The Mena weekly star., 1913-01-09
FOUR GIANTS LOOM
 IN RACE FOR TOCA
Robinson, NOrwOOd, DOnaghey and Brundidge Each Have Fighting Chance for Senate Seat-GOveP-
 nor-Elect Holds the Key.
Prom lhe Gazette. Jan. }.


 the Arkansas Gazette of Jan. 5. The possibilities that may ensue have created an unprecedented state of political chaos and confusion, the result of which cannot be fOretold by the Wisest politicians of the hour.
 One thing only is certain-Gover- nor-elect Joe T. Robinson holds the key of the situation in the hollow of his hand. This is denied by no one, and the political atmosphere will become much clearer when it is known what Mr. Robinson intends to do. He refuses absolutely to make any statement that will throw any light on the matter, and so do all other men who are important factors in this chaotic condition.
 It has been rumored that Mir Robinson will be a candidate for the long term in the senate, begin ming March f, which would enable him, if elected, to remain in the governors office until the legisla- ture adjourned.
 Most political prophets, and the woods are now full of them, fore see at least four political giants whose names will be brought be- fore the thirty-ninth general as sembly. These four, according to the general prophecy, will be Governor -elect Joe T. Robinson At torney General Hal L. NorwoOd, Governor George w. Donaghey and Stephen Brundidge. all of whom contest that soon will beginMHMH were candidates at the last primary election. If these prove to be the four strongest candidates in the elimination contest that soon will bgin, there is great prospect of the thirty-ninth general assembly be- coming the most important legis- lative gathering in many years.
 GubernatOrial Fight Likely.
 In the background is looming the question of a gubernatorial pri- mary in case Mr. Robinson should be selected to go to the senate, and among others who have been men toned as probable candidates are Attorney General Norwood, Cover nor Donaghey, Mayor Charles E. Taylor of Little Rock and Secretary of States Earle w. Hodges. This primary must be called within 60 days after a vacancy in the office of governor and would plunge the people of the state into another hotly contested state primary in the spring.
 Long Deadlock Probable.
 In the event that Attorney Gen eral Norwood, former Congressman s. Brundidge, Governor Donaghey and Governor-ele Joe T. Robinson all become candidates and their names go before the legislature, there will be a hard fight, and it is not likely that either one of the four would have enough strength on the first ballot to have ma iority. And there is probability that should the contest be long and drawn out it will result in a final deadlock and the legislature ad- jOurning without electing a success sor.
 The time of the meeting of the legislature comes so soon that it will be out of the question for the Democratic State Central Commit tee to order a primary election. And if they should do so, the members of the legislature could not be bound by the primary. If the legislature fails to elect, and a deadlock ensues, it would result in forcing a primary election for the United States senate. In that event, the legislature might be called ill extra session to elect a United States senator and ratify the result of the primary election.
 If the contest results in a legis- lative deadlock and the primary is held it would make an exceedingly interesting fight to all concerned.
 Mir. Brundidge is known to be a strong campaigner and powerful Ol dbOI OD Illt elect Robinson is known as an un- usual orator in the campaign, who is resourceful and is known for his great endurance. Attorney General Norwood is a brilliant orator and a ready debater, alert and well known as platform orator and forceful in his presentation. Governor Donaghey is known as a campaign CT of tenacity. He is a man of great endurance, active and perse- vering in his purpose. Each man has his followers and admirers, and the campaign will be full of interest unto the end.
 Many Complications Seen.
 There are many angles to the present situation. Governor-ele Joe T. Robinson, who is soon to en- ter upon his duties, has many plans and policies outlined, which he will endeavor to have crystallized into law by the new legislature. If he becomes a. candidate for the United States senate, and a deadlock en- sues, matters of legislation most likely will fail to receive the con- sideration that they would have otherwise received, and new en- tanglemenls and alliances might present themselves and involve in doubt the outcome of the policies which he advocates. If he should l he elected, it would create vacan-