Evening star., 1944-11-06
Close Vote Predicted
In Maryland; Service
Ballot May Tip Scale
By the Associated Press.

With most of the speeches de-
livered and party workers agreeing
that a large part Of the estimated
CSC, 900 to 5000 Marylanders who
will vote tomorrow already have de-
cided whom they will support, the
election campaign in Maryland vir-
tually was at an end today.
Political observers also we're agreed
that neither presidential candidate
will receive anything like the 1902
majority President Roosevelt piled
up in Maryland four years ago.
Democratic campaign leaders have
predicted that Mr.. Roosevelt will
carry the. State for the fourth con-
secutive time. but COP campaign
directors predict Just as confidently
that Gov. Thomas E. Dewey will re-
ceive Maryland's eight electoral
votes.
Soldier Vote May Decide.
One Of the big question marks is
the effect the service ballots will
have. Estimates as to the number
run as high as $4,000 and observers
point out that in the event the civil
ian vote Is close the service ballots
might decide the issue.
The service ballots will be counted
with the Official canvass, which
starts two days after the election.
Both Gov. Dewey and his run
ming mate, Gov. John Bricker of
Ohio, visited Maryland for cam
paign addresses. Gov. Dewey came
to Baltimore on short notice after
local Republican leaders told him
they believed a visit would assure
his carrying the State.
Among the National Democratic
leaders making campaign addresses
in Maryland was Secretary of the
Interior Ickes, who spoke at a
Baltimore mass meeting.
Senator Tydings. Democrat, who
is opposed by Republican Blanchard
Randall, jr., Baltimore, concluded
his campaign last night with a radio
speech during which he gave the
administration high praise for it's
conduct of the war and for its
preparations for the war. Mr.. Ran
dali will end his formal campaign
with a radio speech on WBAL at
7:45 pm.
In Montgomery County. the fight
over the proposed charter form of
government held the chief interest.
Both sides predict victory.
Allen H. Gardner, president of
the County Charter Committee,
predicted the charter movement
will win easily.
Judge Albert E. Brault, chairman
of the Citizens Committee to De-
feat the Charter, predicted defeat
for the charter. Judge Brault said
opposition to the charter has in
creased with the approach of the
election.
House Seats at Stake.
Five of the six Maryland Repre-
sentatives are seeking another two
year term. The sixth, Representa-
tive Ward, Democrat, of the first
district, comprising nine Eastern
Shore counties, lost in the primary
election to Dudley G. Roe of Queen
AnneS County. Mr.. Roe is opposed
by Wilmer Fell Davis, Republican,
of Caroline County.
In the I'd district Representative
Baldwin, Democrat, of Baltimore
County and Republican Wilfred T.
McQuaid Of Baltimore are vying for
the seat.
In the Sd district Representative
D'Alesandro, Democrat, has Ensign
John w. Benson as his Republican
opponent.
The 4th district race is between
Representative Ellison, a Republican,
and George H. Fallon, Democrat.
Representative Sasscer, Prince
Georges County Democrat, is OPP
posed by c. Maurice Weidemeyer,
Republican, in the 5th district.
Representative Beall, Frostburg,
Republican, is opposed by Daniel F.
McMullen, Cumberland Democrat,
In the 9Th district.