The Saint Paul Sun

NIXON'S VISIT IN TWIN CITIES

THE EDITOR MEETS THE VICE-PRESIDENT: When the Hon. Richard Nixon, vice-president of the United States arrived at the airport Saturday at midnight, waiting to meet him was the editor-publisher of these newspapers, Milton G. Williams. To the left is Mr. Williams. Hon. Senator Ed Thye. and Mr. Nixon,

Vice President Nixon was met Saturday evening. by a caravan of cars at the Minneapolis airport. that escorted him to the Leamington Hotel. After resting Sunday. he addressed over 1300 Republican Workers, Monday. at breakfast in the hotel.

In his address, Vice President Nixon said:

"Anyone who tries to predict the outcome of this election at this date will find himself as confused as a beginner with a hula hoop.

I note that our opponents are pointing with glee to the polls which came out today showing a decisive Democratic lead. I only hope that they make the same mistake we made in 1948 of believing that polls settle the result of an election. In 1948 at this time the same pollsters who predict a Democratic victory in 1958 predicted a Republican land-slide in 1948.

I do not mean to question the value or accuracy of the polling technique but as the pollsters themselves admit. there is always a lag which the best polls cannot evaluate.

The results of a poll announced today do not reflect the situation as it is today but that of approximately ten days ago. And it is in these last ten days that I personally have witnessed the most striking shift of voter opinion that I have ever seen in any political campaign. In this ten-day period there has been a dramatic upsurge in Republican strength and a sharp recession in Democratic strength.

As we enter the homestretch of the campaign, the question is whether a slow starter with a fast finish can overtake a faltering. stumbling front runner.

That is why I say this next week could prove to be the most dramatic and significant week in the recent political history of the United States.

The decisive factor will be the amount of effort which is put out by the thousands of volunteer workers for Republican candidates throughout the country.

We have three major advantages as we enter this critical week. We are moving faster than our opponents. The economy is in an unprecedented upward surge and on every major issue we have a better case to present.

After months of hearing of attacks on this Administration's record. the people are now awakening to the fact that in terms of peace, prosperity, honest government and progress this Administration has done an infinitely better job than our predecessors.

They also are realizing that by voting for our opponents they are in effect voting for policies and programs which have failed to produce peace and prosperity in the past and which would jeopardise the guaranteed progress we will have if the sound progressive policies of the Eisenhower Administration are continued.

Since arriving in Minneapolis, I have been greatly encouraged by the hard working and hard-hitting campaigns that are being put on by Senator Thye, George MacKinnon. Congressman Judd and other fine candidates on the Republican ticket.

Speaking in the behalf of Senator Thye, he said, "As in the case of Senate contests in other states I have visited, I have found that Senator Thye's prospects have moved up sharply in the past week.

He will be assured a victory on November 4 if his friends and supporters maintain the momentum of the campaign at its present level.

The fact that he disagreed with Secretary Benson on some aspects of the farm program will not affect the voters either way. I have a high regard for Secretary Benson as a man and as a fighter for the principles in which he believes but I am sure he would be the last to suggest that there is not room for disagreement on the many aspects of our farm program.

Senator Thye has earned the respect of both Democrats and Republicans in the Senate as an expert on farm matters and is one of the most vigorous and determined advocates of progressive programs in the field of agriculture. The very fact that he thinks independently and fights for what he believes is right has won him the support of Minnesota's farmers in past elections and will do so in this one.

Senator Thye has an additional appeal to the farmers of Minnesota because of his broad experience and understanding in the field of international affairs. I have found no group in our country which is more interested in developing policies which will maintain peace than our farm population. The fact that for 12 years Senator Thye has been an effective and articulate supporter of reciprocal trade. mutual security and of the firm stand against Communist aggression throughout the world will be a definite asset to him, particularly in the agricultural areas."