The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-07-13

Lonergan returned to this state the early part of this week to con- duct, what many consider the most intensive campaign of his life, in an effort to win renomination. While trial balloons have been sent up by various individuals seeking Lonergan's senate post, they have all proved to be duds. Dr. Edward G. Dolan of Manchester has de- clared his willingness to accept the senatorial nomination If 1t is offered him. Dolan has announced the platform which he will run on If he is nominated. Representa- tive Herman P. Kopplemann of Hartford has been considered to be candidate for the senate seat now occupied by Lonergan, but he has made no official announce ment of his candidacy. Kopple- mann will have even less support at the state convention than would Archibald McNeil or Dr. Dolan.
 Governor Wilbur L. Cross said last week that he believes that Connecticut is now ready for direct primary. It becomes in- creasingly apparent that in the next campaign the direct primary will be a real live issue. The direct primary would take the nomina- ton of state officers, congressman and senators out of the hands of conventions and give all of the voters of the state the opportunity to register their choice directly at the polls. If adopted this will mean a severe blow to political machines which have dominated conventions in this state so long.
 The most famous governors this state has ever had, were Governor Simeon E. Baldwin and the pres ent incumbent, Governor Wilbur L. Cross. Neither of these men were elected because of, or through, a direct primary system. Neither would have taken the trouble to go out and campaign in a direct primary system. Both these out standing governors were picked by conventions which practically drafted them out of retirement.
 Young Democrats the other eve- ming heard Governor Cross advise them to support congressional candidates who are friendly to- ward the New Deal, but the gov ernor instantly qualified his re- marks by saying, This does not mean that every man should be yes man." This statement has leaders. throughout the state wondering just what the governor meant. Did he boost Lonergan or did he oppose Lonergan?
 The Young Democrats may ponder the Governors words and they can come to no other con- clusion than that the Governor meant them to use their own heads.
 It is felt that the words of Governor Cross are in support of Lonergan, especially when he added the words" Every man should not be a yes man.. Defi- nitely the Governor will not endorse any candidate who might oppose Lonergan at the Demo- crat's state convention.
 Republican Chairman Benjamin E. Harwood has issued a call for a meeting of the Republican State Central Committee to be held in Hartford next Tuesday. The call explains that the meeting is called to arrange for caucuses, primaries and conventions and Any other business proper to come before said meeting" It has been found impossible to hold the caucuses be- fore the last of August. The party caucuses for which the call will be issued by the committee meeting will name the delegates who, in senatorial district conventions, will select the members of the new state central committee whose terms start at the state conven- ton.
 No date has been set for the Democratic State Convention at which caucus dates of that party will be arranged. However, 1t is certain that the Democratic cau- cuses will not be held until late In August.
 As this writer has been predict ing Joseph M. Tone has finally announced his candidacy for the