The people's voice. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1939-1969, 1960-05-13
. The Republican Senatorial Race

he kePubucan Senator1al Mace
Dramatic events have taken place
in Montana politics-Republicans
have some real and intense contests
in the primary election.
What the underlying ramifications
of this are, it is difficult for outsld-
ers to determine, but there are some
evident factors that come to light as
the campaign progresses.
Early in the year it looked as if
there would be only two candidates
for U. S. Senate on the Republican
ticket = Wayne Montgomery and
Summer Gerard. Gerard, Minority
Leader of the last State House of
Representatives, was working hard
to gain the blessings of the majority
of the party wheel horses. His early
press releases We're handled from the
Governors office where it appeared
he had established temporary head
quarters. Montgomery, unknown
newcomer to the state-let alone
politics shrugged off in all
political discussions.
In a state given to provincialism,
Gerard was also considered a new
conner and this was one of the hurdles
he had to overcome in seeking party
in the important U. s..
Senate race. Both Montgomery and
Gerard will bear the cross of wealth
and citizenship tenure in this cam
paign, however, Gerard has been
active and made a name for himself
in politics through legislative service.
While politicians were continuing
to shrug off Montgomery as vote
getting force he was moving relent-
essly forward. His gains continued.
Panic set in in Republican political
circles.
By April calls were coming to
Governor Aronson pressing him to
ret into the u. S. Senate race. Calls
we're coming from Republican heir
lrchy in Washington, D. G. and from
,arty leaders in the state. This pres
ure continued up to the final hours
'efore the filing deadline.
By the time the Secretary of State
Iad closed his doors, ending primary |
ling for 1860, four more Republi-
ans were in the race: James Nor
ow, Bozeman attorney; Orvin Flare,
ormer eastern district congressman;
red Martin, Livingston newspaper
IAN, and L. A. Wilson, Kremlin.
With less than month to go Re-
ublicans are still facing the rising
ide of political figure who was an
Unknown nine months ago.
There is little doubt many Repub-
cans resent the temerity of an "out-
ider'' coming in and upsetting the
pple cart. 1t was this same factor
lat held hack early support Of Ger
I'd and in all probability ultimately
1T the way clear for Montgonaery's
aims. y
The question so often asked is:
Tho is Montgomery? Followed by:
There does he get all the money he
using in this unheard of challenge
the Republican command?
There was some talk of Summer +.
erard's wealth early in the game,
1T Montgomery's campaign costs Is
ust be making Gerard feel like a
upper. II
Financial backing in politics is not
4sy to determine. During campaign
is next TO impossible TO trace conf
buttons. After campaign, in spite !
laws on the matter, contribution 6
moflage has become one of the
her arts. a
Montgomery campaigns the state 6
private air plane. He has more t
d bigger billboards for a longer a
riod of time than any other candi- p
tie. He has more skillfully pro-
ced TV programs for a longer r
riod of time than any other candi- t.
tie. Advertising, radio, billboards, $
Z of this candidate are amazing a
liticians everywhere.
1t is generally accepted, few poll p
ians spend their own money in a ii
npaign. If Montgomery is spending
!, he is far weather. than mere .
'ntanans can hardly imagine.
His political attitudes indicate he W
\