Waterbury evening Democrat., 1908-07-16
LILLEY'S COMPETITOR
Democrats May Run Robertson Against Him-McNcil on the
 Outs Win Bryan Men.

New Haven, July 16.-The real fight in the gubernatorial race is now well in the first stages of the prelimi- nary rounds with the candidates for nomination on both tickets working hard to advance their contests for supremacy in their respective parties. The talk so far has been largely in the conjectural line, no one seeming to be sure of the ground discussed, but the truth will be in abeyance un- til the primaries and the caucuses, says the New Haven Palladium.
 There are several candidates for nomination working in each party, all with equal, which seems to be largely no, progress so far. In the republican ranks, the prospects of the nomination of LiIley are getting more and more prominent every day One local member of the party remarked that he thought that there is no chance for anyone else in this field but with the favorable element there is just as powerful one in opposi- tion. The Lake faction also are strong. Comment on the statements that Lake would be a candidate for the lieutenant governorship under Lilley in the event of his nomination are all to the effect that this is not so as the present holding of that place is all that Lake wants of it.
 The democrats are just as uncer- tain of the man they want as are the republicans. George M. Gum, A. Heaton Robertson, Archibald McNeil and one or two others are in the field some actively, and others waiting to be pushed. Of these it is generally conceded that the indications point to the selection of Robertson. The main thing that is working for Rob- ertson is the fact that he is very strongly in interest with the Bryan faction and is acceptable to them.
 Gum is not figuring in heavily, While the rupture between the demo- cratic delegates at Denver and Me- Neil is said to have been the finish of the latter in the eyes of many of the party.
 For lieutenant governor the demo- cratic party are not talking much at present. One suggestion has been the name of Harry W. Ney, son of the man who made the run for the same position under Thayer. going far be- yond his party in votes in almost ev- cry county. This would be recogni- tion of Hartford county to give 1t to the younger Ney. He is popular in the party. and did good service in the democratic convention at Denver.
 In discussing the local situation. the opinion is prevalent that the city will be democratic this election in state politics, but doubtful on nation al affairs. One statement in this line is that there will be a comfortable majority for Robertson if he runs against Lilley. but that if neither or only one of these run. there Is con- siderable doubt as to the outcome.
 The reason the democrats are counting on the state in the event of the nomination of Lilley is that they believe that his actions in Washing ton can be used as a very powerful weapon against him. Another point they bring up Is that there were many cities. including New Haven, that were for democratic officials in the last elections. while the gains in the other direction were in a smaller degree. The republican opinion is not heard but just wait and see" atti- tude is shown on all questions.