The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-08-17

In some COP quarters WlllkleS protracted western stay drew dis erect but critical protests. He was wasting valuable time came the complaints, handling too much organizational detail himself.
 It was true that the tousel- haired Republican standard bear CT did occupy himself extensively with organization details. But he did not waste time-as plenty of old-line Republican politicos are privately, and very grumpily, at testing. He was far too busy to suit them or see much of them.
 For the big untold story be- hind Willkie's long and mysteri- ous labors in Colorado is that he completely revamped the traditional COP campaign ma chinery. Under his firm-hand- ed axing it has undergone the most far-reaching and signifi- cant shakeup in its history. WILLKIE CLUBS
 It's a closely guarded secret but under the new set-up, the Repub- lican National Committee and its nationwide network of state and local units, made up largely of veteran professionals, have been relegated to a secondary role.
 Playing first fiddle in Willkie's new organization are the 800 Will kie clubs dotting every state, and the independent Democrats" or. ganization headed by ex-Roose- welt office holders Johnny Hanes, former undersecretary of the Treasury, and Lewis Douglas, for mer Budget Director. Directly controlled by Willkie and his per- sonal heutenants, these are the organizations on which he is de- pending to carry him into the White House.
 This is a new departure in Re- publican campaign machinery, but Willkie believes it is based on sound theory.
 He is convinced that to be elected he must win the big "floating" mass of independent votes. In his opinion, Roosevelt won in 1882 and 1886 because he got the bulk of this support. This year. Willkie deems conditions ripe for him to carry 1t.
 That is why he lavished so much time and work in his guarded Colorado Springs sanctum putting together this new campaign gear He is counting on it to turn the winning trick for him.
 That, also, is why the regular COP machinery has been quietly but firmly pushed into the back ground. Willkie is confident that the boys, even though they may mutter privately. will go along. There isn't anything else for them to do. They can't bolt to Roosevelt and they've been out oi clover for a long time. They've got to take it and like it.
 BACKGROUND OF PLAN
 Willkie worked out the general plan of his set-up during the weekend following his nomina- ton.
 The nub of 1t was the selec- ton of Rep. Joe Martin as na- tional chairman to replace John Hamilton. Martin was on good terms with the Willkie new corners and the old liners. Also, the House leader had national campaign experience as Lam don's eastern manager, and is sympathetic to innovations.
 But Martin, burdened with heavy congressional duties, didn't want the job. That was why. when the National Committee group met with Willkie in New York, no conclusion was reached on the chairmanship. An effort was made to persue him ot eon- tinue Hamilton, but Wiilkie stood pat. Tn this discussion he based his opposition to Hamilton on three grounds:
 1. That he (Willkie) had won
 the nomination at the conven-
 ton over the opposition of the
 politiccs and that # hc turned
 around and entrusted the caTn-
 paign leadership to them
 his independent supporters
 would desert him.
 f. To win the election no has
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