National Affairs: Hospitality

Senator Warren Magnuson is a supremely confident man. Recently the Republican National Committee sent Victor Johnston, one of its ablest legmen, on a scouting expedition to Seattle to look into the chances of unseating Magnuson this year. Johnston came back to the capital with the depressing report that Magnuson seemed to be unbeatable. Soon afterward he ran into Magnuson, who greeted him warmly and said that he had heard that Vic had just been to Seattle.

“Why didn’t you let me know?” demanded Magnuson in an aggrieved voice. “I’ve got an apartment at the Olympic Hotel, and you could have used it.” .

Johnston said that the Senator probably had not been informed of the purpose of his visit. “Hell,” replied Magnuson, “I know what you were doing. That doesn’t make any difference at all. Next time you go out there to see how you can lick me, just let me know, and I’ll give you the key to my apartment. I got a car, too, and you can use that. Help you get around the state, seeing Republicans. I really mean it.” He really did.