Evening star., 1940-02-08
RooseveIt-Garner
Contest in Illinois
Is Possible
Vice Presidents Bockers
To Decide in Few Doys
On Primary Roce

By the Associated Press.
A contest between the forces OF
President Roosevelt and Vice Presi-
dent Garner for the backing of 1lli-
nois Democrats became possibility
today when friends of Mr.. Garner
disclosed he might enter the States
preferential primary on April 8.
Mr.. Roosevelt's name already has
been put into the race for Illinois
convention delegates by leaders of
the State Democratic organization.
The Chief Executive has given no
indication of approval or disap-
proval.
Garner supporters said a decision
would be reached in a few days, al
though they described the situation
as very much up in the air" The
Vice Presidents managers have
been following the general policy Of
seeking delegates in States without
"favorite son" candidates for the
presidential nomination.
On the Republican side, the cam
paign manager of Thomas E. Dewey
expressed regret that Senator Taft,
Republican, of Ohio. had decided
against filing in Illinois. Mr. Dewey
is the only Republican entered in
the State so far and his hackers
have challenged all other aspirants
to follow suit.
Lacks Time for Campaign.
Senator Taft described the Illi-
nois primary as merely advisory
because its action does not bind del
egates. and said he lacked the time
to make an adequate campaign
there. He said he would decide in
about a week whether to contest
against Mr.. Dewey and Senator
Vandenberg Republican, of Mich
igan. in Wisconsin,
All three of these men were either
on their way or preparing to leave
for the West to take part in Re-
publican Lincoln Day celebrations
Mr. Dewey is en- route to Portland.
Oreg., for a speech Monday. and
Senator Vandenberg will speak in
ST. Paul Saturday night. Senator
Taft talked last night at Martins
burg, w. Va. expressing opposition
to price control and "over-regula-
ton" of farmers. His Lincoln Day
speech will be given Monday at
| Greensboro N c.
Senator Bridges. Republican. of
New Hampshire. another presiden-
tial candidate who has travelled as
extensively as Senator Taft, warns
up tomorrow night in Muncie. Ind,
before speaking at Oklahoma City.
| Vandenberg to Go to Chicago.
! Senator Vandenberg will stop in
| Chicago Saturday night to NEE.
some of his supporters. He said a
| Wisconsin delegation. headed by 1t
Gov. Walter S. Goodland. who tops
| the Senator's slate of "a delegates
entered in the State primary. would
meet his train at Milwaukee.
( Asserting the Vandenberg for
/ President organization in Michigan
/ had been active in his behalf in
/ 20 States. the Senator said he knew
( of no other State primaries besides
! Wisconsin where his name might be
entered
He emphasized the Michigan
group was acting "on its own
responsibility.
Senator Robert NJ. La Toilette
comes up for denomination this
year. While no major opposition
has arisen within the Progressive
party. he may have hot race for
reelection if the Republicans main
tain their 1888 strength in Wiscon-
sin Democratic totals in the State
slumped in that election.
While the Republican speaking
campaign was gathering momentum.
officials at national headquarters
here gave strong indications that
Chicago would get the party conven-
ton if it put up some money. Spec
ulation over the date was centering
on June 49, The G. o. P. National
Committee meets here next Friday
There was talk that the Demo-
cratic convention. which will meet
in Chicago probably week or two
after the Republican gathering
might be presided over by Senator
Barkley of Kentucky, the majority
floor leader. Mentioned as possible
keynote speakers were Attorney
General Jackson and Cows. Stark of
Missouri and Cochran of Nebraska.