Evening star., 1947-11-30
Lucas Declines 10 Run
For Illinois Governor
In Spite Of Pressure
By Gould Lincoln

Senator LUCAS, Democrat, OF
Illinois, announced yesterday
that he would not seek the DEM
ocratic nomination for Governor
of his State next year.
1t is generally supposed in politi-
cal circles here that Senator Lucas
would prefer to be vice presiden-
tial candidate next year, on the
ticket with President Truman, al
though he maintains strict silence
on the subject.
Some color is given to this sup
position by the Senator's statement
declining to run for Governor. In
it he said that he believed he could
serve the people of Illinois and the
Nation better by sticking to national
affairs, rather than by turning to
State matters.
Senator Lucas is one of four Sem
ators whose names have been men,
toned in connection with the DEM
ocratic vice presidential nomination,
the others being Senators O'Ma-
honey Of Wyoming, Mcmahon of
Connecticut and Tydings of Mary
land.
His State Important.
Should the choice of a running
mate for President Truman 60 to
member of the Senate, Senator
Lucas is considered to have a good
chance. He halls from an impor-
tant, pivotal State in elections. east
of the Mississippi. In 1910 his name
was put in nomination for vice
president, but he Withdrew it when
President Roosevelt insisted upon
having Henry A. Wallace as his run
ming mate He was put forward also
for the vice presidential nomination
in 1914 by the Illinois delegation to
the party's national convention.
For months it had been rumored
that Senator Lucas would be the
Democratic nominee for Governor,
and many Illinois Democrats have
urged him to run. His statement
yesterday was intended as reply.
Thousands of my friends in
Illinois, including Democrats, Re-
publicans and independents have
urged me to become a candidate for
Governor" Senator Lucas said.
These requests almost always sug-
gested that would have no opposi-
tion for the primary nomination
They also assured me that Demo-
cratic victory is certainty in Illi-
nois in the election of 1948."
After expressing his qualification
for this support, Senator lucas said
he consulted President Truman
Senate Democratic leader Barkley
and other Democratic leaders in
National affairs.
They are unanimous he con-
tinued, 'in their desire tnat l re-
main in the Senate.
Studies Benefit to People.
II have weighed the advantages
and disadvantages to the people
I represent of my turning from
National to State affairs. Should
I become Governor of Illinois, the
benefit of my IA years Of experience
in the Congress would be largely
lost to the people of Illinois and
the Nation. I hope the gravity of
the decision I had TO make will tx
cuse my reference to niy position as
Democratic whip of the Senate,
my membership on the powerful
agriculture, finance and policy COM
mittees of the Senate, all important
assignments in helping shape and
mould the destiny of our COIN
try in one of the most critical hours
in our history"
The comment in Illinois has been
that Senator Lucas would be the
strongest candidate the Democrats
could put forward for Governor
next year. The strong run he made
when he was reelected to the Sen
ate in 1914 has been given as evi-
dence he would have an excellent
chance of winning for Governor.
The Republicans are expected to
renominate Gov. Green next year,
although, like Senator Lucas, Gov.
Green is regarded as a willing candi-
date for a vice presidential nomina-
ton. Mr.. Green has been twice
elected Governor, and unless the Re-
publicans should be in slump next
year, it is doubtful the Democrats
could defeat him-even with Senator
Lucas as a gubernatorial candidate.
Mr.. Green, it is expected will 60 into
the 1948 Republican National Con-
vention as Illinois favorite- son
candidate for the presidential
nomination.
Americans are spending more than
$120 annually per family on edu-
cation compared with about $108 in
the 1Q1Q-30 period