The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-03-30

date for the state senate. The prohibi- tionists have indorsed B. A Thompson. The local optionists have indorsed Thomas J. Judge ". M Drennen is the third candidate.
 In the beginning, 1t was evident that the race between Thompson and Judge will be highly interesting. The entrance into the field of MT. Drennen consider ably "mudied" the waters It was first thought that he would run as a. prohi- bitionist And then he announced his platform, and one of the blanks declared for local option.
 The outcome of the race is, of course, doubtful. It may be a duplicate. how ever, of the spirited contest of some years ago for the fat plum of clerk of the criminal court. The candidates were John W. Altman, w. D. Copeland and Jc hn c. Bradley. It was generally &C., cepted as true that MT Altman and MT. Bi adley, as individual candidates, were stronger than MT. Copeland. But both of them were local optionists. MT. Cope land was a prohibitionist. As result the local option vote divided against It. self. MT. Copeland was elected by big majority.
 Situation Is Clouded
 The race for the legislature. on account of the spectacular features and the op- rortunity 1t offers for the injection of bitter, partisan politics and the race for sheriff. on account of the princely stipend which is attached to that office, are gen. erally the most attractive features of a county campaign.
 In the present, the situation is so com- pletely overshadowed by state conflicts that heads and tails cannot be separ- sted. It is mere speculation to figure on the outcome of the race for the leg islature or for sheriff.
 For the latter office there are four can didates, George H. Bodeker, former chief of police; Will T. Lathem, Gus Lee and Thomas J. Batson MT. Bodeker has a strong following among those who be- leve that he was ''railroaded'' out of the office of chief of police by prohibi- ton conspirators-a strong following which twice by overwhelming majorities elected him to the position he formerly held. MT. Lee is making an unusually vigorous campaign, and his friends con- tend that he is certain winner. MT. Lathem, who has served the people of the county from behind the windows of two local banks, has always had fine strength, and it is said that he is gain irg. MT. Batson will come to Birmng- ham, 1t is claimed, with a big majority obtained from Bessemer and surround ing rural precincts. It is said that he has the backing of the prohibitionists lie IS admlttedly very etfOng.
 Other Contests Overlooked
 Other races are overshadowed not only by state struggles but by that for sheriff and that for the legislature. There are four candidates for solicitor IT P. Hef1in, incumbent; z. T. Rudulph, F. D. Mo Arthur and Hugo l.. Black This race is spirited and one in which the candi- dates. or some of them, are becoming through insinuation, more or less per- sonal
 An interesting struggle is in progress for auditor. Owen Gillespy, incumbent, is opposed by William R. Rockett, W. n. Gum, James c. Williams, w. l.. Trice and D. L. Draks. This race, as far as known has not reached the point which is followed by the injection of personalities.
 Other struggles of the county campaign are attracting very little attention. The candidates for judges of the city court are without opposition. This is construed as a testimonial of the worthiness of the candidates who are also incumbents.