New Britain herald., 1925-12-26

Although politics is usually pi- geonholed at this season of the year, the party managers keep the sub ject constantly in the back of their minds. Discussion of prospective candidates for the republican nom ination for mayor continues to be q topic Of interest In the clubs and between working moments in of fices.
 There Is as much uncertainty con- corning the nomination now as there ever was. The field is being broad ened and every few days the name of some prominent citizen is mem toned in connection with the hope that he will accept the nomination if he is convinced that the party wants him. In this category Is John G. Downes of Munroe street, who, the Observer has been informed, is beng conisdcred by many friends, the Observer has been inform ed, Is being considered by many friends as the logical man 10 lead the G. 0. F. on election day. MT. Downes Is Q illin. contractor. He has been engaged Tn business in this city for a number of years and has been successful. He is well liked in wide circle of acquaintances and IS known to be a man of his word with no one dictating his conduct. MT. Downes has had experience In city affairs as a member Of the board Of public works where he distinguish ed himself by common sense and sound judgment. It is not known whether he would except nomina- tion but a number of influential re- publicans would like to have his ap- proval so they could go out and work for him during the primary campaign.
 Ex-Senator Richard Covert Is also looming up as probability. IL is re- ported that he has strong support. Whether MT. Covert could be elect ed, if nominated, is a question. He is extremely popular. In fact there are few men in politics in this city who have more staunch friends. He is q good fellow in every sense of the word. But it Is possible that his affill- alton with certain leaders of the party would not be helpful to hs candidacy. This does not imply that he would be subservient to them but it is a weakness which much be reckoned with because 1t was one of the factors in bringing about demo- cratic victory two years ago.
 Alderman C. J. Dehm. republican whip in the common council, Is said to be eager to win the nomination. Alderman Dehm has had many years experience in the local political field. He Is familiar with the twists and turns and has been mixed up in many hot campaigns. He is hard worker. so his republican associates say. But he has been so closely iden- tified with the machine" that his strength as a candidate for mayor, if his ambition is considered seriously by the leaders, is of doubtful value. He has been regular" in his every act and, if those who dictate party policy learned a lesson in the cam paign of 1923, they will fight shy of anyone who has been wheel horse of the band wagon.
 Alderman William H. Judd Is mentioned among the possibilities. Tn his case, also, the ghost of 1923 rises and threatens dire things. It is not thought that he can be elected il he gets the nomination.
 Two other well known citizens arc being discussed. Ex- Representative Ernest W. Christ might be prevailed upon to run although he has recent made the assertion that he is not anxious for the nomination. Sena- tor Edward F. Hall Is one of tho most popular men in the field. He is the only man mentioned whose chances of victory are bright. Many republicans would like to see him drafted even though he Is not en- thusiastic about leading the cause.
 It seems to be a foregone conclu. sion that the democratic party vii renominate Mayor Paonessa.