Evening star., 1940-02-20
The Political MiIl
New Dealers Steodfost in Hands or Policy
In Nebraska Primary Fight

Murphy's nomination would be con,.
f1rmed overwhelmingly. there was
also the chance that vigorous oppo-
sition might arise in some quarters.
Some Of the New Dealers, who were
most anxious to avoid anything of
the kind on the floor of the Senate,
were anxious to have Senator Burke
handle the nomination, believing
that he could effectually halt any
outburst. The nomination was laid
before the Senate with unanimous
and favorable report Of the COM
mittee and confirmed without the
slightest difficulty.
Even more recently, Senator Burke
has come forward as a vigorous op-
ponent of any cuts in the appropria-
tions for agriculture recommended
in the Presidents budget. While the
Nebraska Senator has been inclined
to governmental economy, he insists
now that the budget had made all
the cuts that agriculture could or
should Standard he lined up, there
fore, against the economy bloc" in
Congress on this issue-an issue
which has still to be fought out. Ac-
cording to reports, Secretary of
Agriculture Wallace is now lining up
for Burke.
Visitor at Hyde Park.
Last year Gov. Cochran, along with
other Governors, among them Gov.
Stark Of Missouri, was a visitor of
the President at Hyde Park. Their
pictures were taken with the Presi-
dent, and soon after Cochran re-
turned to Nebraska, he announced
his candidacy for the Senate against
Burke. incidentally, Gov. Stark also
cast his hat in the senatorial ring
in his State, too. It was reported
at that time Gov. Cochran was
entering the senatorial lists with the
backing of the President.
Burke, however, appears to have
gained ground with the administra-
ton since then, while Cochran dis
appointed when he failed to come to
the aid Of the administration In the
arms embargo fight.
So the administration is keeping
hands of in this Nebraska contest.
Senator Norris, who, while he is not
a Democrat, nevertheless is regarded
as one of the most ardent New
Dealers in Washington. is not taking
sides, but has declared he will sup
port former Gov. Weaver if he should
receive the Republican senatorial
nomination.
In Nebraska the Senator Governor
contest is creating a great deal of
interest. Burke has the backing of
the Omaha World Herald, and Coch-
ran that of the Lincoln Star-two
principal Democratic newspapers in
the State.
Won Against Bryan.
1t is not the first time that Senator
Burke has locked horns with
sitting Governor of Nebraska for the
senatorial nomination He won his
first nomination to the Senate
against former Gov. Charles Bryan,
brother of the late William Jennings
Bryan. He has. the hearty backing
now of his Democratic colleagues in
the Senate. The primary takes place
April 9, and 1t would be surprising,
indeed, if any step were taken by the
New Dealers here to halt the progress
Of Senator Burke.
Democratic leaders generally have
frowned on any resurrection of the
1898 purge" attempts. They realize
that If they are to win the national
election, they must have a united
front. And nothing could be more
disastrous for party harmony than
to have the administration under
take. as it did in 1888, to defeat in
Democratic primaries Senators and