Evening star., 1936-09-13
BITTER STRUGGLE
.CONFRONTS NORRIS
Big Eastern Fund Reported
Created to Oppose
Reelection.
BY GEORGE FISHER,
Special Correspondent Of The Star.

OMAHA, Nebr., September "a
With Senator George w. Norris in
the race for reelection from Nebraska,
indications are this State will become
battle ground second to none in the
country.
News that Norris petitions had been
filed at Lincoln came this week the
day after it was told that Gov. Landon
would carry the Republican fight into
Maine. Democrats here took this as
plain implication the Republican
leaders believe the Maine early elec-
ton "in the bag" They countered 10
cally with the candidacy Of Norris,
friend Of Roosevelt.
Senator Norris friends were rallied
about his standard with a statement
calling him the foremost conserva-
zionist" the foremost liberal Of his
day." and the foremost crusader for
humanitarianism."
James E. Lawrence, Lincoln, Nebr.,
editor, included these phrases in his
telegram Of notification of the filing
to the Senator at Waupaca, Wis.
Already, it has been rumored that
groups centered in the East have Gre
ated large fund with which to op-
pose Norris reelection. At the age
of rs. the Nebraskan's utmost re-
, sources will be tested.
Appearance in the race of the man
who was first to sponsor public con-
troll OF power and who has the pub
licly announced approval of Presi-
dent Roosevelt will make the fight
here spectacular.
4o.5o4 Signatures Attached.
knowing what a struggle will sur
round his candidacy. Norris hackers
have seen to it that an immense num-
Der of signatures were attached to
the petitions filed for him. The total
was 40,504. representing residents
from each of the SO Nebraska counties
and from 521 incorporated cities,
towns and villages.
As he was informed by wire Of the
filing, the Senator was reported too
busy writing speech to comment.
But word came indirectly from him
that he expects soon to return to
Nebraska and condnuct an active
campaign. While he was unable to
attend Fridays Chicago meeting to
plan the liberal campaign, it was
made known that he expects to take
part in the fight for President Roose-
,,alf In the Middle WaSt
In his five terms in the House of
Representatives and his four terms
in the United States Senate. Senator
Norris has had some sharp battles
for election; but he has always man.
aged to win with considerable MAORI
ties, even when he was running as a
Progressive Republican on a standpat
Republican platform.
Supported BY Democrats.
Now that he Is to be officially dub
bed an independent" running "by
petition" on a ballot against Repub-
lican and Democratic opponents, he
strangely enough has the support of
the straight Democrat organization
and the backing of the administra-
ton.
One particular hobby of Senator
Norris has been the unicameral or
one house Legislature, which with his
sponsorship will be inaugurated in
Nebraska next Winter. AS he runs for
United States Senator, backed by
Democrats, candidates for this one
house Legislature over Nebraska will
be seeking election as non-partiSans.
His Republican opponent, Robert G..
Simmons. will start Monday OH a
State wide tour of Nebraska, bespeak-
ing support on the policies Of pro-
duction instead of RECOMMENDATION. en-
ployment in industry instead of by
government funds and higher tariffs
for farm products.
Terry Carpenter, Democratic op-
ponent rejected by the State Demo-
cratic convention, again refused to
withdraw from the race.
Nebraska laws do not require Sena-
tor Norris to accept the filing made
for him.