The Kennewick courier-reporter. [volume] (Kennewick, Wash.) 1914-1938, 1938-03-17


ate so he will be alongside another
New Dealer, Senator Guffey, and
Charles A. Jones, Pittsburgh attor-
ney, was picked as the nominee for
governor. These selections were
made by the state committee, which
is controlled, Of course, by New
Dealers, and therefore those are
about the only names OF import
ance that will be voted on In the
statewide primary. But the signif-
icance of these things is not so ap-
parent until it is known that two
or three important Democrats in
Pennsylvania have withdrawn and
have retired from politics as q re-
suit of the situation.
Now, In Indiana, there is still an
other picture. It is probably the
most interesting Of any now taking
shape. In the Hoosier state, we are
started off with an announcement
from the steps Of the White House
by Governor Townsend that ivan
Mugs must co. He referred to the
Democratic Senator Van Mugs. who
had the temerity to, oppose the
Presidents court packing blu and
who generally IS regarded as much
more Of a Democrat than his col
league, Senator Minton, who re-
mains inside the New Deal fence
always.
The Indiana picture Is further
complicated by the smoke rings
Paul McNutt Is blowing around. Mr..
McNutt, former governor, Of the
state and now high commissioner
to the Philippine commonwealth,
is running for the New Deal NOM
nation for the Presidency like the
well-known jackrabbit. He says.
however, that he Is not a candidate
for anything. It Is statement that
is hard to believe because the Nc
Mutt airplane flight from the re-
mote islands, the speeches across
the United States, the free food
free drink-free publicity party
given for Mr.. McNutt at m out
standing Washington hotel. all
combine to spell the launching Of q
political boom Of some kind. So. in
Indiana, the Democratic state COM
mittee soon will be setting up slate
Of its choice-and that choice will
be satisfactory to the President. It
means that these will be New Deal
ers. That is apparent because OF
the death sentence already pro-
nounced for Senator Van Mugs. OF
course, Mr.. Van Mugs isn't licked
yet, but that is the picture.
Interests G. O. p.
| Then, the Indiana situation Is, OF
ought to be, of great interest to the
Republicans. I am told that II the
Democratic committee, controlled
as it is, should ditch Senator Van
Mugs, he may decide to run as an
independent candidate for reelec-
ton. He probably would not gel
anywhere in q machine controlled
state like Indiana, but he might
draw enough away from the Demo
cratic vote to enable Republican
to win.
Now, out In Indiana there Is
right up-and-coming young fight.
er on the Republican team. He L
Rep. Charles Halleck. BY virtue o.
the fact that he is lone Republican
congressman from Hoosier territory
Mr.. Halleck is in q splendid position
to set off some fireworks. Mr.. Hal
Week is highly regarded by Demo
Gratis and Republicans in the house
He is young, vigorous and keene
Furthermore, Mr.. Halleck is neither
a conservative nor q radical. ant
we are hearing more and more o.
a swing in the country that prob
ABLY will land our political policies
in the middle of the road, insteas
of on the wild-eyed programs o
most New Dealers or the moss-back.
ed policies of hide-bound Repubh
cans Of yesteryear.
AS I see the picture In Indiana
J therefore, it is not impossible t,
conjure up situation in which tn
New Deal attempt to drive Senator
Van Mugs from politics would back
fire to the extent Of electing . Re
. publican senator.