Kankakee Valley Post, Volume 18, Number 33, DeMotte, Jasper County, 16 July 1948 — Republicans In Indiana Begin To Map Campaign [ARTICLE]

Republicans In Indiana Begin To Map Campaign

State’s G.O.P. Leaders Select Rue Alexander To Head Campaign Group Leesburg, July 13. The votegetting drive of Republican candidates for state office in the November election will be masterminded by a committee headed by Lt. Gov. Rue Alexander. The committee was suggested by State Chairman H. C. Springer in a compromise move. Springer, who is not in favor with some of the candidates, will serve on the committee? and also will hold his post as- state chairman at least for the time being. These were the main developments at yesterday’s get-together of candidates at Tippecanoe Country club on Lake Tippecanoe. Hobart Creighton of Wabash, the governor candidates, was host. Creighton’s supporters have been clamoring for Springer’s removal as state chairman on grounds he favored U. S. Senator William E. Jenner for the nomination. Springer has consistently denied this. ‘Changes Peaceful’ Creighton said at the meeting he has “no desire to do anything °radical” and that any organization changes must be peaceful.

“We will not swing an axe,” Creighton said. “However, if changes ar£ desirable, we will make them.” The governor candidate said also “we are not questioning Mr. Springer’s ability” and that a change in the state chairmanship would have little or no effect on the campaign. Observers doubted if the meeting settled the question of the chairmanship. Foes of Jenner are expected to continue putting pressure on Creighton to oust Springer. Patronage At Stake' It will be up to Creighton to make the decision whether to seek Springer’s ouster later, which would bring on a state committee fight. Also involved would be control of the patronage after the election, which the Republicans believe will go their way. Creighton said the candidates “expressed confidence in my judgment on the matter of the state organization.” The compromise campaign committee, in addition to Alexander and Springer, includes Creighton and Morrison Rockhill, the Warsaw lawyer who managed Creighton’s campaign for the nomination.