Evening star., 1935-11-16
G.O,P.L|BERAL|z|NG.
HELD BORAH'S AIM
Roosevelt Declares Norris
Necessary in Senate
Throughout Life.
Nv ihe Annotated Press.

BY the Associated Press.
Senator Borah's definite objective"
for 1885 was put down by political
observers today as an effort TO
"liberalize" the Republican party and
prevent the so-called "Old Guard"
from controlling the National con-
vention.
The Idaho Republican told reporters
yesterday that whether he enters he
primaries himself as a presidential
candidate depends on developments 4"
Borah's comments were one Of thee
developments illustrating increasing
interest in the 1885 campaign wars.
The others we're:
/. An extraordinary pronounce
ment by President Roosevelt that
Senator Norris, Republican Of Nc
braska, was necessary "ir the Senate
not only to Nebraska but to the United
States as long as he lives"
Warning from Lucas.
q A warning by Robert H. Lucas.
who was executive director of the
Republican National Committee dur
ing part of the Hoover administia-
ton, that unless a fortnight and
courageous National Republican
leadership arouses the old-time fire"
the party may suffer general defeat .
Borah, in press conference, said he
had given some hint of his objective
in a recent interview at Boise. in which
it was emphasized he was not so much
interested in the nomination for him.
self as in seeing a liberal candidate
chosen and a Progressive platform
adopted.
Parrying all direct questions about
his own candidacy, Borah also refused
TO discuss other personalities. In reply
to questions about Herbert Hoover. ne
said he did not know what was in his
mind, but that the former President IS
friends were working for his nomina-
ton"
rs Gov. Landon OF Kansas a can
didate?" Borah was asked.
1T looks rather suspicious" he re-
piled.
Queried regarding Republican chances
in the West, the Idahoan said:
THE best answer can give TO that
is If the election were held this year,
Roosevelt would carry the West"
President Roosevelt's unqualified in
dorsement Of Norris raised questions
as to what would happen in Nebraska
next year.
For months, prospective candidates
have hesitated, waiting to find out what
Norris would do. They took with un-
certainty reports he would retire. Then
came Norris denial he had made up
his mind.
Some Democratic leaders have been
in a quandry for months although
Senator Burke Of Omaha. one Of the
titular leaders Of the party, announced
he thought Norris should be reelected
without opposition. Some Democrats
felt their party ticket would be
stronger in Nebraska with Norris a
candidate than without him. Some,
however, want to 60 down the line
for straight party ticket with reg
ular Democrat for Senator.
Problem for Democrats.
II Norris runs as an independent
the Democrats would face the prob
lem of deciding whether to nominate
candidate of their own and back
him in the face of the Presidents
definite espousal Of Norris or to link
Norris and Roosevelt in a joint DEM
ocratic- Independent campaign.
With Nebraska's wide-open system
Of primary filings. it appeared certain
some one would obtain the formal
Democratic nomination, a problem to
perplex the party's leaders If they
should decide to support Norris.
Lucas, in declaring the Republican
party must have the "oldtime" fire,
said the recent Kentucky guberna-
torial fight, won by A. B. Chandler,
Democrat, was alarming proof OF
the low ebb TO which the fighting
spirit Of the Republican organization