The people's voice. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1939-1969, 1947-09-05
By "BILL"

have also added to his stature with informed people
throughout the eastern district Three other POSSIBLE
tiles include: Chief Justice Hugh Adair who has real
vote gathering poentiaities and stands high with
labor, we'll much of the farm population; Judge
Left Erickson who besides being strong valley author
ity advocate and the nominal head of the Democratic
party the past three years, has built reputation of
national standing because of his fine judicial work in
connection with railroad mediation District Judge
Vernon Hoven Plenywood also is considering the gov
ernor's race
Mike Can't Be Beat for Congress
The for congress at present do not appear to
have many takers. If Mike decides to seek fourth
term from the western district possible opponents in
either party might well their money and their
time-because, there isn't in the district that
whip him at this time
The eastern district seems bit more open. This
will be particularly if Representative D'Ewart de-
cides to seek the governorship Only "talked-about
candidates thus far Rep George OConnor, (R) of
Carbon, and Rep. Dave James CD of Liberty Politics
wise Republicans have assured your columnst that if
OConnor files they'll that he has real opposi
ton in the primaries. Dave James, minority leader
in the house, made highly commendabe record, not
only in voting but in fighting desperately to stem the
tide of reaction that in the drivers seat during the
30th assembly
How About Issues?
So much for personalities, how about the major
issues shaping up for 1913?
The Republicans thanks to the ineptitude of fellow
Goppers in the SOth congress, are definitely in the
position of not being able to dodge issues willy-nily
who may seek national or top state posts The blthe
waving of the Communist bogeyman" before the eyes
of the will be sufficient in 194S to
them through. Every COP candidate VIII nave to stand
up and be counted.
Will he pledge outright repeal of the Taft
Hartley If he doesn't, he might well forego
campaigning in the several heavily populated union
strong holds of the state
How does he stand on the drastic appropriation
dished western agriculture, reclamation REA,
farmers agency, soil conservation etc. by his fell
low Republicans in the SOth congress? Montana farm
will insist knowing this
Does he favor proposed legislation emasculating
the federal power commission and giving the power
Montana power included srange hold on river
waters of the nation?
Does he favor the proposed LAND GRAB being
vigorously pushed by Rep D'Ewart and fellow Repub-
icans in public land subcommittee hearings in six
western states?
Does he favor such un-American legislation the
house approved LOYALTY" bill? Congressman
D'Ewart voted for this measure.
Democrats Can't Be Dodging Either
Democratic lodging of issues as characterized the
1916 campaign, is definitely out.
Democratic candidates, for either senate, house
governorship must likewise come out FOR or AGAINST
an MVA. To come out against will amount to a repudi
alton of Senator Murray will seriously cripple his
chances of reelection in the 194S general election
far the Demos concerned the MVA is the stand
out campaign issue No matter how much of
them may wish to avoid it, this time they can't simply
because the Republican opposition won't let them
Likewise, Democrats cannot take neutral" stand
on such matters as TaftHarey reclamation, soil
seryation, etc. etc. Montana labor is looking to this
party to vigorously fight for repeal of the law
and will accept no double talk the matter. Same
thing goes with Montanas farming population. They've
seen where COP congress stands, now they want to
know the position of Democratic aspirants
also expect the Democrats to do something about halt
ing the growth of monopoly and rising initiation should
this party be returned to power.
Three Conclusions.
Three conclusions seem safe to arrive at at this
early STAGE
First due to the Republicans having been in
Of the 8Oth congress for better for worse they'll
have to defend the record of that congress.
Second, should Governor Ford enter the senatorial
the people of the state should witness one of the
hottest dog fights since the days of the Ayers-Hot
Democratic primary campaign back in 1896 Old guard
3OP leaders are determined that Ford will be returned
private life at the end of 49, however there reason
o believe the more progressive wing of the COP, and
he rank and file Republican voters will back Ford.
Third the Democrats, having taken a severe trounc-
ng IN 1896 WILL in 1948 have to get off the fence and
wage the campaign issues They can't