Evening star., 1947-08-31
Brewster Still Seeks
Home State S Backing
In Presidential Race
BY The Asseeiatsd Press

BY the Asseeiatsd Press
BOSTON, Aug. Ex-senator Owen
Brewster, Republican, of Maine ap-
peared certain today to push his
bid for Names "favorite son" sup
port in the 1s4s presidential race
despite the bitter controversy
stirred up In his clash with Howard
Hughes.
But a cross-section check Of Re-
publican political leaders in New
England indicated that Senator
Brewster may have to depend on
Maine's backing alone if he seriously
Is seeking first or second place on
next years Republican national
ticket.
Senator Brewster told a reporter
that nothing has been decided"
about the complexion of Names
13-member delegation to the COP
nominating convention next June.
Close associates, however, said
the Maine Senator was undaunted
by the charges hurled against him
by Mr.. Hughes, Hollywood million
aire and plane builder, in the spec
tacular congressional hearings last
month and was determined to have
his States backing.
Brewster Accused by Hughes.
Mr.. Hughes charged that Senator
Brewster offered to call off the
Senate War Investigating Commit
tees inquiry into Mr.. Hughes war
time plane contracts If the latter
would agree to merge Trans-World
Airline, which Mr. Hughes controls,
with Pan American Airways. Sen
ator Brewster denied this, adding
that he had no direct or indirect
connection with Pan American.
There are indications that while
the Maine representatives may go to
Philadelphia carrying the Brewster
banner, some Of the States pros
pective delegates are in no mood
to permit the Senator to swing them
to some other candidate he might
pick.
AS elsewhere In New England,
Gov. Dewey of New York, who has
not yet announced his candidacy,
is credited with strong backlog
Of strength in Maine.
Stassen Popular in Maine.
But former Gov. Stassen, who may
challenge Gov. Dewey in the Ma
tion's first presidential preferential
primary in New Hampshire next
AEo,.NI, n ofiSrr HoiY1n c1lN10y+t |
William S. Linnel, Republican ma
tional committeeman, was reported
inclined toward Mr.. Stassen. On
the other hand, Gov. Horace Hill
dreth, who has maintained silence
about his choice, is regarded as a
potential Dewey supporter.
Associates say that. Senator Brew
ster probably would favor Senator
Taft of Ohio, if the opportunity
arises. Other political leaders, how
ever. credited Senator Taft with
little Maine strength.
New England Republican poll
ticians as a whole appeared unde-
cided on any candidate yet. But
Senator Bridges, Republican, of
New Hampshire said it was his guess
that if anybody from this area has
chance of becoming serious con-
tender for first or second place on
next years ticket it was House
Speaker Martin. Republican, of
Massachusetts,.
Martin May Yet Run.
Mr.. Martin cannlly has declined
to remove himself completely from
the speculation, although he has
said he Is not candidate.
Massachusetts, Republicans re-
ported that Governor Dewey, Mr.
Stassen, Senator Taft and Governor
Warren of California have shown
strength, with scattered talk about
General Eisenhower as possible
"darkhorse. There has been little
discussion, most of them said, of
Senator Vandenberg, Republican,
OF Michigan, or Gen. Douglas Mac
Arthur in the latter category.
Vermont and Rhode Island Re-
publicans were reported having
some organizational troubles within
their own ranks and are expected to
send unpledged and split delega-
tions to the Philadelphia meeting.
Connecticut seemed likely to give
Its "favorite son" endorsement to
Senator Baldwin, Republican, of
Connecticut, who is credited with
being interested in the candidacy
Of Mr.. Stassen, who has announced
his aspirations, and of Governor
Warren, who has been silent about
his political future.
New Hampshire is shaping up as
possible battle-ground where
Governor Dewey, Mr.. Stassen and
some others may stake their prestige
In the first popular vote in the pre-