Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1947-09-09
Stassen Plans 10 Enter
Wisconsin Primary
For Test Of Strength
BY J. A. O'Leory

Minnesota, only Republican who
admits he is running for Presi-
dent, announced today he will
enter the April 6 Wisconsin pri-
mary for an early test of his
strength.
The young Midwesterner also an
nounced he will launch specific
drive for delegates" with a major
speech at Milwaukee, Wis, Novem-
Der "a, followed by IAN increasing
tempo of activity" right up to the
convention next summer.
Significantly, Mr.. Stassen outlined
his plans for an all-out bid for the
COP nomination as another prom
inent Republican, Senator Taft of
Ohio. started on Western tour to
sound out sentiment before decid-
ing whether he will become an
avowed candidate.
Will Go West This Week.
Although neither Senator Taft
nor Gov. Dewey of New York, VINO
made vacation trip through the
West earlier this summer. has taken
the formal plunge, both have been
regarded as contenders for the Re-
publican nomination.
without waiting for the Novem-
Der opening of his formal bid for
delegates, Mr.. Stassen revealed that
he, too, will take Horace Greely's
advice and 60 West this week.
He handed reporters in press
conference at the Statler Hotel this
morning an itinerary for the rest
Of this month, starting with his
presence in Pendleton, Greg, at the
Pendleton Roundup, September IL.
From there he viii fly back to New
York City to address the New York
Chamber of Commerce on Septem-
her 174and indicated he might be
prepared at that time to discuss
whether a special session Of Con-
gress is needed to deal with eco
nomic conditions in Western Eu-
rope,
Wants More Information.
For the present, he said he agreed
definitely with Senator Vanden-
berg, Republican, of Michigan that
the country and the Republican
Party needs more information as to
what is happening in the world and
as to our own economic policy"
Mr.. Stassen has indicated in the
past that he expected to enter the
Wisconsin primary. but is the first
to take the formal step. 1t is not
a step for a candidate to take
lightly, because hopes of other can
didates In recent years have been
dashed early in the race by enter
ing the Wisconsin primary and then
failing to make the grade. OF
course. Mr.. Stassen will be sound
ing out public sentiment in his own
part of the country. A good show
ing in that early test would give
impetus to his candidacy. BY the
same token, poor showing might
discourage his supporters elsewhere.
The former Minnesota Governor
told reporters the events Of this
summer make 1t seem quite clear to
him that the race for the Republic
can nomination is a wide open"
one. He added that he has found
among Republican leaders In diff
ferent parts of the country tend
ency to wait and see how various
tests turn out.
No Decision Elsewhere.
AS a result of openly becoming
candidate months ago. Mr.. Stassen
said I'VE now have some support
In each of the AZ States" AS to
how extensive it is, time alone will
tell, he observed.
Pressed for an estimate of how
many delegates he could claim to-
day. Mr.. Stassen replied, Il know
that no delegates have been elected
yet. so that no one has them in
hand"
In announcing that I'VE have
made a definite decision to enter
the Wisconsin primary" Mr.. Stassen
said there has been no decision,
either to enter or stay out Of
primaries in other States.
Asked If he was considering the
favorite-son situation in some of
the other States, he admitted that
was one of the factors to be con-
sidered.
Asked to comment on Republican
chances of winning next year, Mr.
Stassen replied: .!
I'm my Judgment. if the Repub-
lican Party puts forward a program
that is humanitarian. liberal and
constructive. 1t will win In 1913.
That means 1t will not be an easy
victory to win"
Favors Taft Hartley Law.
Mr.. stassen was asked If he had
been quoted correctly as saying the
Taft Hartley labor law met most
Of his detectives.
That's right" he answered Then
he pointed out that In his testimony
to Congress he listed seven restric-
tons that should not be put on
labor. and none was included in the
law He said he listed 10 desirable
provisions and were adopted.
weighing the total bill, as
against no legislation. it was a good
bill" he concluded. He added that
the extreme attacks on the law are
not justified by its provisions. and
denied it would break up, or cripple
unions.