Evening star., 1949-10-11
The Political Mill ,.,...
New Jersey Election Loss
Could Be Blow to G.'O.P
Some Republicans Cool to Driscoll,
Hague Back in Political Fray
Rv GouId TincoIn
By Gould Lincoln

The gubernatorial election in New Jersey
next month-next to New Yorks senatorial
election-may hold more political signif-
canoe than any other contest in this of
year"
Until recently it had been generally pre-
dicted and accepted that Gov. Alfred e.
Driscoll. Republican, would win reelection,
He may still win, and handily. However.
some factions Of the Republican Party in
New Jersey are now reported to be luke
warm to the Governor. and Democrats,
spearheaded by Frank Il am the law"
Hague. who has come out Of retirement to
work for the Democratic candidate, former
Representative Elmer Wene, are pushing
desperately to put their man across.
This is contest which the Republicans
should win The State went Republican
last year-for Gov. Dewey against President
Truman-and elected a Republican Sena-
tor by $4,000 votes. If the Republicans are
successful the Democrats can say with con-
siderable Justice that their defeat shows no
trend away from the popular support Of
President Truman.
Could Be Blow to G. o.P.
On the other hand, If the Republicans
lose. 1t will be a real body blow to the morale
OF the G. o. P. nationally
Further, 1t would be a sad blow to the
new Republican national chairman, Guy
George Gabrielson. New Jerseys national
committeeman, and to "Ab" Hermann who
has recently become the executive director
OF the Republican National Committee. an
other Jerseyman. Both have been in tho
State. seeking to aid the Drscoll campaign.
Gov. Driscoll has been an excellent chief
executive of his State He is considered.
however, too liberal by some of the old guard
Republicans and he has trod on the toes
OF some OF the smaller Republican bosses.
some OF these gentry are said to be so
lncensed they would rather lose with Gov.
Drlscol than win with him, even though it
means Democrat taking over command in
Trenton.
Gov Driscoll is the first Governor to run
Tor second consecutive term in 100 years
In New Jersey. 1t all comes about because
the new State constitution is now effective
Under the DID, a Governor could not succeed
himself. So it is something new for JERSEY
voters to support Governor for reelection,
Hague Back In Fray.
Last May the Hague organization in
Jersey City took licking at the hands of
John Kenny, Democrat, who was elected
mayor. At the time it was believed that
this bitter row in the Democratic Party. in
the Democratic stronghold of the State,
would work in favor of Republican victory
this fall. Mayor Kenny, kind Of fusion
candidate against the Hague organization.
had some Republican support Mr.. Hague,
who Is still Democratic national committee
man for New Jersey. has jumped into the
middle Of the gubernatorial tight with all
his old energy. The Democratic national
organization, too, is giving what aid 1t can
to Mr.. Wene, "Chic" Wene as he is called
because he has been large chicken farmer
IN South Jersey. Mr.. Wene Is popular with
New Jersey farmers-and has considerable
personal following.
Former Gov. and Secretary Of the Navy
Charles Edison, Democrat. has indorsed
Gov. Driscon for reelection. Mr. Edison
has been at odds with Frank Hague for
years-and 1t is the natural thing for him
to oppose a candidate supported by Mr..
Hague. It is not believed that the Edison
Endorsement will take many Democrats into
the Driscoll camp. Mr.. Edison fell out with
Mr.. Hague when he. Mr.. Edison, was Gov
ernor. and fought Mr.. Hague at every turn.
If the Republicans turn out and vote
for Gov. Driscoll-in considerable numbers.
his reelection seems entirely likely. There
Is. however, a lot of work to be done to get
them out. and to get the organization work.
ing at high speed.