The Waterbury Democrat., 1944-01-11
Handling Of Legislature
 Will Test Dewey's Power
BARRING UPSET, HE WILL OPPOSE FDR IN NOVEMBER, HEATH SAYS
' #W V
eliminated from ioaz politics.
 eYRnnaw nNNvrcTrO VnuuYwe

l eliminated from l044 politics. CHOOSE DOMESTIC ISSUES
 There being no war issue, ox- cept as to its conduct domestically. 1t seemed that the President was trying to eliminate every ground for conflict and thus to leave hiln- self in effectively unchallenged possession of the White House.
 But the Republicans have no intention of ignoring domestic af- fairs. Encouraged by what they regard as evidence that the presi- dent recognizes and fairly acknowl- edges weakness in that field, they want to make the fight on domestic issues.
 This, in the opinion of many. makes Governor Dewey almost in- evitable as the COP candidate.
 Supporters of Wendell WilllSie urge that their mans nomination would automatically remove the war and broad foreign policy as bones of contention, because Mes6rs. Wil- likie and Roosevelt see eye-to-eye on such matters. This would, they say, permit complete concentration upon the home front and internal postwar problems
 But great many Republicans apparently including a vast ma- iority of party wheelhorses, argue that Willkie, after the 1049 election, neglected his duties as leader of the loyal opposition and failed to repre- sent anti-New Deal sentiment in domestic matters.
 Governor Dewey, on the other hand, has been consistent critic of those Administration policies which his party's workers believe are most vulnerable to attack. Moreover, his reputation was built up as superlative prosecutor. If the COP has anybody capable of indicting and convicting the Pres- ident before the electorate next fall, and preventing a fourth term, the New York governor is felt to be that man.
 MUST PROVE LEADERSHIP
 In order to be "available' at the convention, Governor Dewey must run the gantlet of the legislative session now opening. He has to prove himself capable of leadership. capable of working with touchy as- sociates, capable or avoiding the pitfalls which will be laid by both Democrats and Willkieites.
 Last year, with his first session, he was credited with doing a splendid job. His critics point out. however, that last year he was so new that he could be excused for not presenting fully-rounded pro- gram; last year he had not had opportunity to alienate many with in his own party; last year he held over the COP majority a heavy pa- tronage whip because he had not filled many major state jobs.
 Now the last position is filled. the last supporter confirmed with patronage, the last enemy made by being turned down. Now, with a year in office under his belt. Governor Dewey can be expected to demonstrate whether he is cap- able of formulating and putting through sound. forward looking program for the Empire State.
 Because Governor Dewey still de- clares that he is not seeking ths presidency this year, his program must be definitely confined to state affairs. Yet 1t must give to people of the 47 other states specific ideas how, if he were elected to the presi- dency, he would alter the Roosevelt theology.
 Yes, the eyes of the nation are on Albany now-and no eyes are straining harder, hoping to miss nothing, than the eyes in the l White House.