The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1927-09-29
BY PAUL r. MALLON
United Press stan Correspondent


WASHINGTON, Sept. 29.-Re-
publicans and Democrats of the
Central West are split dozen ways
over their prospective presidential
candidates for 1928, political sur
vey by United Press bureaus in
dictates.
More Republican candidates are
discussed seriously in that district
than there are States, anG none is
reported as controlling the situa-
ton.
The division of opinion centers
chiefly around former Governor
Frank o. Lowden of Illinois, Secre-
tary of Commerce Herbert Hoover
and Vice President Charles q.
Dawes, with party independents
talking of supporting Senator
George w. Norris of Nebraska.
There also are many favorite sons.
Opinion Widely Divided
Democrats distribute their senti-
ment among Governor Al Smith OF
New York, Senator James A. Reed
of Missouri, and such local favor
ties as Governor Vic Donahey Of
Ohio, Evans Woollen of Indiana
and others.
Never at this point in pre-con-
vention campaign has there been
such divergence of opinion in both
parties in this "bread basket Of
America" A swing to any one Of
the candidates by the West before
convention time may be the deci-
sive action necessary for a nomina-
ton.
The situation in Ohio, mother Of
Presidents, is rather typical of the
other States. Ohio Republicans
have Speaker Nicholas Longworth
as favorite son, although he may
not even obtain the delegation be-
cause dry leaders do not like his re-
ported dampness. Hughes is said
to have strong backing as against
Hoover. Representative Jim Begg
of Sandusky is being discussed as
a second favorite son. But the trend
is nowhere definite.
Many FavOrite Sons
The Democratic situation is as
unsettled. Governor Donahey, a
favorite son, may receive the delega-
tion if he asks for it. Although
Newton Baker, former secretary OF
war, is looked upon as possible
successor to the nationwide Nc
Adoo strength. Senator Pomerene
dropped out of the discussion after
his senatorial defeat, and little
boosting is heard for Reed. Smith
does not figure in the picture, lead
ers say.
In Indiana, Democrats under
Thomas Taggart, are centering or
Evans Wooden, Indianapolis banker
and steering away from the Smith
and Reed movements. =
Republicans are too involved In
State politics just now to think
about a presidential race, although
it is said Senator jim Watson
hardly will seek the delegation as
had been expected.
Illinois has two Republican
favorite sons, Lowden and Dawes
They are close personal friends, and
present reports indicate Lowden
may obtain the lions share Of the
delegation which later in the con-
vention may go to Dawes if Lowden
fails of nomination.
George Brennan, Democratic lead
err. Il keeping quiet, but it is known
he is prepared to bring a major
portion of his State delegation to
the next convention pledged to
Smith. Downstate Democrats are
expected to give their votes to a
dry.
Lean Various Directions
Governor Fred w. Green, Repub-
lican, of Michigan, said he PERSONAL
ly favors a delegation pledged to
Hoover if Coolidge is definitely out
of the race.
ST believe the President meant
Just what he said in his I do not
choose statement, but also believe
if the unanimous call is made for
him he cannot refuse" Green said.
Former Governor Groesbeck leans
toward Lowden, while Chase Os-