Belington progressive. [volume] (Belington, W. Va.) 1912-1927, 1926-05-20
REPUBLICAN STATE
HEADQUARTERS NEWS
tBy HARRISON W. sMITH)

by HARRISON w. SMITH)
Charleston, May l9-The unwritten
party Law that first-term congress
men shall not have opposition for re-
nomination is evidently not to be
strictly observed by West Virginia
Republicans first years In fact, Greed
5, Simons has already announced his
candidacy in the Third district which
is now represented by John M. VOL
verton. IL is talked considerably in
elarksburg that Eli Leslie Long, now
of that city, but formerly of Welch,
and twice state treasurer, has been
over the Wolverton district and has
about made APP his mind to enter the
race. The Webster Republican last
week carriedta story of an enthusiasts
tic and largely attended meeting Of
the county committee and other in
fluential Webster Republicans and in
which MIR. Wolverton's candidacy for
second term was given very
strong endorsement.
In the Fourth district. Senator
Harvey Marsh, Of Petersburg, Il. M.
Hersman, of Spencer, and James A.
Hughes, of Huntington, win contend
for the nomination on the Republican
ticket and there seems some posi-
bility of Frank p. Meats, of Parkers-
burg, making the contest of four
party affair. Hon. Harry c. Wood
yard, who has so ably and acceptably
represented the district for many
terms, will not be a candidate be-
cause of the condition Of his health.
Representative Frank Bowman, of
the Second district, is also to have
opposition for denomination, minis
TER whose name for the present esq
eapes the memory of your correspond
ent having announced.
Candidates. for the campaign Of
1928 are being freely discussed by the
press of the state as we'll as by
friends of prospective or possible
candidates. Probably at the forefront
at this time is that Of DIR. Henry ID.
Hatfield, Of Huntington, whose friends
say he is candidate for the Repub-
ican nomination for the United States
senate. But the former governor him
self keeps discreetly silent as to his
ambitions along this line. In connec-
tion with this office there is also the
interesting rumor that Governor Nor
gan may be contender, although he
too has said nothing SO far.
West Virginia Democrats to the
number of Ia were guests at dinner
last week in Baltimore to get ac-
quaintod with Governor Ritci,ie, *
Maryland. Percy Byrd, of Clarksburg,
headed the company and said he be-
lieved that a Democratic candidate of
the type of either AL Smith or Richie
could carry West Virginia. Mr.. Byrd
said: I'VE want man who stands
four-square on state rights, who
knows and believes in the principle
and is not afraid to say So" Among
others present at this gathering were
Louis Johnson and Lynn S. Homer, of
Clarksburg, and Johnson c. Mckinley,
coal baron, Of Wheeling.
A Wheeling newspaper states that
quite boom developed in that city
last Week for l. Wade Coffman for
governor in 1923 at the big Masonic
doing in which Mr. Coffman was
participant. Mr.. Coffman is widely
and favorably known over the state
as former clerk of the United States
court in the Northern district and
now member Of the public service
commission.
The plans for the second unit Of the
new capitol building are expected 20
be in the hands of Governor Gore and
the building commission this week and
it is expected that bids for the con-
struction will shortly be published
There seems to be a very general SEN
timent that construction of this
should begin.
The water power commission adj
journed last week to await another
call from Governor Gore and further
consideration of the tentative bill af-
ter amendments shall have been con-
sidered. The governor has not indi-
Gated as to whether there will be
special session of the legislature and
sentiment continues to be divided on
that matter. Newspapers as we'll as
the general public cannot agree as to
the advisability of special session.
Public sentiment seems to be against