Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1946-08-20
Fairfax Voters
Pick Convention
Delegates Today
Smith Advantage Seen
As Democrats Seek
Successor for Glass
By james BirchfieId

Falr1ax County Democrats today
are voting in six magisterial dis
trict mass meetings on the election
of delegates to the county conven-
ton Thursday night where it is ex-
pected Representative Smith will
receive added Endorsement as a
successor to the late Senator Glass.
OF 56 candidates filed, 80 dele
gates will be selected today At
Thursdays meeting, at p. m. in
the courthouse, delegates will be
chosen for the Democratic State
Convention at Richmond Septem-
Der S where Mr.. Glass successor
will be named.
Among county organizations al
ready on record in support of Mr.
Smith are those of Arlington and
Albemarle Counties. Alexandria
Democrats also will meet Thursday
night and may formally instruct
their % State delegates to support
the House member who makes his
home there.
Chairman Frank r. Monroe of
the Alexandria Democratic Execu-
tive Committee said his group voted
last night not to instruct State
delegates but that they can make
q definite decision at Thursdays
meeting. He also announced Exec
utive Committee selection of John
j. Ewald as a State delegate to
complete the % who are to attend
the Richmond session.
Opponents Support Nomination.
Many political opponents of Mr.
Smith feel that his elevation to the
Senate will assure his defeat two
years hence and some may even
support his nomination this year,
it was learned from reliable sources.
According to observers closely in
touch with political developments
in Virginia, factions who have OPP
posed Mr.. Smith as House member
from the 9th district believe if the
Alexandrlan can be sent to the Sen
ate his defeat will be an easy &C
complishment at the end of the
Glass term in 1913.
The strategy, observers say, is
this:
Barring the development of
dark horse candidate at the Rich
mond convention it should be
fairly easy matter to get the SEN
atorial nomination for Mr.. Smith.
1t was pointed out that Mr.. Smith
probably is the choice of Senator
Byrd, State organization leader,
although the senior Virginia Sen
ator has made no statements as
to his choice.
Would Need Statewide Drive.
At the end of the unexpired Glass
term in 1848, Mr.. Smith, if he were
sent to the Senate this fall, would
have to wage Statewide con-
test for denomination in a primary
election. This, his opponents be-
lieve, will offer the means of secur-
ing his defeat and will eliminate
him from the Virginia political
picture.
Backing up this line of reason
ing, observers contend that while
Mr.. Smith has remained undefeated
in his home district, he could never
rally the support necessary to win
Statewide contest against strong
opponent.
They further point out that both
Mr.. Smith and Senator Byrd lost
prestige m the recent primary, par
ticularly in Alexandria, where Mar
tin A. Hutchinson. Senator Byrd's
opponent for denomination, held
substantial lead.
Representative Smith has long
been target for so-called liberals
in the 9th District, and the recent
primary brought charges from both
him and Senator Byrd that the
CLIO was attempting a purge in
Virginia.