Kankakee Valley Post, Volume 16, Number 47, DeMotte, Jasper County, 11 October 1946 — REPUBLICANS NAME GATES TO COMMITTEE [ARTICLE]

REPUBLICANS NAME GATES TO COMMITTEE

Governor Succeeds Morris As Member Of Republican National Group Indianapolis, Oct. 9 Governor Gates late today became Republican National committeeman from Indiana after Ernest M. Morris of South Bend, who held the post since 1940, resigned, stipulating that the chief executive succeed him. The action, which took place before a closed session of the GOP State committe, was without precedent in recent Indiana political history. . _ Thus Governor Gates became the first Indiana chief executive of either party to hold the most of Ntaional committeeman, and, political observers said, boosted himself into the National GOP picture. The fact that Gates will serve as Indiana’s top representative on the national governing body of the party until 1948 is expected to enhance his reported ambitions —a place (in the National ticket two years hence. Reports have been current for several months that the millionaire investment’, banker would relinquish the post he held—except for. 10 days in 1944—the last six years. Morris was ousted at the 1944 State Republican convention by delegates to the National convention, who elected Robert W. Lyons, Washington, D. ,C., lobbyist. Immediately after Lyons was elected Rep. Charles M. LaFollette of Evansville assailed his alleged activities in connection with the Ku Klux Klan and a number of editors joined in the criticism. Lyons denied any Klan affiliation but within 10 days he resigned and the delegation re-elec-ted Morris. ’ The State committee then amended its rules to give that body authority to name the National committee representatives. At the Republican Editorial association meeting in French Lick last Sept.'l3-14 reports circulated that Morris would resign. He told reporters that was his plan and it became apparent he would name his successor—Governor.