Imperial Valley press., 1932-06-23
Editorial Page
and
Features
SWING WITHDRAWS

WHILE announcement by Congressman
w Phil D. Swing that he has withdrawn
as a candidate for the United States SEN
ate on the Republican ticket comes as a
distinct disappointment to his many
friends who were hoping to support him
at the polls, reflection on existing condi-
tions will undoubtedly convince them
that he has adopted the wisest course.
The reasons given for his withdrawal
by the congressman are good reasons
and in line with what might be expected
from one who values his personal opin-
ion and self-respect above political eX-
pediency.
Like many other stauncn Republicans,
whose leanings may be either wet OF
"dry" with reference to prohibition, he
refuses to accept the plank adopted at
Chicago, which is a 'straddle' on this
important question. Men who are sin
cere cannot help but feel that a plank
advocating either firm adherence to the
18th amendment or out and out repeal,
is to be preferred to the one adopted.
Swing is sincere in his views and his re-
fusal to ''straddle" is commendable.
He is again absolutely right in declar-
ing that the issue of prohibition has been
permitted to overshadow and sidetrack
''the need for aggressive and direct ac-
ton to attack the grave problems which
threaten our economic and political in
stitutions."
His refusal to go contrary to his own
beliefs on national legislation has caused
him to be denied the support of influen-
tial papers on the coast, without which
he feels his campaign could not be sue
cessful. He voted for the payment of
ha bonus fOY bo do
sires of the Republican leaders, for which
he was editorially chastised by some
metropolitan papers.
In his withdrawal statement Swing
declares that - years in congress have
left him a poor man. He might have said
that II years of devoted and loyal at
tention to the needs of the people of his
district, have left him poor man. His
fight for Colorado river legislation was
carried on in the face of odds as great
as any piece of national legislation ever
faced. For this alone. Imperial Valley
and the entire Southwest owe him debt
that can never be paid.
For II years he has represented a dis
trict larger in area and more diversified
in interests than any other in the coun-
try. The same loyal service that was
given to Imperial county was also ex-
tended TO San Diego, Riverside, San Bef-
nardino, Orange, Inyo and Mono coun-
ties. No congressman was ever more 10y
ally interested in his constituents, re-
gardless of their place of residence in his
district, or their party affiliations.
Swings statement is frank and cour-
ageous and having refused to seek re-
nomination for his present office he can
retire from Washington with his head up
and the knowledge that he has been true
to himself.
1t is to be earnestly hoped that his de-
cision does not mean permanent with
drawal from public life. This would be
indeed a pity and a political loss which
California could i'll afford. This state
owes too much to Phil Swing to permit
him to go into the discard at a time
when his worth to California is at its
maximum.
Time for a rest and an opportunity to
rehabilitate his personal fortune may be
essential, but Phil Swings brains, his
integrity and his knowledge of public
affairs are too important to be over
looked.
AS one of the original newspapers to
sponsor his campaign for the senate,