
and back him without factional feeling,
and as the leading candidate the finger
points to Mr.. Hay.
! He Is pretty sure to have opposition,
however, whether Uncle Loren" goes In
or not. Albert Hall is already laying a
| foundation for campaign and solicit
ing support, and his friends say he will
surely be a candidate. His public career
and party services will make a, factor in
the race. though at this distance he does
not look like a winner. "A great many
look for Frank M. Nye to be candidate,
and some who otherwise would strongly
favor Hay are holding off to see what
the former intends to do. He will not say
definitely, but has rather discouraged the
proposition, and the chances are that ne
Twill not be a candidate.
James A. Peterson has not declared MIN
self, but it is assumed that he will not DC
a candidate, and some Of his strongest
supporters of last year have already come
out for Hays nomination. Few Of then
have any leaning toward Fletcher, and the
. rumor that Peterson will support Fletcher
lis not credited by his talk. He says tbs
man who contends with Fletcher will have
a hard time of it all through the campaign
and that is as far as he will go.
Several dark horses are being men
toned" and in a years time some O.
them may develop into candidates, espec
tally If the situation changes material.
from the present outlook. Judge Elliot
and M. H. Boutelle, who; have been talked
Of do not give the idea any encourage
ment.
Something depends on the record mad.
next winter by Congressman Lind, which
will determine the kind Of campaign tina
will have to be waged against him. Re
publicansg are sanguine that with the rlgh
man and a presidential year enthusiasm
they will win, but they want to be sur
| to get the right man. So,
i Charles B. Cheney.