The Indianapolis times., 1936-02-14
BORAH SERIOUS
AS CANDIDATE,
IDAHO BELIEVES
Move to Enter Ohio Race
No Surprise to State,
Stokes Learns.
BY THOMAS L. STOKES
Times Special Writer

Times Special Writer
BOISE, Idaho, FeL. ii.-Bnl
Borah's decision to enter Ohios pri-
mary was no surprise to most peo-
pie in his home state. They were
convinced that he was aiming in
earnest for the presidency when,
at Brooklyn, he cried mo" to the
Townsend $200-a-month old-age
pension plan.
That. they say, clearly showed
that the Senator was gambling for
eastern support for the presidency
and turning his back, at least for
the moment, on the thousands Of
Idaho Townseyldiites who might be
needed for ais reelection to the
Senate in November.
Many had taken his presidential
aspirations seriously since the start
and hope nourished the belief
but others thought he was just up"
to something"
How Latter Group Figured
The Senator's objectives, the lat
ter group figured, were to insure
himself voice in the writing of the
Republican platform, to be the
champion against Herbert Hoover
at Cleveland, and, not least, to help
fight off, by the added prestige of
his presidential boom, the gangling
and energetic Gov. Ben Ross who
says he can lick Mr.. Borah for the
Senate.
But the rejection Of the Town
send plan persuaded Idahoans that
their Senator was heart and soul
after that nomination.
The Townsend plan seems to have
a stronger grip on this state than
any other, with the possible ex-
ception of California, its birthplace.
Townsend clubs claim 10000 men,
bers in Idaho, which has only $780,
600 voters and 100000 population.
The claim is disputed and seems an
exaggeration, but at any rate poll
ticians quake as they observe the
fervor at Townsend meetings all
over the state.
Praised Townsend Once
Take the case OF Mr.. Borah, him.
self. Though he was not on record,
most people here had a hunch that
he was covertly for the pension
plan, and cries of traitor" greet
ed his denial. The Senator gave
DR.. Francis E. Townsend high praise
upon introducing him at man.
moth rally in Boise last summer,
and now DR.. Townsend Is calling
him an "opportunist."
The Senator, politicians say, could
have gone along without commit
ting himSelf-were he not seeking
to clear up his record for the East.
Desertion of the Townsend Plan,
some say, will throw a large block
of votes into the paw of Gov. Ross,
who once indorsed the plan but now
is slightly wary On the subject.
What chance the Governor would
have of defeating Idahos idol for
the Senate - provided Mr.. Borah
does not get the presidential nomi-
nation-is a matter of intense spec
ulation on the streets of his home
town here, among the potato, apple
and wheat farmers along the Snake
River, and at mining and lumber
camps in the Businesses OF 1dahoS
mountains.
Farley Made Boast
It Is assumed that the Governor
plans to run against Senator Borah,
though he hasn't announced. and
there are reports OF a deal wnlcn
might send Mr.. Ross to the House
of Representatives.
Most people here scott at the idea
that Senator Borah could be un-
seated. but others say you can't be
sure. Jim Farley boasted in Wash
ington some months ago that ne
could defeat Mr.. Borah.
Beyond the uncertain effect OF
the Townsend Plan politically, the
off chance lies in the interesting
personality of Gov. Ross, which
combines natural political shrewd-
ness, a quick adjustment to the ex-
pedient, and a plain and idiomatsc
stump language.
He has a sort of adolescent cocki-
ness, a confidence, an intense ego
ism which never let's him consider
the thought of political defeat. He
thinks of himself as man Of po-
litical destiny. Frequently he con-
suits a fortune teller at Pocatello.
Ross Is Farmer
He Is Just as certain as of tomor-
rows sun that he can beat Senator
Borah
He Is q farmer. He was born on
the farm. He operates big farm
now-and makes 1t pay. He never
lived in anything approaching a
city until he moved to Pocatello in
1921.
I'm Just a cowboy" he told me
In his Office at the Capitol. That's
what Harry Hopkins called me-" he
grinned. "I never walked more than
two miles until 7 was 16. Always
rode"
He still appears In rodeos.
Farmer Exempt From Taxes
He has been careful to exempt
farmers from most of the long series
of taxes-income, luxury, business
and nuisan,e taxes that plague the
city person here just now-which he