Evening star., 1951-12-23
Eisenhower Backing
Is Tremendous al
Grass Roots, Duff Says
By J. A. O'Leory

By J. A. O'Leory
Senator Duff, Republican, of
Pennsylvania. said yesterday he
found tremendous" grass roots
sentiment for Gen. Dwight D.
Eisenhower for President in all
parts Of the country during 10000
miles of travelling since Congress
adjourned.
He made the statement in a
pres conference at the opening
of Washington headquarters for
the general in the Shoreham Hotel
yesterday.
Senator Duff, one of the lead
ing Eisenhower boosters in the
Republican Party, also challenged
some of the claims of Taft sup
porters of delegates already in
the bag" for the Ohio Senator.
Delegates to Be Named.
The Pennsylvania Senator told
reporters lit is pretty hard to tell
whether you have delegates tied
up before you know who the dele
gates will be-" This was a refer
ence to the fact that the States
will not begin to choose delegates
until Spring.
Asked about one estimate that
Taft forces have 400 delegate
votes at this time, toward the
slightly more than 600 required to
nominate, Senator Duff said he
knows of some specific claims for
Senator Taft that ARE not justi-
fed by the facts"
Senator Edwin C. johnson
Democrat, of Colorado, said
meanwhile, he doubts that either
Gen. Eisenhower or President Tru-
man will be candidates in next
years election.
kefauver Decision Next Year.
And Senator Kefauver, Demo-
crat, OF Tennessee, who headed the
Senate Crime Investigating Com
mlttee, told reporter he probably
Will decide early next year whether
to try for the Democratic Party'sI
presidential nomination.
Harold E. Stassen returned from
Europe aboard the Queen Mary
and said he will make an
announcement in Philadelphia
Thursday night regarding his posi-
ton in the 1852 race. Mr..
StasSen'S trip included a confer
ence with Gen. Eisenhower, but
the former governor of Minnesota
refused to comment on the con-
versation.
Mr.. Stassen, president of the
University of Pennsylvania. is be-
Ing doomed for President by Re-
publican hackers. There has been
some speculation, however, that /
ne might throw his support to
Gen. Eisenhower. i
Doubted as Candidate.
From Paris came word that
Representative John M. Vorys. Re-
publican, of Ohio. is convinced
that Gen. Eisenhower won't run.
Mr.. Vorys, who has been in Europe
as a U. N. delegate, told newsmen
he based his view not on any word
from Gen. Eisenhower but on the
\ belief that the general is the
fkeystone to European unity" and
Will stay in Europe to finish his
JOB. Mr.. Vorys is a backer of
Senator Taft.
Senator Duff said he still plans
q, trip to Paris to confer with
Gen. Eisenhower and at that time
will inform him of the sentiment
he found for the general during
his recent travels. He was not
ready to announce the date OF
his visit overseas, nor did he
claim any information as to when
Gen. Eisenhower will make known
his political intentions.
The Pennsylvania Senator was
positive, however, in his prediction
that Gen. Eisenhower will be
available at an appropriate time.
: Basket of Buttons.
IF I weren't confident of his
availability I wouldn't be here this
morning" the Senator told re-
porters as he stood in front of a
large portrait of the North At
lantic Treaty Organization Com
mander.
The picture, erected in front of
ired. white and blue draperies, was
one of the customary backdrops
OF an up-to-date campaign head
quarters. On a table there was
a basket Of Il Like Ike" buttons,
and across the room two news
truckers brought in the latest
developments from arond the
world.
Asked if he thought the scandals
In the Democratic administration
are building up strength for Sena-t
tor Taft, Senator Duff said he be-,
lieveS the public is getting we'll
fed UP on professional politicians
and that 1852 offers a good op-I
portunity for some one who is
not a professional. and, therefore ]
not encountered by promises.
Cites Vandenberg Support.
He was asked if his answer
meant that Senator Taft would be
under more obligations than Gen.
Eisenhower, and he replied, Very
clearly. You know that yourself. ~
Senator Duff said that in 1948
there was strong grass roots SEN
timent for the late Senator Van