The Washington times., 1934-09-08
Politicians
Framing
AlibiS
(Continued from Page ~

Republicans are ready to brand
the election as without national
significance" should their reSpec-
tive candidates lose. Both are
ready to acclaim it a great ma
tional victory, highly significant
of what is to be expected in No
vember, if their respective candl'
dates win.
Both Sides in Doubt
But with the campaign conclud-
ing today, there was notable
dearth Of prediction as to the re-
suit. Both sides more or less for
mally claimed victory.
Actually, neither the Republi-
cans or Democrats are able to
make any prediction, for the old
political signposts are down. There
are elements in the campaign this
year that make it highly inadvis,
able for any political prognostica-
tor to risk his reputation by say
ing in advance what the Down
casters" are likely to do.
One of these elements is the pot
of money which the Administra-
ton has allotted to Maine for ire
covery" purposes, about $4,000, 900
having been sent into the State,
lust as the campaign got under
way, for highway construction.
The Republicans, Of course, are
charging that the road building
funds constitute simply a cam
paign fund for the Democratic
governor, Louis j. Brann. They
are maintaining that the $4,000
600 was sent to Maine simply to
assure his reelection and the cleo
ton of those who are running on
the same ticket with him.
Other States Affected
Similar charges can be expected
to be made in other States as the
congressional campaign gets un-
der way. 1t is inevitable that the
"outs" should regard the use Of
Federal money for relief in the
States as an effort to keep the
"ins" in.
The Maine campaign has cen
tered around the reelection OF
Governor Brann over Alfred K.
Ames, the Republican gubernato-
rial candidate. There have been
many avowed Withdrawals from
the Republican ranks in favor OF
Governor Brann, many leading
Republicans taking the stand that
in his term as governor Mr.. Brann
has proved his ability ana de-
serves reelection.
The Republicans, on the other
hand, have had a difficult time
with Mr.. Ames. Although per
sonally above reproach, and with
a business record which ordlna-
rily would augur well for his ad-
ministration, Mr.. Ames is not re-
garded as a strong campalgner.
He is a poor speaker, and most
of the campaign. as lar as ora
tory is concerned. has been car
ried on for the Republicans by
Senator Hale, Representative Car
oil L. Beedy, and the aspirants
for the two seats held by Demo
Gratis in the House.
Brann Avoids New Deal
Governor Brann, however, de-
spite the aid which has been
given him by the use OF special
Federal funds in the State, has
steadfastly refrained from max
ing the New Deal an issue.
The Republicans have carried
the fighting into Governor
Brann's territory on this issue.
They have made the experiments
and theories of the New Dealers
their principal subject in
speeches. They have openly
charged that "relief money"
spent in the State was meant to
be relief money for distressed
Democratic candidates.
If figures on past elections in
Maine mean anything, the Re
publicans should win. If they
fail to do so the result will be a
severe blow to their aspirations
for making an appreciable dent
in Administration power in the
November election. On the other
hand, if the Democrats win, even
by small majority, they will
have accumulated heavy am
munition which can be used in
other States in the Congressional
campaign.
Regardless of what happens,
the alibiS are ready.