Evening star., 1953-11-02
New Look in Virginia

Vrginia'S gubernatorial campaign, which
comes to climactic close tomorrow, has new
look. For the first time in the memory of life
long residents the Democrats are not taking it
for granted that their nominee will coast to
victory. And for the first time in many years
the Republicans seem to think that their man
has good chance to upset the Byrd organiza-
ton applicant. For that reason, the race be-
tween Democratic nominee Thomas B. Stanley
and Republican Ted Dalton for Virginia's gov
ernorship is of national interest.
Former Representative Stanley was unWor-
ried about his opponent, State Senator Dalton,
as the campaign got under way. Mr. Stanley
more or less ignored the latter'S candidacy and
completely ignored repeated challenges to de-
bate the issues with his opponent. But as Sen
ator Dalton toured the State from one end to
the other and back again, the Stanley forces
began to sit up and take notice. AS the campaign
comes to an end, the Democrats deny reports
that they are running scared" but the fact is
that,they belatedly pulled out all stops in their
electioneering efforts Even Senator Byrd, who
had not been expected to take an active part in
the gubernatorial race, jumped into the cam
paign with both feet,
The consensus of seasoned political obServ-
ers is that the G. O. P. stands better chance
than ever before of putting Republican in the
Governors chair at Richmond. OF course, IN
the past the Republican chances have been
virtually nil. To win, Mr.. Dalton would have
to garner a large bloc of votes from the Demo-
Gratis who helped to elect President Eisenhower.
In the nearby 10th district, which not only
went for Eisenhower in 1852 but elected Re-
publican Congressman, Representative Broyhlll,
the Dalton forces are confident of victory.
While the Dalton-Stanley contest overshadows
local races, there is plenty of interest in the
lesser battles too. Arlington voters will elect
three Assembly delegates, two School Board
members and one County Board member, be-
sides deciding on proposed bond issues Tor
street. drainage and water storage improve
ments The liveliest campaigning was that
for the School Board places, with the Arlington
Independent Movement making strong bid
against nominees of the School Board Nomlnat-
ing Convention. The progressive" policies Of
the present board have been debated heatedly
by the rival groups. Independent candidates
also have added interest to the Alexandria con-
tests fer House of Delegates and Common
wealth'S Attorney Republicans in Fairfax
County have waged vigorous fight for two
House of Delegates seats and for the extra
supervisor post resulting from a redistricting
operation
But the big attraction tomorrow in Virginia
will be the election for Governor and Lieutenant
Governor the outcome of which is sure to be
regarded in some political quarters depending
on which side winsl straw in the wind"
nationally The Republicans have made strong
showings in the presidential elections in years
past, but control of the State has remained in
Democratic hands. If the Eisenhower victory
of last year should be 'climaxed by Dalton
victory this year, political history will have
been made in the Old Dominion.