The Bemidji daily pioneer., 1919-12-19
Runs Again in Race
for Congress; Has Made
Hard Campaign
FUSION CANDIDATE GETS
SUPPORT OF LEGION
District Socialist Attorney
label Throws Strength to
Anti-Berger Forces
(By United Press. }

Milwaukee, Wis. Dec. 19.-Will
Victor Berger be reelected to con-
gress? This is the question asked
here today. The answer will inter-
est the state and nation.
Voters Of the Fifth Wisconsin con-
gressional district were expressing
their choice at the polls today either
for Berger, who congress has de-
creed is unfit to sit therein, and
Henry H. Bodenstab, republican,
upon whom his party and the demo-
Gratis have united under "One hun
dred per cent Americanism" banner.
Socialists Elect Berger.
In the nominating primary held
December 8, Berger was named by
the socialists and Bodenstab by the
fusionists Berger was given 14,OO4
votes and Bodenstab 1882. Berger's
opponents asserted the primary was
not real test and that the socialists
had made efforts to bring out the
whole Berger strength, while repub-
licans and democrats had not been as
active in the primary campaign.
Congress Bars Him.
Congress barred Berger because of
his conviction under the espionage
act. Gov. E. L. Philip promptly
called special election for today to
fill his place. Berger equally prompt
ly announced himself as candidate
for a reelection on platform in
which he declared: 81 am pro-Ger-
man, pro-France. pro- England, pro-
Poland-in short am pro-human-
ity.' Berger stated he was anti-pro-
hibition, anti-protiteer, anti-entang-
ling alliances and anti-Wilson's "col-
lusion with profiteers in hurting the
nation into an unnecessary war"
Warm Campaign.
Berger and his campaign managers
stumped the district, speaking Ger
man, as we'll as English and arguing
that when man is barred from a
body to which he has been elected
by the people he is the victim of the
worst kind Of autocracy"
Opponents Of Berger have been
equally busy. The Good Government
league and the American Legion
posts have waged a hot campaign.
The Loyalty Legion adopted resolu-
tions for Berger's deportation. The
fire has been concentrated on Ber-
gers anti-war stand, his writings
during the war, which resulted in his
conviction, having been freely quot
ed.
Newspapers Bitter.
Perhaps the hottest fight has been
waged in the newspapers, three ar-
ternoon and one morning paper Of the
city daily bombarding Berger, who,
himself, publisher, has replied in
kind in his own afternoon daily.
A year ago when Berger was elect
ed he received 1890 Of the 41,O53
votes cast. Joseph Carney, democrat,
obtained 12,455 and w. H. Stafford.
republican, who had represented the
district for seven terms, received TO-
678. Berger served in congress- in
1911-13, breaking in on Stanford's
regime which began in 19O3-O5.
Interesting Phase.
Another interesting phase in the
campaign was that W. C. label. dis
trict attorney, and reputed as the
best vote getter of the socialist
party, declared for Bodenstab. label
broke with the party shortly after
the end of the war in a controversy
involving heavy assessments against
successful office holders by the coun-
ty Socialist committee.
Bodenstab Is a lawyer and has
served in the state senate.