The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1922-02-19
Pot Pourri
A weekly column Of politi-
cal dope gathered from
Oklahoma activities.

Politics became complex in Okla
homa last week, entering the most
critical phase since statehood for the
democratic party
With the multiplication of Difficult
ties for the democratic party republi-
can activity has increased. The CUB
ernatorial campaign at least showing
signs of life
George Schwabe and Alva Niles are
outstanding candidates for governor
on the republican ticket. Neither has
announced but activity of their friends
bellies the report that neither is seek
ing prefermcnt.
Hugh Scott is finding favor in some
quarters. Just what his backing is
no one knows. He is popular with
legion men, however, and his boom
no doubt will gather enough momen-
tum to make him a genuine contender
il he enters the race.
Friends of Ed Overholser Of Oklaho-
ma and Ed Vaught insist that either
would make an admirable candidate.
At the present time neither has shown
indications of being ready 10 shy a
hat into the ring.
On one point there is fairly general
agreement. Big Jim Harris, republi-
can national committeeman will not
be the nominee.
Had it not been for the present
disturbance within democratic part,
ranks II Is not improbable that he
might have been given the nomina-
ton as a compliment with the double
barreled purpose OF removing him from
the political arena by defeat.
AS 1t Is republican leaders. glee-
fully rubbing their hands while they
watch Okmulgee' burn. will take no
chance on wasting Il golden opportu-
nifty on Harris who is persona non
grata with the administration in
Washington.
The democratic debacle has preci.
plated serious situation. There has
been no party activity in the past
week. Leaders have been running to
advisors in all parts of the state in
order TO ascertain the swing OF The
weather vane.
There has been no defense OF the
democratic state house administration.
Many newspapers point out that there
ara men In the state capital who are
above suspicion. Few openly attack
the governor.
There is unmistakable sentiment.
however. that the democratic party
must Immediately reaffirm its belief
in clean government with Il promise
10 how TO the line and let the heads
fall where they may.
Even the strong republican Tulsa
World admits that the okmulgee situ
alton Is not political. II confesscs
that there are honest men In the
state house and urges that the issue
be kept above politics In the interest
Of good government.
In this the democratic newspapers
OF the state concur. There IL, how.
over. almost universal sentiment
against either condemnlng the gov.
crnor or approving his administration
until the courts have had an oppor-
tualty TO act.
II has boen duh, dark week and
drenry for the democratic nominees.
Not one of the -four avowcd candidates
for governor ON the democratic ticket
has spoken word In defense OF the
governor and $. J.. Freezing.
Not a one has asked even for mod.
Grafton and suspension of judgment.
Indeed one candidate. Il. Il. How.
ard, has launched broad side at
tho administration. He ~ openly
criticising Robertson. In this he Is
supported by the strong Tulsa Tribune
which II sponsoring his campaign with
,ls much space as he demands.
Tho Tulsn World is carrying n bit
100 AZ i0bl lUf liiNhN
campaign being made against Tom
owen mny force him to withdraw,
that he Is dead.
The Ardmoreitc has indicated that
he will withdraw but not for any such
sinister reason Ms republican papers
assign.
The one thing that will keep him in
the race IL insinuation OF this type,
Tom owen Is no coward He is two
listed chunk OF dynamite when in
action.
II the republicans really want owen
In the race they should repeat this
insinuation about him few times
more.
Then he would stay.