Milford chronicle., 1952-02-15
WATCH THE NEW HAMPSHIRE
PRIMARIES


dominant role in deciding the big question
OF who is to be the Republican standard
bearer. The state, of course, is New Hamp-
shire, where the names of both Senator Taft
and General Eisenhower will appear on the
preferential primary ballot. Harold Stassen.
VINO is an extremely dark horse, also will
enter.
1t is possible, but not yet definitely decid-
ed, that these three names along with that
of Governor Warren will be placed on the
Oregon primary ballot. Oregon, which is
also on the small size so far as population is
concerned, is considered by MANY to be
something of key state, on the theory that
its residents are about as typical a cross
section of Americans as can be found in one
place. Oregon, it will be remembered plaved
a big role in 1913, when StaSsen and Dewey
campaigned the state with Whistle-stop thor
Oughness. Climax of the race was a nation
ally-broadcaSt and nationally -publicized ra-
diO debate which, in the view of most lis
teners resulted in an overwhelming victory
for the New York governor. Mr. Stassen's
stock as a potential candidate went down
hill fast thereafter and Mr.. Dewey had it all
his own Way-until the following Novem-
ber!
Whether the New Hampshire vote will
be an accurate measuring of any candidates
standing in the nation at large can and will
be argued-With the hackers of the loser,
naturally, taking one side and the hackers
of the winner taking the opposite. But it
will provide something that is purely in the
realm of speculation right nova formal
verdict of many thousands of voters as to
the respective merits of the General and the
Senator The head men in both the Taft and
Eisenhower camps argue as long as there is
anyone around to listen that their candi-
dates are unbeatable, and can win anywhere
against all comers. Obviously, one side is
wrong. And both camps have shown great
warineSs against taking a chance where the
outcome is doubtful. That's what makes the
entry of Taft and Eisenhower in New Hamp-
shire so important and significant.
Senator Taft will undoubtedly stump the
state thoroughly. That's what he did in the
last Ohio senatorial race, with enormous
success, especially in the industrial areas
where he was supposed to be weak due to
the Taft-Hartley law controversy. The Els
enhOwer people will be at a very definite
disadvantage if their man stays abroad and
says nothing. Some of the best observers
think that it is essential for Eisenhower to
do something tangible on behalf of his own
candidacy before the primary if his cause
is not to run the risk of irretrieVable ruin
All of which remains to be seen.
In the meantime, a great many people
seem to think that the only question is whe-
ther the COP candidate will be Taft or Els
enhOwer-that one of the two is a cinch.
That is not So There is a definite possibility
that the strength of one will offset the
strength Of the other-a case of the irresis-
tible force meeting the immovable object
and that neither one can get the needed COL
convention votes as a result. Then more
or less dark horse would be tapped by the
weary delegates. 1t has happened before,
when two strong candidates cancelled each
other out. Such hopefuls as Warren and
Stassen are doubtless hoping it will happen
again.