Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1954-01-28
The Political Mill
Morse Whets Knife
For Oregon Election
Ronks Senator Gordon
Among Reuctionuries
By Gould Lincoln

Senator Wayne Morse of Oregon.
former Republican and now an Inde-
pendent, is preparing to move into the
coming congressional campaign in a
big way starting in his own home
State. Senator Guy Gordon. senior
Senator from Oregon and a staunch
Republican, has just announced his
candidacy for denomination and re-
election. The Junior Senator-not much
Junior for he entered the Senate less
than a year after Cordon-had this to
say about the Gordon announcement:
Senator Gordon has announced that
he will run for reelection on the basis
Of his record. His reactionary record
warrants the election of liberal cam
didate for the Senate in 1854" While
Senator Morse confined his comment
on Senator Gordon to those words, it is
known that Senator Morse Is whetting
a knife with which to lift the Gordon
political scalp. If he can.
Ever since Senator Morse renowned,
first, Gen. Eisenhower as a candidate
for President in 1852 Che had been for
the general originally but broke with
him because of his attitude on public
power and other subjects) and then
left the Republican Party, there has
been much speculation about the extent
of his influence with the voters of his
State. Now the question is to be put
to the test of the polls. He was unable
to make dent in Eisenhower followers
in Oregon in the presidential election
for Eisenhower carried the State
100000 to 100000 for Adlai Stevenson.
In this coming senatorial struggle.
however, it may be different. First,
Morse has big personal following
among the independent voters in
Oregon and has had their support in
his battles for nomination-he has
been opposed by some of the influen-
tial members of the Republican organi-
zation. Second, in recent years there
has been a mounting increase in
Democratic registration in Oregon
acceptable candidate for the Senate,
he might have good chance on strict
party division.
Not Seeking to Dictate.
Senator Morse is not seeking to
dictate in any way the selection of a
lie
However, the Democrats are well aware
that if they want his support in this
contest they will have to name a
liberal Democrat. A number of poten-
tial nominees are discussed, among
them couple of State Senator's,
Howard Holmes and Richard Neuberger.
Also, Howard Morgan, Democratic
State chairman: Joe Carson, former
Mayor of Portland, and George Ulman
of Baker. Greg, a leader in the Hells
Canyon dam fight.
Senator Gordon was first appointed
to the Senate to fill vacancy caused
by the death of the late Senator Charles
l.. McNary, in March 1914. He was
elected to the seat in the same year,
and reelected in 1913. He won over
his Democratic opponent in his last
election with lead of 100000 votes.
That was six years ago. it is true;
nevertheless, Senator Cordon's follow
ing was material and it is going to
take lot of work to upset him next
November. There are those who say.
on the other hand, that the Democrats
will not only be able to elect Senator,
but also two of Oregon's four members
OF the House. At present all four House
members are Republicans. Senator
Morse is likely to get into those cam
paigns, too.
Gillette Will Run Again.
While Senator Gordon, a Republican.
was announcing his intention to seek
reelection. Democrat, Senator Guy
Gillette, said he would stand for
reelection. Gillette. mailing from a
traditional Republican State, will be a
tough man to beat. He has a big follow
ing among the farmers and has been
supported by considerable number of
Republicans in past elections. He made
a distinct hit with the c. O. P. followers
back in 1887. when he, a Democrat,
helped to defeat President Roosevelt's
Supreme Court packing bill. Later,
the Roosevelt administration tried to
purge" Gillette. but failed. Gillette
was elected in 1948 with margin of
10000 votes over his Republican oppo-
nent. The Republicans this year are
hopeful Of gaining a Senate seat in
Iowa. which Eisenhower carried by
nearly $4,000 votes in 1882 Represents
alive Tom Martin of Iowa's LIST district
announced his candidacy for the Senate
last March, and up to date no other
Republican has entered the field. Iowa,
by the way. has eight Republican mem
berS OF the House and no Democratic,