Evening star., 1949-07-29
Edwards Seen
DecisiiveFactor
In Virginia Race
Drives for Support
OF Those Regarding
Rivals as Extremists
By John V. Horner
Stov Stcff Corysxpopdent

ny JONn v. 7OTnef
Stor Stoff Cor,espordent
RICHMOND. July 20. - The
dogged campaign being waged by
Horace H. Edwards seemed likely
today to be a decisive factor in
the turbulent contest over the
Democratic nomination for Gov
ernor.
Mr.. Edwards is keeping his
workers keyed to a high pitch.
bent on corralling new support
before voters 60 to the polls Tues
day to cast their ballots.
Mr.. Edwards is one of four can
didates bidding for the nominal
tion. He is running against State
Senator John S. Battle, backed
by the dominant Byrd organiza-
ton; Francis Pickens Miller.
choice of the liberal anti-organi-
alton forces, and Remmie L. Ar
mold, manufacturer making his
debut in State politics.
Battle, Miller Big Contenders.
Many observers regard the pri-
mary's big contest as between
Senator Battle and Mr.. Miller.
They think Mr.. Edwards will run
third and Mr.. Arnold will be q
poor fourth.
But Mr.. Edwards. VINO served
for years as chairman of the
State Democratic Party. is no
rookie in politics. He has gone
after middle f-the-road" votes
between Senator Battle on the
right and Mr.. Miller on the left.
He introduced a novelty in Vir-
ginia politics by campaigning on q
platform that calls for a new tax
"a levy on retail sales, With
which he proposes to build
schools. His campaign organiza-
ton is built almost entirely on
personal friendships. though aided
by experienced politicians like
Representative Bland, former
Representatives Clifton A. Wood
rum and John w. Flanagan. and
T. Mccall Frazier. first head Of
the Virginia liquor system.
An example of Edwards cam
paign enthusiasm was provided
here last night. Returning home
to wind up the campaign, the
candidate led a noisy automobile
procession through Richmond's >
business district and the West End
residential area to the fair
grounds. There he was accorded
a rousing welcome by several
thousand perspiring admirers,
who gathered to MUNICH sand.
! wiches, drink pop and hear him
talk.
"Hands-Off" Policy.
Meanwhile, Virginians viewed
with interest. but without surprise.
the hands-off stand taken in the
primary by President Truman and
Senator McGrath. national Demo-
cratic chairman. Asked at a press
conference whether he had any
preference among the candidates,
the President said he had no COM
ment. Senator McGrath said the
Democratic National Committee is
keeping in its own back yard"
by not interfering in State con-
tests.
Elsewhere, the charge that Mr..
Miller is the "CIO and union"
candidate heading up interests
intent on the repeal of the States
labor laws was still at issue. Mr..
Miller repeatedly has denied that
he has committed himself one way
or another on the States right-to-
work and public utilities labor
relations acts-measures regarded
by organized labor as too restric-
tive.
And from Mr.. Miller and some
of his associates yesterday came
pointed denials they attended
secret" labor meetings - as
charged by States Attorney Gen.
eral J. Lindsay Almond, jr.,
Battle supporter.
Plunket Denies Statement.
In Roanoke last night Moss A.
Plunkett. candidate for Mr..
Almonds Office. denied that he.
Mr.. Miller and Martin A. Hutchin-
son. one time senatorial opponent
of Senator Byrd, ever had at
tended the secret" meeting Mr..
Almond said they had.