Evening star., 1940-09-08
Florida Democrats
Feel State Is Safe,
But Are Not Too Happy
Third Term and Wallace
Couse Dissidenee,
But Only One BoIter
BY ARTHUR G. IVEY.
Special Correspondent OF The star.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla, Sept T.
Florida democrats, facing another
presidential election. apparently are
entering the fray with q feeling of
assurance concerning the State vote,
although they are not too happy.
From Escambia Ia the northwest,
to Key West-farthest south-the
reverberations Of Carey Hardee's
departure from the Roosevelt camp
continue to cause speculation and
anazement. While only the most
enthusiastic Republicans, or the
most pessimistic Democrats, appear
to see any possibility of the Florida
votes straying from its accustomed
fold, both sides admit-particularly
when speaking of the record
that the stand taken by the States
former governor will have a very
substantial effect.
II Mr.. Hardee stood alone In this
matter, the waters would not be
quite so muddied, but as a matter
Of plain truth substantial percent
age Of old line Democrats feel pretty
much as he has expressed himself in
State and national pronouncements.
That makes the situation so uncer.
tain that many are pausing to "stop.
look and listen" before definiteiy
entering either Democratic or Re-
publican camps for the duration
OF the campaign"
State Not Always True to Form.
AS the situation stands TODAY.
therefore, the odds appear in favor
OF Florldans backing the Presidents
third term candidacy, in November,
This is despite general opposition ,
70 breaking the precedent and de.
spite substantial dissatisfaction with
the choice Of Henry Wallace as a
candidate for the vice presidency.
Florida, however, does not always
run true to form" in things politi-
cal. The politically minded can al.
ways hark to the election of Sidney
Catts--a rank cutsider-over the
Democratic nominee for Governor,
IN the crucial campaign of 1915,
Mr.. Cats residence In the State
was OF such slight duration as even
to bring his eligibility into some
question-though that was over
come. without any appreciable diff.
nculty. More to the point was hi,
unorthodoxy, 50 far as the partv
organization In Florida was con-
cerned.
II the argument be advanced that
the Cats episode Ia too far back
to have any bearing on today's poll
tics, the unhappy interlude Of 1928
may De cited rs indicating the will
ingness Of Florida's supposedly
solid South" voters to take a
walk" Of their own. From time Ia
time this has been done, In minor
campaigns. in different parts of the
State.
Omcial Ranks Solid.
Most substantial basis for tbs
rather general feeling Of assurances
OF Democratic victory Is found In
the States oficial set-up. Gov.
Fred p. Cone has been a consistent
ana persistent supporter of Roose-
Velt pohcies-and although the Gov.
ernors recent candidacy for ths
senate was unsuccessful, his infiu.
ence Is undoubtedly substantial. Ths
same omcial support Is apparently
assured from all members of the
congressional delegation Senator
Pepper, outstandingly vocal, un-
doubtedly viii give the third term
the fun unstinted backing he has al
ways accorded the President. Repre-
sentative Green, dean of the States
delegation, Is also expected TO back
Roosevelt whole-heartedly - and
there has been no shadow of indj-
cation that any detection win de-
Velop In oficial ranks.