The Phoenix index., 1940-03-09
PredictHot
Battle For
CongressSeat
By BERNTCE HALL


gress that are developing there
Whereas, the Democratic fight in
this district is tense as yet the G.
O. P. contests are real battles
which are attracting the attention
and participation of men and
women not ordinarily active poll
tically.
Filings for congressional posts
closed last week. The first place is
supposed to be the best strategi-
cally, and last place is next in the
estimation of most candidates. Pub
lie interest c6nters about whether
Congressman Arthur w. Mitchell
and who will bear the COP.
Will have a fight for denomination
standard after the primary.
MITCHELL UNDER FIRE
Several of Mitchell's official ac-
tions have been under fire from his
constituents. Mitchell was one of
the five Democrats who recently
voted against the Dies invest1ga-
ton into un-American activities.
Principal G. o. P. candidates are
Patrick B. Prescott, William E.
King, and Oscar DePrieSt.
DePriest, former Republican
congressman for six years from
this district, is against all "Isms
that feels thai the Dies investiga-
ton should continue; that the WPA
should continue until industry can
absorb these workers. If elected he
will fight for the passage of the
anti-Lynch bill and for federal
Fairgrounds, also tine continuation
of adult education. He thinks.
however, that the time has come
for change Of party and that the
Republicans will be returned to
power. He ignores all of his oppon-
ents in the field and says he is
still the fighting candidate and
when he goes to congress he will
fight for many more things for the
people of his district.
Patrick B. Prescott. prominent
attorney, is the son-in-law OF the
late Bishop A. j. Carey OF the A.
M E. church. While a member OF
the corporation counsels stall
from 1927-34 he was in charge OF
property damage cases. In 1882 he
was a delegate-at-large to the Re-
publican National convention as
serting his independence by cast
ing his vote for Coolidge. He ran
for Republican committeeman OF
the 3rd ward in 1884 but was de-
feated by DePriest. His book on
constitutional history entitled aft
er Me the Deluge" is near compile
ton.
NO ABUSE
He will face most vigorous
campaign, but it will, according to
Mr. Prescott, be without abuse OF
vilification. He stands for harmony
among all decent Republicans. His
platform is for adequate national
defense, for passage of a strong
federal anti-goon and anti-lynch
bill. He firmly stands for equal
rights and unemployment COM
pensation. His attitude on the Dies
controversy is. Roofing out all
sorts of isrns' inimical to the work
of the country is one of r-e most
difficult problems of any govern
ment."
The candidacy of William E.
King, adds more fire to this al
ready bitter contest. King, commit
teeman of the End ward, states Il
offer my past service to my people
as my platform, for inasmuch as
have rendered good service in my
past office so shall I do as con-
gresham" Mr.. Kings political eX-
periences are those of a very eX'
tensive and colnmendable career
He served in various capacities IL
the Republican organization for the
past 16 years from precinct captain
to state senator. Mr.. King says hf
is supported by the Regular Repub-
lican organization in the 1st, End
4th and 18th wards and is the onl!
one of the candidates who does live
in the ward where he seeks his
support.
| OTHERS FILE
Other candidates are equally Ell
| thuSiaStic in their ambition to VIII
the nomination but have less poll
tical experience. They stress thell
past contributions to the race a.
being very helpful in this contest
w. S. Townsend, Democratic
| candidate, pledges himself as
sacrifice for the advancement O.
the Negro from the standpoint O.
his interest in the growth and in
dependence of his race rather thar
a career. To quote Mr.. Townsend
Il am for good government anc
fair treatment for the Negro anC
propose to fight for adequate relic
and WPA until there is a more de-
finite recovery solution and curl
the hostility that now exists be-
tween organized and unorganizeC
labor which does affect the Negro.
Mr.. Townsend, nat pnal presi-
dent of the Red Caps union, ha
large following among the labo
organizations.
Another entrant is Carl A. Hans
berry, a businessman, on the Re
publican ticket. Mr.. Hansberry /
the founder of the Eansberry foun
dation, secretary Of the Chicag
branch NAACP and has been ;
real estate operator for 18 years
L Il Il l.. L. nnHa aInlA