PARTIES IN U.S.A.

Wairarapa Times-Age, 29 June 1940, Page 5

PARTIES IN U.S.A.

REPUBLICAN NOMINEE FOR PRESIDENCY DARK HORSE SELECTED SUPPORTER OF AID TO ALLIES. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. PHILADELPHIA, June 28. Following a series ol ballots at the convention of the Republican Party, Mr Wendell Willkic' was nominated as the [tarty’s official candidate for the office of President of the United States of America. Nearest to him in the voting were Senator Robert A. Taft and Mr Thomas E. Dewey. After the fifth ballot Mr Dewey announced that he was releasing the delegates pledged to him, leaving Mr Willkie and Senator Taft a two-corn-ered fight. Mr Willkie was nominated on the sixth ballot, after overcoming Mr Dewey’s early lead and after Mr A. H. Vandenberg, as well as Mr Dewey, had released their delegates. It is conceivable that the selection will alter the Democratic strategy, which is apparently based on the expectation of nominating President Roosevelt. It might even influence Mr Roosevelt decision whether to run, since Mr Willkie favours an almost identical foreign policy, though he mildly criticised Mr Roosevelt’s “provocative” utterances and also “inadequate” defence preparations. Mr Willkie’s nomination was declared unanimous after the official rollcall gave him 99 of 100 votes. The names of Senator C. L. McNary (Oregon), the former Minister to Canada, Mr H. MacNider, Senator A. H. Vandenberg (Michigan), Senator S. Bridges (New Hampshire), Governor A. H. James of Pennsylvania, and Governor H. J. Bushfield, of South Dakota, were officially presented to the convention, in the early proceedings, in addition to those of Messrs Dewey, Willkie, F. E. Gannett and Senator Taft, after which the balloting to select the Presidential nominee began. In the first ballot Mr Dewey received 360 votes, Senator Taft 189, and Mr Willkie 105. The rest were scattered. No one received the neccessary 501 votes. In the second ballot Mr Dewey received 338 votes, Senator Taft 203 and Mr Wilkie 171. The fourth ballot resulted: Mr Willkie 306 votes, Senator Taft 254 and Mr Dewey 250. MR WILLKIE’S POLICY RANK AND FILE SUPPORT. LONDON, June 28. Mr Willkie has publicly stated his agreement with President Roosevelt’s aid to the Allies policy and his only criticism is likely to be that this does not go far enough. His nomination was the result of the demand of the rank and file as apart from the professional politicians.