Jasper County Democrat, Volume 11, Number 40, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 21 October 1908 — WATSON AND HIE HOME FOLKS. [ARTICLE]

WATSON AND HIE HOME FOLKS.

Two yean ago Jamas E. Watson, now the Republican candidate for governor, was a candidate for congress In the Sixth district, which he had represented (T) for several terms. His unpopularity tn the district where he is beet known will be seen from the official returns of the vote In the counties comprising the district, as the figures are set out on Page 9 of the "Abstract of Vote" Issued by the secretary of state. Watson’s vote Is compared with that cast for Sims, Republican candidate for secretary of state: Counties. Watson. Sims. Decatur 2,566 2,623 Fayette 2,012 3,007 Franklin 1,482 1,474 Hancock .*2,187 2,230 Henry , 3,240 3,371 Rush (His home county). 2,555 2,696 Shelby,.... 8,108 3,163 Union 954 984 Wayne 4,031 4,802

22,135 23,349 Watson ran behind Sims But this is not the worst of the case. The Sixth congressional district is heavily Republican. A comparison of Mr. Watson’s pluralities In the years 1904, when the attention of the people was attracted to national affairs, and 1906, when they took time to look into Watson's record, shows the following striking difference: 1904—Watson’s plurality 7,043 1906—Watson’s plurality.l,so6 A loss ofT 5,537 Mr. Watson saw the handwriting on the wall when he looked at this vote. It was a practical repudiation of him by the people who knew him best Another race for congress meant his defeat He appealed to the Republican state machine, which he had long served, to save his political life by giving him the nomination for governor. The machine gave it to him. And the people now have a chance to finally repudiate both Watson and the machine which has bled the taxpayers fol twelve years.