Evening star., 1949-09-20
The Political Mill
Special California Race
For House Seat Watched
Democrats Expect to Capture
Election in San Francisco
By Gould Lincoln

San Francisco, where the Democratic high
command has just been holding party con-
ference attended by leaders from IL
Western States bobs up with special con-
gressional election this fall which may give
some indication of the direction the polit-
ical wind is blowing. 1t is an election, too,
which the Democrats feel they have the
better chance of winning-and Republicans
are none too hopeful. The special election
is made needful by the recent death of
Representative Richard J. Welch, Republic
can.
Mr.. Welch served a quarter of century
in the House, receiving both the Republican
and the Democratic nominations-in the
quaint California way. He first was elected
in days when the Republicans were in power
nationally, and he designated himself Re
publican" and stuck to it all through his
service. During the Roosevelt and Truman
administrations, however, Mr.. Welch voted
with the Republicans on questions of organi-
zation of the HouSe-and little else. On
New Deal and Fair Deal measures he almost
invariably lined up with the Democrats.
Before he went to the House, Mr.. Welch was
closely associated with organized labor
and to all intents and purposes he never
gave up the association. 1t is believed the
Democrats outnumber Republicans in his
district.
Labor Chief to Run.
So the Democrats seem destined to take
away from the COP a Republican seat
in the House. John F. Shelley, president Of
the State Federation of Labor, is to be
their candidate, according to reports. and
should be formidable. The Republicans are
looking to former City Commissioner (San
Francisco Huntington as their probable
standard bearer. California laws make no
provision for electing candidates to run in
special election. So the candidates will
run without party designation on the ballot.
Under such circumstances, number OF
candidates may enter the field, which could
make the outcome uncertain. However,
each candidate must obtain several thousand
signatures indorsing his candidacy, to get
on the ballot.
The special election. it is expected, will
be held November 8, when a number of
issues come before the voters. 1t would
save money to hold this House election at
the same time. In any event, an election
may be expected before Congress meets for
a new session in January.
The Truman Democrats are making as
strong bid as possible for congressional
gains next year in the West. The conference
they held in Des Moines earlier this year,
and the San Francisco conference, were
both designed to bolster this ambition. Vice
President Barkley, four members of the
cabinet, Democratic National Chairman
William M. Boyle, jr., and number of lesser
lights, journeyed to the Pacific Coast for
this latter conference.
No Promises Left Unsaid
They left no promises of Federal aid for
the West unsaid. I'VE believe" said Chair
man Boyle, addressing the conference, that
the Democratic Party has lot to offer the
West"
Our strongest point" continued Mr..
Boyle, "in going before the people is that
we have a program and the Republican
Party does not We have a program and
we are putting it into effect, and we are
improving the welfare of the country"
Definitely, the Democratic program calls for
the Columbia River Authority Fashioned
after the TVA) and Central Valley Project
for California particularly. It calls for aid
to the farmers through the Brannan pro-
duction payment plan and it Is holding out
to labor a new promise of repeal of the
Taft-Hartley Act.
Next year holds the answer to a number
OF personal political ambitions in California.
James Roosevelt. Democratic national COM
mitteeman, wants to be Governor. Gov,
Earl Warren, Republican, probably will de-
sire re-election-he didn't like the defeat
he took in the State last year as vice presi-
dental candidate. Mrs. Helen Gahagan
Douglas, Democrat, may desire to run for
the Senate. If Mr.. Roosevelt could win the
governorship he would be in position to
hight for presidential nomination in 1852.