Evening star., 1934-05-27
THREE-CORNERED
FIGHT IS FACING
j: OHIO DEMOCRATS
Condition Exists in Both
Senate and Governor
Primary Contests.
Special Dispatch to The Star.

SAA4Os way 1lO
Ohio Democratic primary contests for
United States Senator and Governor,
with three-cornered fight in prog
ress for each Office, are scheduled
to reach a dramatic climax within
the next fortnight when opportunity
for candidates to file closes the sec
ond week in June and the official slate
is announced. Under the campaign
plan of the Democratic National
Committee, Ohio is classed as one
of the doubtful States in the Fall
Election. Chairman Farley indicated
that sharp campaign Is brewing in
Ohio with the State regarded as one
of the backgrounds in the general
election.
Three Fight Fess.
The three outstanding Democrats
who have signifled their desire to
contest the veteran Senator Simeon
D. FeSs, are the present Governor,
George White, serving his second
term; Ex-Governor Vic Donahey,
three times Governor of the Buck
eye State, and Representatives.
Large Charles v. Truax, serving his
first term in Congress. Political
prohphets say that the stage is all
set for lively fight between the
White and Donahey camps over the
tacit Endorsement by the State Ex-
ecutive Committee of the White can
didacy. Donahey's friends declare
they will make their drive against
the White organization because of
what they term unfair tactics in a
primary contest.
The result of this er-party fight
will determine the success of Repre-
sentative Truax's candidacy since the
support of his candidacy does not
come from any particular party group
but largely from the rural sections,
where his open attacks on the
A. A. A. program have gained him
some attention. Political advisers
state that his recent reference to
Secretary Wallace on the floor of the
House has gained him many ad-
mirers, while others freely state that
he is counting displeasure from the
Democrats who are willing to stand
by the farm program for further
trial.
Overshadowing the senatorial con-
test Is the lively gubernatorial prim-
ary fight now being waged by Martin
Luther Davey of Kent, william G.
Pickrel of Dayton, and Charles Saw
yer Of Cincinnati. each representing
widely divergent factions Of the
party.
Sentiment Shifts.
In the past 10 days sentiment has
shifted from one candidate to the
other. A significant cue for the Dem
ocrats to follow in selecting candi-
dates was given at the recent JEFF
ferson day dinner at Dayton, the
principal speaker being former Gov.
James M. CoX-Democratic candi-
date for President in 1920. Be-
fore an audience of more than $500
people, Mr.. Cox, regarded as the un-
official spokesman for the Ohio De-
mocracy, declared ITO the vigilant,
the intelligent, make no mistake.
We must nominate a man who, on
Hection night, can send a telegram
to Franklin D. Roosevelt, in which
he can say that Ohio is unequivo-
cally back of the new deal" Party
leaders point to this statement as an
admonition to back the senatorial
and gubernatorial candidates whose
records show them to be outstand-
ing Roosevelt men.
With a total of six aspirants for
the Republican nomination for Gov
ernor, Republican leaders state there
is q growing feeling that they will
select a strong candidate, and one
who will have a chance to win the
Governorship, because of the i'm
passe in the camps of the Democratic
candidates. Realizing the dangers of
a three-cornered fight, a growing
sentiment has developed among Dem
ocratic leaders in the various COM
munities to concentrate their efforts
in behalf of Representative Brooks
Fletcher Of Marion, whose candidacy
has been gaining momentum since
he was suggested few weeks ago
,as one Of the outstanding men of his
party who could wage forceful cam
paign, and at the same time gain
wide support from the rank and file
OF the voters due to his non-adher-
ence to the so-called political fac
tions in the State. Recently senti-
ment in his behalf was crystaized
by a strong Endorsement broadcast
by the Morrow County Democratic
Executive Committee outlining IL
reasons why Fletcher can be nomin-
eted, and elected Governor.
Causes Controversy.
a Fletcher's candidacy has precipi-
tated a mild controversy among some
Of the leaders of the State and the
eighth congressional a district over
his entry in the gubernatorial con-
test. His congressional hackers point
out that he was overwhelmingly NOM
mated for Congress over three other
candidates In 1882 although he was
5000 miles away because business
engagements kept him out of the
State. They are apprehensive lest his
withdrawal from Congress may re-
suit in the election of Republican
Representative. On the other hand,
put-State leaders are urging Fletcher
as the logical candidate and the
Marion Representative has promised
Q definite decision early in June,
when the result of a Statewide sur
Vey will be made known.
The Republican candidates for
Governor are Frank G. Harrison of
Massillon: Charles E. Haigler of
Washington Court House; G. Nelson
Sparks of Akron; Daniel E. Morgan
and John Elden of Cleveland. and
Clarence J. Brown Of Blanchester.
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