Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1920-07-25
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Santa Fe. July 24.--With q ring
Of war in his voice Gov. O. A.
Larrazolo today bade defiance to
his opponents and entered upon an
active campaign for denomination
and reelection, with the above
program nailed to his battle flag.
BY his action he made a radical
departure from his policy In every
political battle of his career, He
has never before sought an office
in an active campaign.
Spurred by the outstanding de-
fects of our governmental system
in New Mexico as he has seen them
from inside the governors office,
he has allowed the public needs to
eclipse his personal preferences In
the matter and has declared open
warfare upon the evils which he
believes to exist
The governor expresses the
opinion that his personal successes
are [of little consequence TO the
people but believes that his ex-
perience, has qualified him to know
the needs of the state, He seeks
rer onination that he may serve
the people in correcting defects.
The announcement oreatea sho
greatest political sensation of many
years in the capital Old timers
rubbed their eyes and asked II the
new day for New Mexico had really
arrived Were issues instead of
the personal ambitions OF men to
command the attention Of the
voters of New Mexico?
For candidate for office to APP
peal directly to the people upon a
program for their endorsement,
impressed people as novel
Old politicians, who feared the
crumbling of the old system of
back room combinations In maxi
ing nominations. shook their heads.
Yet none could dispute that the
courage of the governor was su-
perb and that his policy of going
direct to the people was highly
proper Most people designated it
as highly desirable as well as
highly proper.
Practically every one conceded
that the coup of the governor had
put his enemies to utter rout, ItI
Is generally believed here that no
effective combination can be or
ganiZed against him and that his
action today assures his renomi-
ination.
It was pointed out that oppo-
sition to him would be opposition
to his program None will prob
ably dare to jeopardize party sue
cess in November by attempting
to commit the party as being
against progress
The fact Is well understood here
that the democrats will adopt n
liberal platform at their conven-
tion. A stand pat republican plat
form would forebode almost Ger
tain defeat for the republicans.
Many felt that the governor had
not only saved himself but that he
had saved his party also this fall
by being the first candidate with
the courage of his convictions.
That the action of the governor
puts New Mexico politics on a new
pane was tit ditiioSN u'i''i1di
verdict here.
The governors announcement in
full follows:
1T is neither an easy nor a
pleasant task for man who has
passed the meridian of life, to de-
part from a line of conduct con-
sistently observed until II has be-
come almost as sacred to him as,
his religious convictions.
II is known to the people OF this
state that never. since | came to
reside in New Mexico, in January,
1895, have asked for a nomina-
ton as a candidate to public Of
flee, and had cherished the fond
hope that | would never be called
upon to do so.
Conditions In life, however, so
shape themselves, from time to-
time, as to compel us to change
our course in order to perform our
duty, as we understand 1t.
After consulting with loyal
friends who, know have at heart
the interests of the stale, and the
success of the republican party ana
for reasons not necessary mere toI
enumerate, 1t has been decided u Isl
my duty to the state and to the
party. as well, that ! publicly an
nounce myself as a candidate Tor
re election to the office OF governor
of the state. Accordingly, moves
by these considerations, and not by
any personal ambition, ! announce
myself as a candidate for re-elec..
ton to the position of governor OF
the state of New Mexico, subject 10
the action of the state republican
In order that my candidacy may
be properly brought before the peo-
pie. and that they may understand
the reasons that have actuated me,
| submit the following brief pro-
gram of principles, for the consid-
GRAFTON Of the people OF the state,