Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1920-05-13
HELM IN LEAD
FOR SHORT TERM
SEAT IN SENATE
O'NeaI and White Refuse to
Concede Hef|in's Election
However, and Later Re-
turns May Change Result

BIRMINGHAM, Ala, May I'm
complete official returns to the Birm-
ingham News from 35 Of the 81 coun-
ties in the state early this afternoon
gave Senator Underwood a lead of
$3.50 votes over L. B. Musgrove, the
union labor candidate, in the primary
for nomination to the United States
senate.
Estimates from 81 counties give J.
Thomas Heflin lead of approx
mately 5000 over his nearest oppon-
ent, Emmett O'Neal.
Musgrove supporters, however, re-
fused to concede the nomination of
Underwood in the absence of more
complete returns. Judge Samuel D.
Weakley. who ran a poor third, &C
knowledged his defeat.
Neither O'Neal nor White would
concede the nomination of Heflin up
to noon today, and it was possible
that later returns might change the
result in this race.
Underwoods greatest strength
was shown in the northern tier of
Alabama counties and in extreme
south Alabama, according to the
I News. Lauderdale was his chief
, stronghold in the north and Mobile
apparently has given the senator a
majority of not less than 1000. I'm
derwood also is believed to have
carried Jefferson county by approx
mately $50 majority. Mr.. Mus
grove carried his home county Of
Walker by a majority of about l.
900. The strength of Congressman
Heflin for the senate short term
was evenly distributed throughout
the state.
Unofficial returns also indicated
A1abama's five congressman who
were opposed for reelection have
been re-nominated George Huddles-
ecn apparently won in the Ninth
district; Fred l.. Blackmon in the
fourth; w. B. Bankhead, in the
Tenth; S. Hubert Dent in the Sec
ond, and Henry B. Steagall. in the
Third
w. 3. Bowling, on face of SIM
liar unofficial returns compiled by
the News, won out over six oppon-.
ents in the fifth district for the
nomination to succeed Representa-
tive Heflin.
One of the most spectacular
phases of the primary was the ap-
parent victory of A. G. Patterson,
of Albany. over Sam P. Kennedy
and A. Coke Smith, for president of
the public service commission. Mr..
Patterson mad more than doubled
the combined vote Of his opponents
on the face of early returns.
Judge B. M. Miller, of Selma. ap-
parently won one of the nominations
for judge of the supreme court, with
Judges Joel B. Brown and William
H. Thomas, neck and neck for the
other position. E. w. Barrett, pub
Usher of the Age-Herald, was nomi-
mated for Democratic national COM
mitteeman. Nominations in the
Democratic primary are equivalent to
election in this state.
Returns were still coming in slow
ly from the rural districts this morn
ing. On account of a system Of first
and second choice voting, tabulation
of the results was made difficult in
all contests. 1t was possible that the
race for the short term senatorial
nomination would be decided by tho
second choice votes. The ballot was
the longest used in an Alabama cleo
ton in years, containing ninety
names in Jefferson county.
In addition to the nomination of
senate and congressional candidates,
the voters also selected numerous
state, county and municipal officials.
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d NI1