The Coconino sun., 1918-09-27
ARIZONA'S CRAZY POLITICS.

Arizona Democrats have again dem onstrated their almost uncanny predi- lection for doing the wrong thing at the psychological moment when it will react to the benefit of their political antagonists.
 This sentiment is induced by the nomination for governor of State Sen ator Fred Colter, who is understood from the crest of San Francisco Peaks to the fermenting, international boundary line which bisects Nogales, to stand for just what Governor Hunt stands for--and Governor Hunt stands for pretty nearly everything.
 Less than half of the registered vot- CTS took the trouble to go to the polls. It was three-cornered fight. State Senaor Fred Sutter and Secretary of State Sidney F. Osborn opposed the Hunt candidate, and, with the usual sagacity displayed by Democrats in Arizona and elsewhere, neither would give way for the good of the party or their own political future.
 Result, Colter is nominated, and the primary system, which is similar to thatAof California, again demonstrates its failure as means to express the popular will. Colter is the minority candidate. There is no question that a great majority of the people of Ari- zona do not stand for Colterism, which is Huntism, but with the machine" well oiled and the ultra radical vote which predominates in mining camp and floats hither and yon, almost with the listing of the four winds, mar shaled solidly for the "friend of the downtrod," while the disgusted ma jority remained away from the polls altogether, there was nothing to it but the triumphant" prevalence of the governor and his man Colter.
 It is interesting, in this connection, to read story in a Phoenix paper which relates that on the day follow ing the primary election I. w. w. lit- erature was circulated at the capital and other Arizona cities calling upon the "loyal ones" to strike for Mooney. That same night, so the story goes, federal agents raided a boarding house in Globe, searching for I. w. w. lit- erature They found the literature, it is said, and they also found Governor Hunt sitting at meat. Doubtless the governor was an innocent by stander."
 During the campaign Hunt worked for Colter, and Colter upheld Hunts administration. There is senatorial election in Arizona in two years and Hunt frequently rubs the wishing stone. Senator Mark Smith, whose term is to expire then, is not in good health If he should retire for any cause before his term is up, Colter may be depended upon to appoint Hunt.
 Arizona may always be trusted to develop the melodramatic in her poli- tics, and this time a court attack is to be made upon Colter because he was a member of the legislature which voted to increase the governors sal ary, while the constitution says that no one participating in such a trans action shall enjoy the emoluments thereof. Hunt may call the legisla- ture in special session to take back the increase. Colter is willing to work at the old price in spite of the war.
 Tom Campbell, who was "counted out" by Democratic boards and legally deposed from office by Democratic Supreme court, is the Republican nom- inee, unopposed. He is typical Re- publican at that; clean, keen and able and, having set the precedent, Ari- zona is very likely to "clean up" on the Hunt crowd. Many good Demo- crat admits it would be fine thing for the party and will help in the ac- complishment.-Los Angeles Times.