Evening star., 1954-04-22
The Political Min
Gov. Williams to Seek
Reelection in Michigan
Decision Makes Fereuson's
Senute Campaign Eosier
By Gould Lincoln

Gov. G. Mennen Williams of Michi-
gan is the second Democratic Gov
ernor of a great State this year 10
choose to run for a fourth term in
stead Of running for Senator. The first
was Gov. Frank Lausche of Ohio. No
Governor of Michigan has ever been
elected to fourth term-and only one
has tried for such an extended term,
former Gov. Alex j. Grosbeck, Repub-
lican. who was defeated for renomi-
nation in 1880.
Michigan, like Ohio, has been ordi-
narily Republican in its senatorial elec-
tions. Democratic Senators from the
two States are rare birds. In the last
so years and more. only two Demo-
Gratis have been elected Senator in
Michigan and only three in Ohio. It
is possible that Gov. Williams, who
has just announced his candidacy for
denomination, may have had these sta
tiStics in mind; Gov. Lausche, too.
However, so far as Gov. Williams is
concerned, it is understood that WAL
ter P. Reuther. head of the CIO and
OF the auto workers, a firm ally Of
Gov. Williams and the Democrats, has
said fatty that he would much prefer
to have Gov. Williams in Lansing than
in Washington.
Gov. Lausche has been quite inde-
pendent Of any dictation by labor lead.
ers. But he has had many Repub-
lican votes for Governor which he
might well not receive for Senator.
Decision Settles Questions.
Gov. Williams decision has settled
number of political questions in
Michigan. First. he has left the way
open for Blair Moody to run for the
Senate again. Mr.. Moody was ap-
pointed to the Senate by Gov. Williams
after the death of the late Senator,
Arthur Vandenberg, but he lost to Re-
publican Senator Potter in the 1852
elections. Second, Gov. Williams. by
taking himself out of the senatorial
race. has made Republican Senator
Homer Fergusons path toward re-
election easier. Gov. Williams has
shown himself far and away the best
Democratic vote-getter in Michigan
for many years. But even so, he won
his first two elections by margins so
narrow that recountS were ordered. For
mer Senator Moody, if he enters the race
as expected. will have opposition for
the Democratic senatorial nomination.
Already Patrick v. Mcnamara, widely
known labor leader-not of the Reu-
ther group-has announced he will
enter the senatorial primary He has
been a member of the board of educa-
ton. has served a term on the City
Council of Detroit. and has been presi-
dent OF the pipe settlers local and held
important Office in the Wayne County
Federation Of Labor In some quarters
1T has been suggested that former Sen
ator PrentiSS M. Brown will throw his
hat In the ring-one of the two Demo-
Gratis in SO years to win Senate seat.
Key Elections.
The Michigan and Ohio senatorial
races are of major Importance to both
Democrats and Republicans in their
struggle this year for Senate control in
the next Congress. Senator Burke of g
Ohio, Democrat, serving under appoint
ment to fill the vacancy caused by the
death Of Senator Taft. will be candi-
date to succeed himself and it seems
fairly certain that Representative
Bender. an ardent follower of the late
Senator Taft. will have the Republican
nomination. It looks like tough race
at this point. In Michigan. Senator
Ferguson now has good chance for
re-election-provided there is no real
industrial slump.
Both the Republican candidates will
be helped by the popularity of Presi-
dent Eisenhower. One highly placed
Democrat in Washington frankly says
that his party has not been able to
shake the hold Eisenhower has on the
affections of the people; that attacks
on the President by Democratic leaders
have rolled off his back like water of
a ducks back. This Democratic leader
and he is not from the South-also
contends that this Eisenhower popu-
larity will make it exceedingly difficult
for Democratic congressional candidates
in many districts and States.
Gov. williams and Gov. Lausche. by
deciding to run for reelection. have
kept themselves more available for
national recognition in the 1856 cam
paign-provided they win In these
fourth-term attempts