The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-11-04
"WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1ssl
Old Guard Triumphs

( The aftermath of the triumphal march of sthe democratic party through the three arg- lest cities of Connecticut yesterday will come with the meeting of the democratic state central committee probably within the next ,smonth or six weeks. In Hartford and New Haven candidates who were definitely aligned with what democrats are pleased to term the old guard group of the party ran up tre- mendous majorities to overcome their op- ponents New Haven's new mayor, former Alderman John w. Murphy led the proees- sion with marvellous 9,339 majority. In Hartford William J. Rankin was winner by 5,39l votes. In Bridgeport Mayor Buck ingham was returned to office by majority Of 2.640.
 |. In New Haven Mayor-Elect Murphy had the personal endorsement and support ot ex-Mayor 'Davy' Fitzgerald. In hot primary battle the new mayor defeated State Senator William H. Haekett for the nomi- nation in what virtually amounted to eee- fion. The republican party of New Haven has been badly disrupted for the past two years. Of course. Mir Fitzgeralds return to power as evineed by his candidates brilliant showing is bound to have some effect on the choice of new state chairman. The same holds for Hartford where Mir Rankin was elected. His nomination was secured through the aid of former National Committeeman Thomas J. Spelacy. The Spellaey-Fitz- gerald regime seems to have regained the ground it lost when Governor Cross insisted on naming his own state chairman. It re- mains to be seen what it can do with the state central committee.
 4 The election in Bridgeport we consider the most unusual this state has had in quite some years. Running second to Mayor Buckingham was Jasper McLevy, well known socialist candidate for diverse politi- cal offices. Mayor Buekingham's plurality was 2.640. The republican candidate ran third, being close to 5000 votes behind the successful candidate. McLevy has had varied political career in Bridgeport for the part 20 years. He has run for mayor eleven times. this time being his most successful. In 1930 he was the socialist candidate for governor. He made good campaign this year. contributions aiding considerably. To analyze the Bridgeport situation would take some study to our way of thinking.
 Fairfield county was once a reputable republican stronghold. but of recent years has gone completely berserk. Its democratic tendencies are now coupled with strong socialistic swing, although we won't be convinced that the latter means anything un- til state or national election. It is quite possible that Jasper McLevys showing in Bridgeport was not SO much due to his so- eialistic standing. but to dissatisfaction with both democratic and republican parties in the city. Bridgeport is in desperate plight according to all reports. There were five candidates in the field for the mayoralty. In such a disturbed state of affairs anything might happen Next year may tell a diff ferent story as far as the socialist party of Bridgeport is concerned At any rate Con- neetieut. once regarded as safely republican. will certainly be placed in doubtful column in 1932. It looks like democratic weather in the offing.