Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1956-05-04
Denies Intention
To Affect Vote
In Senate Race

step from the presidency of the
University of Maryland to the
Governors seat two years ago,
says he will try again in 1858.
The unexpected move exploded
on the political scene last night
with hollow sound. No one
was sure at first just what effect
1t might have on the George P.
Mahoney Willard E. Tydings
fight for the Democratic NOM
nation to the Senate, which
will be decided Monday.
Dr.. Byrd defeated Mr.. Ma
honey for the Democratic guber-
material nomination in 1854,
then lost to Gov. McKeldin in
the general election.
! In his statement, DR.. Byrd
said the announcement was not
made with the primary pur-
pose" of affecting the Mahoney-
lTydings race, but he said he
would be very glad" if it gave
Mr.. Tydings some assistance.
Says No Deals Made
Mr.. Tydings and Mr.. Mahoney
were unavailable for comment.
DR.. Byrd stressed that he was
making no deals, and that none
would be made.
Practically, such deals have
little, if any, political value" he
said. Further, would not thus
cast reflection on the integrity
and intelligence of large groups
of people by inferring that they
would sacrifice their right to vote
as they think.
Il am confident that no man
carries around III his pocket
large groups of people, who will
vote as he tells them to, either
next Monday or two years from
now"
That could be a reference to
State Controller Willard Tawes,
who has been campaigning ac-
lively for Mr.. Mahoney and who
is considered an almost sure
candidate for the gubernatorial
race in 1858.
Calls Action Unprecedented
If so. the campaigning for the
Democratic nomination for gov-
ernor has already begun. Both
are from the Eastern Shore.
The Byrd statement said:
Coming out as a candidate
for governor more than two
years in advance of the election
is unprecedented. However.
there has apparently been some
attempt to indicate that I have
retired from public life, and,
therefore, it seems pertinent that
l make known my intentions and
4 aspirations.
No, this announcement is not
made with the primary purpose
of helping the Tydings cam
paign. although I shall be very
glad if it has that effect.
Instead, it expresses definite
ly and finally how confident I
am that the governorship is not
being fought out in this sena-
torlal primary. Further, it il
evident that l am not being in
f1uenced in any way by what
ever may be the result of next
Mondays primary.
Appeals to Voters
Also, there is possibility
that l may be out of the State
a good deal for the next six
months, and this statement
eliminates the possibility of con-
lectures as to whether I intend
to continue in public life.
mo attempt has been made to
line up support. No deal has been
made, and none will be -.
THE one basic fact actuating
this statement is that l have
decided to ask the Democratic
Party to give me the opportunity
ito represent it again. I believe,
in the light of circumstances
that existed two years ago,
deserve such an opportunity
and am hopeful that a majority
of the Democratic voters think
likewise.
"As for making deals, whether
they take the form of promises
to deliver large groups of
primary votes. or playing footsie
under the table with Republican
candidates. want no part Of
that kind of politics. II elected
to public Office. I intend to be
free Of any kind Of obligation
that might prevent me doing an
efhcient and economical job. ="