Evening star., 1952-04-17
Stevenson Withdrawal
Seen Boon for Kefuuver
Many Democrat Leaders Ask
Where Do We Go From Here?'
The Political Mn
By Gould Lincoln

Where Do We Go From Here?'
By Gould Lincoln
The withdrawal Of Gov. Adlai Steven
son of Illinois from the race for the
Democratic presidential nomination
comes as O bitter disappointment to
many Democratic leaders who believed
that the party had a winner there. On
top Of President Truman's refusal to
run again. the announcement by Gov.
Stephenson has caused an even more
chaotic situation. Party leaders in WASH
ington are asking each other; Where do
we go from here?"
For Senator Kefauver Of Tennessee.
the Stevenson decision may be regarded
as mama from heaven. The Illinois
Governor was regarded as the man who
could effectually check the Kefauver
aspirations for the Democratic presi-
dental nomination. With Truman and
Stevenson both out Of the picture, Ke-
fauvers campaign takes on added speed.
However, many Of the party leaders
particularly those who follow the lead
Of President Truman-do not take kindly
to the Kefauver candidacy. Apparently
there are to be more and more favorite-
son candidates, who will seek to hold
their State delegations in line until
agreement can be reached on some can
didate other than the Tennessean.
New York Moves Waited.
New York is preparing to give its
large delegation to w. Averell Hartman,
for example, and If the Hartman move
ment takes real shape and substance.
the Empire State Democrats may make
a fight for his nomination. In some
quarters it is suggested that the New
York Democratic leaders are putting
Hartman In the picture early to head
of any movement for Franklin D. Roose-
velt, jr., now a Representative from New
York and said to be ambitious.
Ohio Democrats are particularly exer-
cised over the situation. Senator Ke-
fauver is making bid for some Of the
Ohio delegates to the Democratic Ma
tional Convention. Former Senator
Bulkley Is the favorite-son candidate
who originally was stand-in for Presi-
dent Truman. The Democratic State
chairman and other party leaders in
Ohio have now announced they plan to
take the delegation to Chicago "unin-
structed'-and ready to support the best
man, presumably not Kefauver, in their
opinion. They may have to scratch
gravel, however, to prevent Senator Ke-
fauver from winning some of the Ohio
delegates.
The name Of Senator Paul Douglas Of
Illinois bounded back into the talk about
Democratic candidates as soon as word
came from Gov. Stevenson he was out.
For long time there has been support
for Senator Douglas among party lead
ers in Western States. The Illinois Sen
ator has repeatedly said he was not a
candidate-and it is known he has no
desire to be q presidential nominee. He
could, if he wanted it, have the Illinois
delegation back of him at the national
convention, despite the fact that Sen
ator Kefauver-unoppoSe the II.
inoiS preference primary recently.
Spoke Kindly of Kefauver.
Senator Douglas in the past has
spoken kindly of Senator Kefauver-and
he might declare for the Tennessean.
Senator Moody Of Michigan. while his
first choice is Gov. Mennen Williams Of
that State, believes that Senator Doug
las not only would make a strong cam
didate but also that he would be an
excellent President if elected. Gov. Will
liams, it is expected, will take the Michi-
gan delegation to the national conven-
ton committed to himself as a favorite
son.
Vice President Barkley was one of the
first to send message to Gov. Stevenson
expressing regret the Governor had de-
cided not to run. There are those DEM
ocratic leaders who feel that the Weep is
the proper man to nominate for PreSi-
dent, and certainly that he would be a
good rallying post for those who do not
desire the nomination Of Senator Ke-
fauver The probabilities are that the
Vice President will not become an active
candidate-but that he will be available
If his friends want him.
Senator Russell's candidacy seems en-
tirely unaffected by the Stevenson de-
cision. The Georgian is expected to have
the support of the great mass of dele
gates from the solid South"-unless
the convention turns to another man
who is acceptable to the South Demo-
Gratis. But that Senator Russell could
win much delegate support outside Of
the Southern States Is extremely doubt
full. to put it mildly. The Russell can
didacy was at first dangerous threat
to denomination and reelection of
President Truman. It remains q check
on the action Of the national convention.