Evening star., 1934-07-08

Two years ago Farley considered it
hopeless to attempt to capture such
a Republican bulwark Roosevelt and
the National Committee gave Michi-
gan Democrats no aid until the clos
ing drive Of campaign which was
already won by their own efforts.
1t was Michigan that turned the
tide against Woodrow Wilson by elect
ing Truman H. Newberry, Senator,
giving Republicans one-vote margin
in organizing the Senate, when ne
had such a redoubtabIe an opponent
as Henry Ford, the motor magnate.
Scandals attached to that election
later forced the Newberry resignation,
but not until after Republicans mad
gained the aScendancy.
Bitter contests are faced by both
parties in the primary election sep
tember IL.
Internal diSSention seemingly is the
main threat to Democratic doml-
nance. Battles over patronage. lack
OF harmony between the national ad-
minlStratlon and the regime OF Gov.
William A. Comstock and criticisms
u oil CAl4C CA1C 44OCA amy Al HnA AOA4o
and paroles are among the hurdles TO
be overcome.
Although half a dozen names nave
been mentioned, the Democrats are
still without torcetul candidate Tor
Senator. True, State Labor Commls-
sioner Claude S. Carney is running.
but he did not demonstrate convincing
vote -garnerlng ability in the guperna-
torlaI primary two years ago, when ne
finished last in a three-man field.
Democrats doubt his ability to take
the measure Of Vandenberg, vigorous
and popular campaigner, a man OF
ability and leadership, VINO Is unop-
posed by Republicans for renomlna-
ton. And because Vandenberg has
occasionally been mentioned as a MID
west leader capable or coping with
President Roosevelt himself two years
hence, the administration Will move
heaven ana earth TO eliminate MN
now.
Senatorial Aces in Hole.
Frank Picard, forceful chairman OF
the Liquor Control Commission, ana
Frank Murphy, Governor General OF
the Philippines, former mayor OF De-
troit, peppery and With unquestloned
metropolitan appeal, are two Demo-
cratic senatorial aces IN the hole, puI
neither is anxious 70 run.
Another Democratic complication is
an open break between the State ad-
ministration and Michigan's 10 Demo-
cratic Representatives. Peace efforts
having failed, punitive Sorties into
various congressional districts have
been discussed, with the prospect of
much guerilla warfare.
Gov. Comstock, who was drafted to
carry the Democratic standard two
years ago, has two aggressive rivals,
former Judge Arthur J. Lacy of De-
troit and Auditor General John K.
Stack, jr. Their continuance offers
the possibility of splitting opposition
to ComStock and overtures have been
in progress which may produce an un-
derstanding and teaming of the pair
in the senatorial and gubernatorial
fields, respectively. Even the anti
Comstock Representatives are divided
between Lacy and Stack for Governor.
One element of uncertainty persists
in the Republican gubernatoriaI camp
which already has three candidates,
Frank D. Fitzgerald, secretary OF State,
whose survival of the Democratic
landslide attests to his popularity:
Representative Clarence j. Mcleod,
six-term Detroit Representative, who
achieved large attention in the last
session by sponsoring legislation for
the relief Of bank depoSitors, and Or
Ian F. Bailey, hitch-hiking farmer
candidate, an also ran OF two years
ago.