Evening star., 1954-01-15
Byrd HeadsUp
|Stop-Mahoney
Drive in Party
Confident He Can
Defect Contractor
In Governor Roce
By Gene Goodwin

| " 0SUG 0VOUWW
DR.. H. c. Byrd stood today
at the head Of what appears to
be the mightiest effort yet by
Maryland's organization Demo-
Gratis to stop George P. Mahoney
once and for all
And the white-haired retired
University of Maryland presi-
dent is confident that he can
whip Mr.. Mahoney in a dignified,
well-grounded campaign that
will assure the Democrats Of VIC
tory over the Republicans next
November.
Two big-name Democrats
already have accepted key posi-
tions in DR.. Byrd's crusade to
defeat Mr.. Mahoney for the
Democratic gubernatorial nom-
ination. and others are expected
to follow.
Former Gov. William Preston
Lane. jr., has agreed to help
coach DR.. Byrd's campaign as
chairman Of committee of 100
supporters. Former Representa-
tive LanSdale G. Sasscer, of
Upper Marlboro, has been named
vice chairman.
Tydings Joins Campaigners.
Former Senator Millard Tyd-
ings. who already has started
working for DR.. Byrd, is among
those expected to formally join
his team as the campaign pro-
crosses toward its climax in the
June 2S primary election.
Former Senator Herbert R.
O'Conor is still on the fence.
E. Brooke Lee, veteran Mont
gomery County Democratic lead
er. and Richard w. Case, young
Baltimore attorney, are running
DR.. Byrd'S campaign headquar-
ters which opened in the Emer-
son Hotel in Baltimore on Mon
day.
AS one Democratic leader after
another lined up behind DR..
Byrd. 1t seemed clear to most
observers that the big guns of
the party were hoping this year
TO push Mr.. Mahoney completely
into the political background.
Possible New Support.
There was even speculation
today that Mayor D'Alesandro OF
Baltimore. who has announced
he will be q candidate for the
Democratic gubernatorial nomi-
nation. but has not yet paid his
ming fee. might abandon his
own political aspirations and
swing his support to DR.. Byrd.
DR.. Byrd. who retired January
z after II years as president of
the university. said his campaign
is going to be different from any
other in Maryland history.
For one thing, he said in an
interview yesterday, I'VE are go
ing to depend a great deal on
independent as well as the ordi-
nary political groups"
He said he IS attempting To
salve old wounds in faction-rid-
den counties such as Prince
Georges and Montgomery. so that
MS party can be united, he hopes
in his behalf.
In an obvious slap at the shoe
leather type of campaigning
practiced by both Mr.. Mahoney
and Gov. McKeldin, DR.. Byrd
said "a certain dignity should be
attached to political campaigns.
Slap at McKeldin.
"There'll be no passing Of All.
tographed post cards on orr
SIDE" he said. referring to one
OF Gov. McKeldin's favorite past
times.
Or: Byrd said he believes a
candidate owes it to the people
70 answer their questions and let
tnem have his views on issues
ana get to know him as a per-
son.
He also intends to gear his
speeches to high level, he said.
IN the speeches he's been giving
almost every night this month
to groups all over the State he
SAID he has not yet mentioned
politics nor referred to the fact
that I'm a candidate" He said
ne hopes to continue that omis-
sion.
He said he is willing to meet
on the same platform with Mr.
Mahoney ANY time at any,
where" but he doubts whether
his opponent shares that desire.
the two aSpirants are scheduled
TO appear together at a fund
raising banquet for the Demo-
cratic National Committee in
Hartford County January "a