Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1961-10-22
BY DAVID S. BRODER
star staff Writer

President Kennedy. who
could never previously have
been described as a "neutralist"
in domestic politics. has decided
to adopt a nom intervention
policy in this falls elections.
The Presidents decision,
which associates say was taken
despite his strong personal de-
sire to get out on the stump
again, means that Democratic
candidates in next months
elections for Mayor of New
York, Governor of New Jersey
and to fill one Texas House
seat will have to get along
without direct aid from their
party chief.
Mr.. Kennedy's decision has
caused some rumblings Of dis
content among lesser Demo-
Gratis, but most of those in
volved in the three campaigns
mentioned defend his decision
as the proper one.
What does upset them. how
ever, is that their ace has side
lined himself at the very mo-
ment when the Republican
star. former President EiSen-
hover, has decided to step up
his activities for his party.
The contrast in the policies
Of the President and his pre-
deceSsor is particularly sharp
In the Texas congressional race
"a November 4 contest in San
Antonio and surrounding Bexar
County to replace Democrat
Paul j. Kilday. who resigned
last month to become a Federal
Judge.
Issues Clear-Cut
The issues are clear-cut. The
Republican nominee is John
Goode, who calls himself a
militant conservative" and
could be depended on to oppose
virtually all of Mr.. Kennedy's
domestic program. The Demo-
crat is State Senator Henry
Gonzalez an about advocate
Of the New Frontier whose vote
could be counted as safe by
White House lobbyists on al
most any House roll-call.
Mr.. Eisenhower announced
this week he would fly to San
Antonio and campaign for Mr..
Goode all day October 80.
BY coincidence, President
Kennedy's schedule will put
him in Oklahoma the previous
day to take part in the opening
of a new national forest road.
He will spend the night of
october 90 visiting the ranch
home Of Senator Kerr. Demo-
crat Of Oklahoma. But he will
not. according to present plans,
make the relatively short hop
to San Antonio to lend a hand
in the Gonzalez campaign.
So far, in fact. Senator
Gonzalez. who stumped for Mr..
Kennedy in IL States last fall.
has not even received a letter
from the President indorsing
his candidacy or wishing him
good luck In his campaign.
Aided by Others
In a telephone interview, the
Democratic nominee made 1t
plain he was not complaining
about this treatment. IT feel
the party has been more than
interested and more than gen.
erous," he said. land I am
appreciative."
He referred to the indorse-
ments he has received from
Vice President Johnson and
Senator Marlborough. Democrat
Of Texas, the appearance in
San Antonio last Sunday of
Mrs. johnson and House Dem
ocratic Whip Albert Of Okla
homa and the promise Of
further help from other Dem
ocratic Congressman.
Senator Gonzalez said some
Of his hackers had suggested
he seek help from President
Kennedy, but he had decided
not to.
II believe the President,
absorbed as he is with the
world crisis, should be taxed
as little as possible in this re-
spect," he said. Naturally, any
word or help from him would
be appreciated, but I'm not 60
ing to importune him"
That is the same public
stance taken two weeks ago by
Richard J. Hughes, Democratic
candidate for Governor of New
Jersey. He visited the White
House and then told reporters
Mr.. Kennedy would be welcome
II he wanted to aid the cam