The Washington times., 1936-02-17
VIRGINIA FACES
H0TCONGRESS
CONTESTS

Two political storms, the direc-
ton and ultimate force Of which
are as yet undetermined, are brew.
ing in Virginia.
While processing to be urA-
alarmed-at least this early-at
the prospects Of election trouble,
two Representatives from the Old
Dominion are already keeping
within jumping distance Of the
storm cellar.
One political disturbance Is
blowing up from Southwest Vir'
gtnia. This has Rep. John w.
Flanagan, jr., Cd, scanning the
political skies astutely.
Flanagan has announced Dem.
ocratic and Republican opposition
facing him for reelection. Th0
Democrats have r. p. Bruce, and
the Republicans will further com.
phcate matters with Luther Fuller,
Commonwealth Attorney Of Rus.
sell county, as their congressional
candidate.
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The Ninth district probably will
be the scene Of the hottest fight
at the polls. While Representa-
tive Flanagan feels confident he
viii emerge the ultimate victor
at the convention and general
election. informed circles say that
the organizing strength Of Bas-
comb Slemp in driving the Re
publican wedge will be felt heav.
lily.
In the Second district, Repre-
sentative Colgate w. Darden is
preparing for a serious fight for
reelection.
Here they are watching the
maneuverS of Publisher Norman
Hamilton, source Of the anti.
Byrd machine opposition. Ham.
nton, who was collector Of the
port Of Norfolk under Woodrow
Wilson, has not as yet definitely
announced his candidacy for the
primaries. This will be decided
one way or the other in June.
Widely Known Here
Mr.. Hamilton enjoys q wide
acquaintance in the Capital.
When the District National Bank
ran into difficulties. he was ap-
pointed receiver, a position which
he has held since that time. with
offices in the District National
Bank Building, MIR. Hamilton has
also been in charge Of winding
up the affairs Of several other
banking institutions.
In, Darden'S district. too. the
Republicans make the situation
interesting. If Hamilton runs
against Representative Darden,
the Republicans probably win Of
fer Darden'S University Of Vir.
ginia fraternity brother. Jimmy
Walcott. as their candidate.
Those close to the situation
also say that If Hamilton should
run, and defeat Darden In the
primaries, strong pressure would
be brought by Republicans and
independents to elect MenalcuS
Langford. former Representative
who preceded Darden.
Other Virginia representatives
appear to have clear sailing for
reelection. No announced oppo-
sition looms for Patrick n.
Drewry in the Fourth District,
Clifton A. Woodrum in the Sixth
District anticipates no trouble.
Sure Of Reelection
Locally Representative Howard
W. Smith. Of Alexandria, seems
slated for reelection.
Because Of his illness, there is
some question if former Gov.
Andrew ]. Montague will repre-
sent the Third District in the
next session Of Congress. ObServ-
ers note some undercurrent Of op.
position to Representative Mon
tague. though they point out that
the same opposition to him was
noted at this time in 1884, and
subsequently collapsed.
A. Willis Robertson in the
Seventh District, and Schuyler O..
Bland in the First District will be
returned to Congress without
struggles, according to comment.