The Bismarck tribune., 1922-03-17
SHAFER TO BE
CANDIDATEF0R'
STATE OFFICE
First Assistant Attorney Gener.
al to Ask Republican Nomina-
tion for Attorney General
JOHNSON NOT TO RUN
Attorney General Confirms
Statement He'll Not Again
Seek That Office

George F. Shafer, first assistant at
torney general, today announced tha
he would ask the Republican nomina
tion for attorney general.
Attorney General SveinbJ0rn John
son confirmed the general under
standing that he would not be can
didate for reelection. SMr. Johnson is
chairman of the Democratic state cen
trail committee, and is understood to
feel that he cannot enter into a fight
which is likely to he chiefly in the Re
publican primary. Many friends have
urged his candidacy for the supreme
bench on nonpartisan ballot.
Mr.. 'Slafer came into the attorney
generals Office with Mr.. johnson, fol.
lowing the recall election, from Wat.
ford City. He is native of North Da.
kota, having been born in Stark coun.
ty in territorial days, graduated from
the University of North Dakota law
school, began practicing law in Shafer
in 1912 and has in the last few years
maintained offices in Watford City, Nc.
Kenzie county, and in Williston.
Defends On Convention.
Mr.. Skaters statement follows:
"Inasmuch as my chief has decided
not to become candidate for re-elec-
tion, | have concluded, in response to
the encouragement. of my friends
throughout the state, to become can
didate for the Republican nomination
for attorney general, subject, however,
to the decision Of the statewide Re.
publican convention. In my Judgment,
a proper regard for the best interests
of the state at this time requires that
any Republican candidate for state Of,
flee, seeking the support Of the inCe.
pendent voters, should be willing to
submit his candidacy to the decision
of the statewide conference of repre-
sentatives, to the end that tle control
of the state government by this admin
istration may be assured, and no un-
necessary risk of losing any nomina-
ton in the primaries, invited. l be-
lieve that the general policies of the
Nestos administration should be ap-
proved and the officials supporting that
administration returned to office this
year. together with legislature com.
posed of the best talent which the
state affords, pledged to a support OF
the laws consistent with the principles
of sound government, an immediate re-
duction Of the public tax burdens, and
in the introduction Of, economy and
efflciency in all departments of the
state. To the accomplishment OF this
task, l would, in cooperation with the
other state officials, whole-heartedly
devote my energies and efforts, SHOULD
the responsibilities of the attorney
generals Office be reposed in me-"
Ask johnson on High Court.
The boom of Mr. Johnson for the
supreme bench was launched formally
by 80 friends at Mountain, Pembina
countain, his home town. Resolutions
were adopted as follows:
whereas, Sveinbjorn Johnson since
his election as attorney general OF the
state Of North Dakota has displayed
exceptional ability and has brought to
hear on the numerous and complicated
problems Of that Office the powers OF
well trained mind, his efforts meeting
with the approval of the great majority
Of the people of the state; and
whereas, the state OF North! Dakota
is in need Of just such man on tae
supreme court of the state of North
Dakota who is fearless and fair ano
whose heart is in sympathy with the
great masses of the common people:
Now, therefore, we, his friends and
neiehbors of his boyhood days in the
vicinity of Mountain, in the county p
Pembina, who have known him as
bov on the farm and have watched with
interest his steady advancement, here
bv endorse Honorable Sveinbjorn john
son for one of the three places on the
supreme court of North Dakota to be
elected tlis year.