The Wrangell sentinel., 1940-06-14
See Chance For Dark Horses At COP COncIave
By Alexander George AP Feature Service Writer

WASHINGTON. June 14-Repub- iean presidential lightning may strike a long shot at the PhiladeI- phia convention. June 24
 Although political bookmakers give Dewey, Taft and Yandenberg preferred listing in the race for standard-bearing honors. c. o. P. dark horse chances are by far the best in 20 years.
 The scramble is the first real con test since the Frank Lowden-Leon- ard Wood deadlock in 1920 produc- ed Warren Harding as a surprise nominee Coolidge in 1924; Hoover. in 1928 and 1892. and Eandon, in 1986. virtually had won before the conventions opened.
 Many Walks 0f Life
 Among the present group of so-. called lesser contenders and dark horses are a former president, Her. bert Hoover; 4 Supreme Court jus tice. Owen J. Roberts, two business men. Utility Chieftain Wendell Will kie and Newspaper Publisher Frank E. Gannett; two senators, Charles L. dcNary and H. Styles Bridges and Republican House Leader Jo- seph A. Martin, Jr.
 Gannett and Bridges have made extensive campaigns for the nomin- ation and Wilkie is a receptive = candidate and active speaker. Hooy- CT has said he wasn't a candidate for any office. but he has a substan- tial following. Associate Justice Roberts has stated he has no politi- cal ambitions. Senator McNary, Ore gon.s fayorite son. hasn't taken his possibilities seriously and Represent ative Martin of Massachusetts mere Iy chuckles at mention of his name. Here's a brief appraisal by neutral observers of the assets and liaoill- ties of these dark horses:
 WENDELL WILLKIE-Some would put him in to expand the Big Three. into a Big Four. He has made rapid gains in preference polls Combines punch, homespun logic and wit in speeches. Has ad ministrative ability and wide know ledge. Credited with liberal ten deneies. As head of billion dollar holding company. Willkie would be open to campaign fire as a Wall streeter." Lacks delegate strength, was a Democrat until few years ago. Most "Willkie for President" talk is in Pullman cars, little in day coaches.
 HERBERT HOOYER-Rated high in qualification because he has been President and because of his know ledge Of foreign affairs. Has im- proved considerably as a political speaker since 1892. The severity of his defeat eight years ago still hangs over his yote-winning ability. FRANK E. GANNETT-Won politi- cal spotlight when. as organizer of the National Committee to Uphold Constitutional Government, he help ed defeat President Rooseyelt's plan to enlarge the Supreme Court Sup- porters cite his record as a success ful publisher with sound social welfare outlook" Has ''pOor-boy- makes-good" background. tradition al American political asset. Is com- parative newcomer in national DO. litical field.
 JUSTICE ROBERTs-Talk of the Pennsylvania jurist as nominee started before the 1886 campaign and still goes on although he stated last summer he was wholly un available" Rated moderately liberal has high mental attachments. Would need considerable build-up.
 SENATOR McNARY-Yeteran Re publican strategist with ''progres siye' western help-the-farmer views Would run strong in farm regions Has many influential friends. He i 65, would lack color as standard bearer
 SENATOR BRIDGES-Aggress foe of New Deal with administra tive background as progressive gov ernor of New Hampshire. One c earliest contenders for the nomina ton. Preferential polls show lac of large following. Being from east ern state with small electoral vol is a handicap.
 REPRESENTATIVE MARTIN Keen Republican tactician. Vote abIest man in the House in poll newspaper correspondents. VeT popular among Democratic, as we as Republican. colleagues. Better O
 ganizer than campaign speake
 Short on radio eloquence and pla
 form "oomph"
 Four others quite frequently me-
 tioned as Hong shot" possibiliti
 are Rep. Bruce Barton, of New Tor Q Governors Bricker, of Ohio; Vande
 bilt, of Rhode Island, and James,
 Pennsylvania.