The Coconino sun., 1926-09-17
FOR THE PARTY OR THE STATE?

The Tucson Star under the heading of "Incon-
sistency in Party Politics. says editorially:
Arizona has just witnessed one of the incon-
sistencies of party government
During the campaign which has just closed
with the nomination of Governor Hunt, many
charges were hurled back and forth Mr.. Hunts
opponents entered the race for governorship be-
cause they and their supporters believed Hunt
and Huntism were unsatisfactory to the state
and undemocratic in principle. If they had fully
approved of Hunt and Huntsm, they would not
nave spent generously of their time and effort to
defeat him at the polls.
When Governor Hunt rolled up his majority,
b. Z. ELlinwood his opponent, showed his sports
manshlp by telegraphing the victor that he
would "of course, support the straight demo-
cratic ticket, and added, IF may be of service
IN your campaign, please command me-
in addition to good sportsmanship, Ellinwood
showed that he good democrat, according
TO the dictates of party principles-but in party
principle there often are inconsistencies which
can not possibly be denied The champion of
party politics, however, will overlook, or explain
away, these Inconsistencies and remain loyal to
the party.
A primary contest is case of political par
ty washing its dirty linen before the electorate,
and when anyone criticiZeS that party for the
spots hung in the back yard, then the party, like
family, puts up united front against its op-
ponent
has the good of the state at heart more than
the good of the party, the spots cannot be
overlooked. They were there before the pri-
mary campaign began, they are there when
the campaign is closed
All, there's the rub all quoted in the last SEN
tence. Are we "for the good of party or for the
good Of the state?"
While it is usually called good craftsmanship
Tor primary candidates of a party to congratu-
late and offer support to the winning candidate
how can it be possible that two men holding
dIametricaly opposite views as to the best in
terests OF the taxpayers of the state, come to-
gether on common ground after the primaries
are over?
Contending within a party as to party princi-
pies TO be followed, is well and good and should
blnd oil to accept the will OF the majority
But a contention to how best govern a state
IN the interest of the voting g-taxpaying-stock-
holders, as against extravaganza, increased tax
rates and acknowledgements, is putting the party
above the people.
Complaining bitterly as to excessive taxes is
not limited to any one political party but COM
planning bitterly because you or your friends are
not getting fat jobs, is confined to the party in
power.
Ihe great burning question seems to be wheth-
en- the taxpayers should help increase their taxes
by helping indignant friends to fat offices with
rev duties and many assistants to help them
or vote for some sucker who is willing to work
without press agent and corps of assistants
paid by the state.
Those who hope to make an easy political liv
ng through their political efforts are fully iusti
Iled IN forgetting the interests of the taxpayinp
pubic and for boosting for the person or party
regardless Of principle, who will do them the
most good