The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1928-03-16
HOOVER ENTRY
STIRS Indiana
G. 0. P. TUMULT
Governor Candidates Find
Selves in Quandary
Over Issues.
DOUBTFUL ABOUT STAND
Several Are Deferred by
Watson Machine Power
in State.
BY ROBERT BEARD

BY ROBERT BEARD
Nineteen gubernatorial candidates
found themselves crowded out of the
Hoosier political spotlight this week
by discordant duet of Republican
presidential aspirants, Herbert Clark
Hoover, characterized as IAN oppor-
tunity for Indiana" and Senator
James Eli Watson, billed as Indi-
ana'S faVorite son.
Eight candidates for the Demo-
cratic nomination for Governor took
the loss of the Indiana political ear
with less concern than did their
eleven Republican rivals. For Dem
ocratS, so long as Evans Woollen is
their presidential choice, speak
kindly of the Indianapolis banker,
and theoretically have the impair
tial regard Of the Democratic State
organization.
With no reason to alter their
opinion that corruption is the big
issue in Indiana Democratic
gubernatorial candidates continued
to berate super government, Ste
phensonism, official misdemeanor,
Governor Ed JackSon's administra-
ton, George V. Coffin control and
the Public Service Commission.
Turmoil in G. o. p.
Hoover's entry as WatSon's oppo-
nent for the presidential preference
vote of the state, however, is more
than diversion for eleven Repub-
lican candidates, and, in fact, for all
Republican office seekers in the
State who are counting the approba-
ton of the Republican State organ
ization.
For the Republican State commit
tees Endorsement of Senator Wat
sons candidacy is construed as an
appropriate criterion for all Repub-
lican candidates anent the presi-
Dental race.
Were the old line Republicans alb
solutely certain of Watson beating
Hoover in the primary, there would
be no cause for nervousness, say the
political observers. But with the
evidence unmistakable that conSid-
cradle Hoover sentiment exists in
the State and that it is growing,
some Republican Office seekers are
wondering if it would not be ex-
pedient to be in such position as to
make lastminute jump into Hoo
ver's band wagon.
Creates Real Stir
The local situation is indicative
Of the situation throughout the
State. Not only are pro-organiza-
ton candidates and workers con-
cerned about Hoover's candidacy,
but thousands of voters who are
impelled by the desire to be on the
winning side.
They want to be numbered with
him, if he goes over; but for the
present. at least. they are hesitant
about taking step that would bring
| them into the ill favor of Watson
Republican organization leaders if
Watson should triumph.
1t is too early to judge Hoover's
Indiana strength with any degree
of accuracy. Potentially, it is con-
coded to be great and it will gain
in momentum as the more daring
Republican leaders announce their
utilization with his cause.
Enrollments are mounting in the
Hoover-for-P President clubs through
out the State, to provide this evil
dence.
Although admitting they now are
forced into a lot of Indiana cam
paign work they would have liked
to avoid, Watson hackers are re-
building WatSon's primary organ
ization of 1926. determined to accord
their favorite a 100000 majority
over Hoover Watson beat Claris
Adams by 10000 votes for the sena-
torial nomination in 1926.
Hot Primary Certain
With Hoover headquarters deter
mined to parallel WatSons organ
ization, a task which the Watson
forces declare impossible before May
8, it Is certain that the primary
election will be one of the hottest
political fights Indiana has had in
years.
The senior Senator has announced
his intention of making a number
Of speeches in the State, while Hoo
Ver's plans in this direction are I'M
certain. The Secretary of Com
merce may rely uponshis supporters
for oratory, as he relied upon their
advice, in entering the contest.
1ndiana's thirty three votes in the
National Republican convention are
at stake. They go to the winning
candidate, so long as his name re-
mains before the convention. His
withdrawal in the national conven-
ton would free them to vote the
sentiment of their respective dis
tricts.
Mind After Death Lives?