The Bismarck Tribune

WELFORD TO LAUNCH
ENDORSEMENT FIGHT
IN RADIO ADDRESS

Governor to Promise Clean Government and State Pensions System
By R. E. ANDERSON
(Associated Press Staff Writer)

North Dakota politics, more or less quietly simmering, will swing under way in full blast probably in a week when the coming fight for gubernatorial indorsement may be brought out into the open in the Nonpartisan League.

Acting Governor Walter Welford will probably fire the opening shot for gubernatorial indorsement in an address he is now preparing for release through the press and radio.

The address, to be delivered soon in a broadcast, is expected to contain a resume of his accomplishments while in office and his future program, if elected. The program, it was learned, will adhere to the principles of the league, and will be based on promises of "continuing clean government," pensions for the aged, blind and crippled, "protection" for the farmers and laboring man, and aid to those needing relief.

Factional Fight Looms

Although a three faction fight in the Nonpartisan League convention to convene March 3 at Bismarck has been indicated by organization among supporters of former acting Governor Ole H. Olson and T. H. H. Thoresen, the fight may rest between the camps of Welford and former governor William Langer.

With that forecast prevalent in political circles the balance of power may be held by the Olsen-Thoresen group. Olson recently indicated he would not change in his opposition to Langer and his lieutenants.

Langer has remained silent as to his political plans but his supporters have been working throughout the state in an attempt to control the Nonpartisan League convention. Precinct meetings of the league will be held Feb. 15 and county conventions Feb. 25.

Clubs boosting Langer for gubernatorial indorsement are being formed. William Crockett, speaker of the house and head of the "committee of the gallant sixty-two," has been openly working against Welford and is friendly to Langer.

Seeks 'Recognition'

Langer is now in New York and also visited Washington to "confer" with Republican leaders. His trip is significant in view of claims by Langer lieutenants he will be given "recognition" by the Republican National committee.

"Regular" Republican leaders, however, have bitterly opposed any support of Langer by the national committee and may be successful in halting any such move.

Except for the attempt of his supporters to control the league convention, Langer may withhold any public announcement of his political wishes, some Welford supporters believe, waiting to be "drafted."

They claim Langer may await the convention and if his supporters should fail to carry the required strength his indorsement would not be pressed for any office, leaving him "undefeated" for a race for the senate against Senator Gerald P. Nye two years from now.

Some Langer supporters, however say the faction leader will make clear his political plans before the convention convenes.

Welford administration leaders predict some indorsements will be forthcoming soon from prominent Nonpartisan League leaders, including a number of former staunch Langerites.

Mulloy Lombasts Hopton

No little comment has been aroused by open hostility between Harold Hopton, state insurance commissioner, long a friend of Langer's, and James Mulloy, a lieutenant of Langer and former secretary of the state industrial commission. Mulloy has openly attacked Hopton since he was ousted by the latter from the insurance department. Hopton declined to comment on reports that his ardor toward Langer has also cooled.

Capitol reports also claim W. J. (Pat) Flannigan, former Langer enthusiast, is preparing to throw his support as highway commissioner and league leader, to the Welford camp and will soon come out openly for the Pembina county farmer. Flannigan has refused to comment on the report so far.

Democrats have named their finance committee in preparation for the campaign but have selected no date yet for the state convention which will be held prior to the national party convention. It is possible an indorsement meeting may be held in conjunction with the party convention of which delegates will be named to the national session, a committeeman and committeewoman selected.