Evening star., 1936-02-02
HEATED CAMPAIGN
AWAITED IN SIXTH.
Republicans Confident They
Can UnSeat Lewis in Con-
qressionaI Race.

~ the Associated Press.
CUMBERLAND, Md, February L.
Not In several years has such heated
contest been In prospect for Congress
In Maryland's sixth district. The out
look is that the battle cry will ring
loud and strong in the May primary
and in the general election.
Encouraged at the prospect OF
wrestling the congressional seat from
the veteran Democratic incumbent,
David j. Lewis, Republicans are lining
up in large numbers for the primary
fght. No less than eight are avowed
or potential contenders for the partyS
nomination.
See Victory Either Way.
The way they see it, the position is
virtually "in the bag" for whoever is
fortunate enough to be the nominee.
II Maryland goes Republican in No
wonderland they say 1t will-the
sixth is bound to return Republic
an Congressman, in their calculation.
If Maryland should remain in the
Democratic column, the Republicans
would still count on carrying the
sixtll-their Maryland stronghold
They point to Lewis slim margin of
1851 votes in 1884 as indicating just
how slight a shift is necessary to
bring things their way.
They already have practically
counted Lewis out, but the Demo-
.-ot;o Corrroccp,o,, ,r for from, ouroo-
ing with them. He and his hackers are
calmly watching development, waiting
to take advantage of any turn in their
favor.
Mainly, they want to see who will
be the Republican standard-beare
They calculate an individual will be
easier to beat than the Republican
party in the district, and that the
mere naming Of the Republican can
didate may in itself swing much
strength to LeWis-considered safe
bet to get the Democratic nomination.
Another point in favor Of the Demo-
cratic cause may be the large number
seeking the Republican nomination.
With so many determined men in the
field, a certain amount of intra- party
animosity may be generated. Much
of this will fade away after the nomi-
nation, but observers see the possi-
bility of enough remaining to be a
factor in favor of the Democratic
cause.
Every one of the five counties Of the
district, except Garrett, has one or
more aspirant, tentative or otherwise,
for the Republican nomination. OBJ
servers would not be surprised to see
one crop up any time among the hills
Of Garrett.
Stewart Has Filed.
Four are eyeing the nomination
from Allegany County. One, A.
Charles Stewart of Frostburg, presi-
dent OF the Board Of County Commits
sioners, already has filed his intentions
at Annapolis. The others are Robert
B. Kimble. State Senator; A. A. Doub,
former circuit Judge, and Perry A.
Nicklin, county treasurer.
Mayor I. M. Wertz of Hagerstown
and State Senator Ernest w. Miller
represent Washington County in the
list. Mayor Wertz specially is ex-
pected to be a stubborn contender.
Latest reports are that Frederick's
State Senator, Harry w. Legore, also
Is "in the race to stay"
Montgomery's entrant is Magistrate
Harold c. Smith of Rockville. There
have been hints that he might with
draw and throw his backing to Sertz.
although such suggestions have
brought stout denials from Smith him.
self.
No one has yet announced himself
as an opponent of Lewis in the Demo-
cratic primary. He is expected to be
able to obtain the nomination without
difficulty, opposed or not.