River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1923-07-26

issue. Dry Progressive leaders who
are in a majority in the senate, do
aot like what they call the governors
filtration with the vets. Their dis
content is founded on Gov. Blaino's
support of the Sachtjen bill to repeal
the search and seizure clause of the
Severson act, and on some of his
appointments.
Lieut.. Gov. Comings might satisfy
the La Toilette drys, but there are
others leaders who are reported to
have ambitions. Among them are
Speaker Dahl and Senator H. j. Sew
erson. Either would make guberna-
torial timber. Secretary of State
Fred L. Zimmerman has also been
mentioned, but he disavows any de-
signs on the governorship.
johnson May Try Again
The split may not extend to all
state offices. No one is mentioned
to oppose State Treasurer Sol Levi
tan, though Levitan may be given an
other battle by Henry Johnson, whom
he defeated last year Mr.. Johnson
feels that except for unusual political
conditions he would have won and he
thinks these conditions will have been
wiped out by the next campaign.
Assemblyman Clinton B. Price,
Mansion, would like to succeed to
the office of attorney general, but he
can do this only at the expense of
Herman L. Ekern, one of Mr.. La
Follette's most trusted lieutenants.
Mr.. Price has had very close relations
with Gov. Blaine. He is said to be
closer to the governor than is Mr..
Ekern. Besides, Mr.. Ekern is pro-
nounced dry. Mr.. Prices entry into
the fight would produce an interesting
angle that would involve several of
the leaders in the Progressive move
ment.
Kuckuk to Fore
Among Conservatives who have
distinguished themselves during the
session, Senator Anton Kuckuk takes
leading place. Senator Kuckuk is
shrewd and conciliatory, but is also
a good fighter when the occasion pre-
sents ITSELF. He knows how to take
advantage of situation. The Blaine
faction made bad tactical error
when it placed him on the finance
committee. 1t was a vantage point
which he did not fail to use.
When the Blaine men took advan-
tage of small committee attendance
to report the administration tax bill
favorably, Senator Kuckuk threw
them into confusion by an attack
which compelled the senate to re-refer
the bill, whence it emerged the sec
ond time with an adverse report. He
prepared the financial statements that
proved the lack of necessity for tax
revision.
Read Out of Movement
While Senator Kuckuk is politically
classed with the Conservatives, he
helped to pioneer the Progressive
movement. For years he directed
successful La Toilette campaigns in
Shawano county, and he entertains
the same ideas he did while he was in
the ranks. He is one of the early
leaders read out of the movement
for not indorsing La Follette's war
activities.
To be reckoned with in the COVER
norship contest is former Speaker
Merlin Hull, Black River Falls. Mr..
Hull is saying nothing, but it is known
that he has never relinquished his
ambition. He is a pronounced dry
and favorite among the farmers.
Senator j. L. Barber, of Marathon,
who is only half way through his first
term, would like to preside over the
senate next time as lieutenant gov
ernor, according to his associates.
Mr.. Barber would help fill out the
Blaine slate-Milwaukee Journal.