National Affairs: Power to Burn

Indiana politicos knew that their Republican Governor Ralph Gates had been building a state-wide machine ever since he was elected two years ago. But it was strictly rear-wheel drive—a conventional Republican model with low-pressure heads and reciprocating county chairmen. It would run on alcohol if necessary. Nobody was overenthusiastic when it was brought to Indianapolis last week for the Republican State Convention.

The Governor thoroughly expected that it would drive wily 37-year-old Attorney Bill Jenner into the G.O.P. senatorial nomination. Jenner had been in county politics for twelve years, spent over two years in the Army as a captain, served an interim term in the Senate, and had the gift of oratory. He was respected and trusted by almost all Indiana’s organization Republicans. But he had to beat both a high-wheeled conservative (stodgy 70-year-old Senator Raymond E. Willis) and a jet-propelled progressive (Congressman Charles M. LaFollette).

The Gates Special proved itself a good machine from the moment it was started. For the first time in Indiana history an incumbent G.O.P. Senator failed to be renominated. Willis took one hard look and withdrew. LaFollette stayed in the race, got only 105 votes for his pains, then quit the G.O.P. completely. The total for Jenner: 1,994. With Democratic influence dissipated in the state, the nomination virtually assured Jenner a Senate seat. But Indiana Republicans almost forgot to talk about him, fell to speculating on what gruff, stocky Governor Gates might do when he got behind the wheel himself. Cried those who had breathed too heavily of exhaust fumes: “Gates for Vice President in 1948.”