Evening star., 1948-10-24
Subcommittee Called
To Scan Expenditures
In Kerr Campaign

Senator Jenner, Republican, of In
diana, called yesterday for an early
meeting of Senate Elections sub
committee to consider a report that
nearly $4,000 more than the legal
limit was spent on the primary elec-
ton campaign of former Gov. Rob-
ert S. Kerr in Oklahoma.
Senator Jenner, chairman of the
three-man subcommittee, wrote Sem
ators Bricker, Republican, of Ohio,
and Myers. Democrat, of Pennsyl-
vania. asking for "the earliest pos
sible date you may be available for
such a meeting"
Committee Counsel B. Nelson
Deranlan reported to Senator Jenner
Friday that at least $63,500 was
spent in the primary and a run-off
election on behalf of Mr.. Kerr who
won the Democratic Senatorial
nomination. Oklahoma law places a
ceiling OF 5000 on spending in the
primary and the same in the run
of, total of $1,000,
"Maliciously False" Kerr Says.
In Oklahoma City, Mr.. Kerr de-
clared last night he did not violate
any election expense laws in his
campaign.
These charges are utterly, totally
and, l believe. maliciously false" he
said in a statement.
Il have not violated any election
Law. either State or Federal"
Mr.. Kerr who is opposed by Rep
resentative Ross Ridley, said Repub-
licans are spending five times as
much money as the Democrats for
control of the Senate.
Il have never seen a more braZen
or contemplate effort made by po-
liticaly selfish men to gain votes
regardless of manner or means" he
said.
Myers Charges Politics.
Senator Jenner sent copies of
Mr.. Deranian's report on the Okla
homa primary to Senator Myers
and Bricker. Senator Myers imme-
diately called the report political. ="
Senator Jenner's letter to the
other two subcommittee members,
dated Friday, said he had ordered
an investigation Of the Kerr cam
paign after receiving four affidavits
charging the former Governor with
excessive spending. He added:
Il felt that this could be done
within short period of time and if
1t developed that the charges were
unfounded, then in fairness to Mr..
Kerr, they could be disposed of ac-
cordingly.
If the investigation indicated
that charges had real substance,
tnen felt it would be incumbent
on the subcommittee to take such
steps as might be deemed appropri-
ate In meeting its responsibilities
as an arm of the United States Sen
ate which has on several previous
occasions declared that the expendi-
ture OF excessive sums in behalf of
u candidate to secure senatorial
nomination, as well as election. is
contrary to sound public policy.
harmful to the honor and dignity
OF the Senate, and dangerous to
the perpetuity of free government.
Bureau Resignation Accepted. :.
Close associates said, meanwhile,
that Senator Jenner's decision to
resign as chairman of the Repub-
hcan National Committees speak
ers bureau was based on a desire to
do some Indiana campaigning, rath-
Or than because of the elections in
vestigation.
Herbert Brownell, jr., Republican
national campaign chairman, for
naaly accepted Senator Jenners
resignation yesterday and In a tele-
gram to the Senator, expressed
gratitude for the outstanding serv-
Ice you have rendered to the Dewey
Warren ticket"
Il agree completely with the state
ment which you have made to me-
Mr. Brownell said, that the ma
tional speaking program is now Or
ganized to such an extent that very
little remains to be done except in
the matter of day-by-day adjust
n1ents.
And I am quite sure" he con-
hnued, that your executive assist
ant, George Stewart, will be able
to handle such matters in a COM
Hletely SatiSfactorv mannern