RIPON CONTENTS Politics 1- 5 Commentary 6-7 Duly Noted 8

AUGUST 1, 1974 Vol. X, No. 15 50 CENTS POLITICS: REPOITS CALIFORNIA

The state of Republican politics in Califom.ia in 1974 could be described as bright or gloomy, with some truth in either assessment. Republicans dearly have one of the strongest state 9ckets in recent memo­ ry, yet, their ability to build enthusi­ asm during the June primary was nota­ bly lacking. The effects of Watergate, reapportionment, and Gov. 's legacy have yet to be assess­ ed. All will clearly influence Novem­ ber's election. Many cynics call this year the last chance for "green flood" elections. An uneasy coalition developed at the be­ ginning of the year between the so­ called People's Lobby and Common Cause to mobilize voter uneasiness about Watergate. The coalition suc­ ceeded in passing a political reform measure but failed to get voters really interested in the election; the primary turnout was a "massive" 48 percent. Those ·that did vote were clearly up­ set about Watergate. The passage of Proposition 9 signaled this unrest. It sailed through with a 70 percent mar­ gin. Most disturbing to Republicans was turnout in key areas. In district after district, Republican turnout was sev­ eral points below the Democrats. Some analysts ascribed this to Water­ gate while others saw it as a voter interest index in the "non-race" for "1 desire to see in this country the decent men strong and the strong men decent, the GOP gubernatorial nomination. If and until we get that combination in pretty good shape, we are not going to be by any means as successful as we should be." this trend continues in November, several close races (including the gov- -THEODORE ROOSEVELT ernor's race) and at least 20 Assembly Commtssion. Supporters of the meas­ have been accused of unethical prac­ and Senate races will be decided in ure said that this independent com­ tices relating to medical clinics, busi­ favor of the Democrats, on the basis mission wouhl be free from political ness ventures, or campaign contribu­ of turnout alone. influence and thus assure fair elec­ tions of dubious legality. The Dem­ Meanwhile, Proposition 9 prom­ tions. A Republican proposal for an ocratic gubernatorial candidate private­ ises to change the state's political FCPC composed of former judges in­ ly expressed disgust at being forced structure substantially if major por­ stead of political professionills (which to run with the group. The other note­ tions of it are upheld in court chal­ Proposition 9 s~ms clearly to opt worthy characteristic of the Demo­ lenges. Earlier this year, the legisla­ for) was quickly quashed in legisla­ cratic ticket is its unique ethnic and ture passed one of the most compre­ ture. Many civil libertarians also ques­ racial mix. For the first time, a black hensive financial disclosure and cam­ tion the constitutionality of the broad and a Chinese-American are running paign reporting statutes in the na­ subpoena powers granted the commis­ on a major 'statewide ticket. The Re­ tion, mostly because of reformers' ini­ sion. publican ticket on the other hand is tiative threats. The political reform ini­ If Watergate really were going to relatively clear of scandal, all male, tiative, however, still made it to the be a factor in individual November and all white. ballot. The major changes over exist­ races, Republicans could sit back in In this year of political reform, ing law in Proposition 9 relate to glee. One observer commented that the most politicians avoided issues like the the establishment of a Fair Campaign Democratic ticket had more persons plague. Controller Houston Flournoy, Practices Commission with broad (al­ of dubious integrity in one place than the GOP nominee, held back on some most uncontrollable) powers, new se­ he had seen since he left Chicago. issues because his only remaining .can­ vere restrictions on lobbying activi­ With the exception of Democratic can­ didate in the gubernatorial race, Lt. ties, and strict: limitations on campaign didates for governor (Jerry Brown) Gov. Ed Reinecke, stood indicted for spending. The lobbyist restrictions pro­ and attorney general (William Nor­ perjury related to testimony at a Sen­ voked the most strident opposition. ris), the statewide ticket has a wide ate hearing. In a rare show of unanimity, labor and range of experience, but all, at some In the Democratic campaign, Secre­ business rallied against Proposition 9. point in their career, have been tied to tary of State Jerry Brown, the early Their crude efforu at sloganeering and scandals of one sort or another; they frontrunner, made a fairly easy race oversimplification probably would have of it. Assembly Speaker Bob Moretti failed in ,1954, much less 1974. and San Francisco Mayor Joseph Al,ioto Proponents used a sophisticated me­ attracted attention, but when the re­ dia camp~gn •. ,which would be de­ sults were counted, Jerry Brown had clared illegal had the proposition been more' votes than liistWo closest oppo­ in effect during the election. Oppo­ nents combined. In a crowded field, nents threw all their money behind he came up with 38 percent of the billboards and statements such as "save vote against Moretti's 17 percent and free speech, vote against Proposition Alioto's 19 percent. To the delight 9." CaLifornia had not seen such soph­ of capitol newsmen, Moretti clobbered omoric politics since the defeat of Brown in the one serious debate of Proposition 14 (the right to work the entire primary. Brown appeared initiative) in 1958. James Garibaldi, shaky on issues, but the debate's broad­ probably the foremost lobbyist in the cast format (in news segments rather sta:te, commented that the criticism than its entirety) limited its impact against lobbyists now was somewhere in the election. close to levels used against Communists Flournoy and Brown have agreed to during the McCarthy era. a series of debates and to limit cam­ The court challenges to the new law paign spending to $1.3 million (ac­ focus on the Fair Campaign Practices Houston Flournoy cording to Proposition 9 guidelines).

SUBSCRIPTION RATES are $15 a year, $7.50 for students, serv­ THE RIPON SOCIETY, IN~. ~~~~~h= Icemen, and for Peace Corps, Vista and other volunteers. Overseas members are yOUDg bualJless, academlc and j)lOfessional men and air mall, $3 extra. Advertlsfng rates on request. Please allow women. It has national ~rs fn DI8trlc:t of Columbtcr. five weeks for address changes. chapters fn fifteen cities, NatioJial Assoc:iaIe members throughout the fifty states, and several afII.1l.ated grqups of subchapter status. Edlton Dlck Bahn The SocIety is supported by chapter dues, fnd1vtdual contribu­ tions and revenues from lis ~ and contrac:t work. Editorial Boardl is pubUshed semi-monthly by the Robert D. Bahn, Chairman Tanya Melich THE RIPON FORUM ~ SocIety, Ine., 509 C Street N.E., Robert H. Donaldson Robert G. Stewart WashInaton, D.C. 20002. Second class postage rates paid at Wash­ James Manahan Ralph Thayer fngto!l, 1).C. and other mallitlg houses. COntents are copyrI.ghted © 1974 by the Ripon SocIety, me. Correspondence addresSed to the Contributing Editorsl C1lfford Brown, Glenn Gerstell, William A. E'ditor is welcomed. Koelsch, Daniel J. SwUlinger, Josiah Lee Auspitz, Richard W. Rahn, In pubUshlng this ma~ the RiJl9n SocIety seeks to provide John A. Rehfuss, Thomas A. Sargent, Richard Cleveland, Mark a forum for fresh ideas, well-researched proposals and for a spirit Frazier, Peter Berg, Martin Sours, and WUliam K. Woods. of criticism, iDDovatfoD, and independent tIifnldng wfthln the Re­ publiccm Party. ArtIcles do DOt zieeessarIly represent the opfnfon Tec:hnlcal Edlton Evelyn LaBan of the NaIloDCd Govemfng Board or the Editorial Board of the Arb Leslie MorrUl and AnnIe Greene Ripon SocIety, unless .they are ezpl1c1tly so labelled.

2 The spending limitation should prob­ The leading organizations now are Brimmer was a Hathaway appointee. ably help Brown because of his name all in a state of varying disrepair. (Former Wyoming GOP Chairman recognItion. If the debates are broad­ United Republicans of California and David Kennedy was appointed to suc­ cast, however, Flournoy's experience in the California Republican Assembly ceed Brimmer, just as Kennedy suc­ state government will give him a clear are now limited to a small, hard core, ceeded Brimmer in the top state party advantage. right wing. The California Republi­ post.) Brimmer had quickly begun his One of the GOP's greatest prob­ can League, which has been a more campaign on a strong law-and-order lems is raising funds. A check of the moderate organization, was taken over note; he has since softened his tune on disclosure statements in legislative and by a more activist group at the spring that topic. statewide contests showed that Demo­ convention, but yital signs of gro~ The three other aspirants are all are not readily apparent. cratic candidates seem to have a wider state legislators: State Sen. Dick Jones, range of financing opportunities. A Party outreach activities seem to be a Cody trucking executive; State Sen. good percentage of lobbyist money is especially limited this year although Malcolm Wallop, a Sheridan County Democratic efforts have not been much clearly committed to Democratic in­ rancher; and State Rep. Roy Peck, a cumbents. In the State Assembly, Dem­ better. California voters may, in fact, Riverton newspaper publisher. The out­ ocrats currently_hold a 49-31 edge in be becoming disenchanted with the come of the primary should indicate seats. Reapportionment and statewide electoral systems in general. There is the importance of development, land elections have· opened up several a strong undercurrent of outright dis­ use, and mining issues in the fall elec­ seats, but it is unclear what effect trust of elected officials. Many stan­ tion. Wallop in particular has been Watergate will have on outcomes in dard organizational pitches are falling identified with environmental COncerns local Assembly and Senate contests. In on deaf ears. While the Watergate' in the legislature. special elections this year, Republi­ malaise has had its impact in Califor­ cans have been reasonably successful. nia, local factors have complicated the Although State Sen. Harry E. Leim­ The fund raising situation, however, state's political metabolism and made back is the leader for the Democratic presents and immediate problem for prognosis difficult. nomination, there are two other strong contenders: former State Rep. Ed all local Republican candidates. In one If Flournoy is elected Governor, the Herschler, a lawyer, and former State northern California district, Republi­ former college professor will have a Rep: John Rooney, a former state Dem­ cans raised a total of less than $10,000 chance at helping to reorganize the (among four candidates). The three ocratic chairman who unsuccessfully party and bring it more into an ~ ac­ sought the governorship in 1970. major Democratic contenders for this tive status. The chance is there, but Assembly seat raised over $60,000. it is not clear at the present time Since Republicans are expected to This kind of edge will clearly have an wbether it will be taken. .--'- pull together better than the Demo­ effect in November. crats after the primary, the GOP will The base of Republican party or­ have the edge in November. How­ ganization in the state has tradition­ ever, the ,influx of new voters to mm­ ally been in volunteer organizations. eral and petroleum developments in Rock Springs and Gillette will add un­ Jaws of Victory The GOP's Wyoming gubernatorial certainty to the election results. "It is time for us, however, to race is so close that all four Repub­ In particular, the influx will af­ abandon strategic p

does include the heavily Jewish, heavily Democratic POLITICS: PEOPLE "Five Towns" which the GOP lopped off the old 4th C.D. in order to remove Lowenstein from Congress in the first place. • Former U.S. Rep. Allard K. Lowenstein (D) finally appears to have found an office for which he • When Illinois Gov. Daniel Walker (D) called can run. Lowenstein, who dropped out of the New York a press conference recently to denounce Illinois Attorney Senate race and apparently decided against a second General William Scott (R), Scott got wind of the event run for Congress in Brooklyn, will oppose U.S. Rep. and showed up at the conference, seating himself in John W. Wydler (R) in Long Island's 5th C.D. Al­ the front row. Walker's press secretary asked Scott to though the 5th is not the same district Lowenstein leave, but the attorney general refused, maintaining, once represented (he was defeated in the 1970 race "This is a public building, and I am a member of the by U.S. Rep. Norman F. Lent in the 4th C.D.), it public, so I have a right to be here." The press secre- 3 tary insisted that, "What you are doing is demeaning Gov. Ron3Id Reagan had scheduled the election for the to state government," and said Walker would not show summer to avoid a heavy student vote in the district. up unless Scott left. Walker then proceeded to have the press conference in his office. As Chicago Daily News • Husbaud-wife political teams took a new tWist columnist Mike Royko observed, "Walker said his bad in the June California congressional primaries. Lvdia things, accusing Scott of obstructing the legislature, Merdinger challenged U.S. Rep. Leo Ryan in the Dem­ ocratic primary while her husband, Brainard Merdinger, 4 which, if true, is probably something Scott should be I proud of. The legislature should not only be obstruct­ was unopposed in the Republican primary in the South ed, but we might benefit if it were deported." San Francisco district. The Merdinger aim was to pub­ licize the family name for the November general elec­ • The Indians wiped out former FCC Commis­ tion. sioner Nicholas Johnson in Iowa's 3rd C.il. Although 300 Indians were given a second chance to vote in the • Two of the candidates endorsed by the unof­ Democratic primary because of confusion over polling ficial Massachusetts Republican state convention in June places, the new vote failed to erase the 62-vote lead will not be on the official primary ballot in September. held by State Rep. Stephen Rapp for the Democratic Neither Erna Ballantine, candidate for state treasurer, congressional nomination. Rapp will now face State nor Charles Geer, candidate for auditor, collected the Rep. Charles E. Grassley (R) for the seat being vacated 10,000 signatures necessary to be listed on the primary by U.S. Rep. H.R. Gross (R). ballot. The failure is symbolic of the complete absence of any Republican party organization in the state and • Attorney General Robert Morgan contrasts with the success of the American Party and will resign August 26 to campaign full-time for the the Socialists Workers Party, both of which will have U.S. Senate. Gov. James Holshouser (R) has appointed candidates on the November ballot. Third party can­ Court of Appeals Judge Carson, 39, to the post in an­ didates need to collect 37,000 signatures to be listed ticipation of the resignation. Carson will be the GOP on the ballot, while a Democrat or a Republican needs candidate in November to fill tht rest of Morgan's term. only 10,000. The American Party is running a ticket Among the dozen Democratic candidates to succeed for governor and lieutenant governor, while the So­ Morgan is Rufus Edmisten, who recently resigned as cialist Workers Party, which filed 63,000 signatures, an aide to Sen. (D). Edmisten will be re­ will have candidates for governor, lieutenant governor, II).embered as the pipe-smoking young deputy chief attorney general and for two congressional seats. In­ counsel to the Watergate Committee who sat behind credibly, Gov. Francis W. Sargent (R), who placed a lot of emphasis on his endorsement by the GOP con­ • In a sidelight at the Indiana GOP Convention vention and who, in the face of a primary challenge, former Sen. William E. Jenner was presented with ~ needs to convince Republican voters that he has not Immature gavel. Said Jenner: "I appreciate the me­ deserted the GOP, did not have his own statewide mento. I only wish I could hit a few Democrats on organization get the necessary signatures for Ballantine­ the head with it." and Geer. Certainly if Sargent had tried, he could have • When President Nixon stopped at Limestone done so. The sad state of the party was further exem­ AFB, on his way back from Moscow, GOP gu­ plified by former Army Major Charles L. Smith, who bernatorial nominee James Erwin was nowhere to be attempted to secure the 2,000 signatures needed to op­ seen. When a reporter called Erwin's campaign head­ pose U.S. Rep. James A. Burke (D) in November. quarters to find out if he had a statement to issue he Smith could not get GOP help in securing the signatures was told by Erwin campaign manager Alex Ray ':I'm and fell 800 names short. Burke will now be one of six sorry, Jim's just gone to the men's room and he'won't Massachusetts Democrats who will not have congres­ be back until after Nixon's gone." Ray has since re­ sional opposition in the general election. signed as Erwin's campaign manager; campaign chair­ • Earlier concern by House Minority Leader John man Charles Moorsehead has also been rumored to be Rhodes over a tough election battle in Arizona may considering leaving Erwin's sputtering campaign. have been premature. The leading Democrat to oppose • Hilda C. F. Brungot began her New Hampshire Rhodes is a 33-year-old homemaker who has charged political career in 1930 and is seeking her 20th term that Rhodes will spend $350,000 in the race. Rhodes in the state legislature this year. Like most Republi­ jumped on Mrs. Patricia Fullinwider's charge, assert­ cans, she says she is running scared. Unlike most years, ing that the top limit for his campaign would be she has both Republican and Democratic opposition. $70,000. Mrs. Fullinwider's only Democratic opponent State Rep. Brungot received her high school diploma said meanwhile that he's been getting good response seven years ago - when she was 80. from Democratic voters. Said Fullinwider's opponent, Joseph Killelea, "I kind of had the feeling they didn't • Father U.S. Rep. Robert F. Drinan (D) has like the idea of supporting a woman." two November opponents in his Massachusetts district. Running against him as an independent will be State • Rhodes reportedly lost his characteristic cool Rep. Jon Rotenberg, who passed up the Democratic when the White House phoned him during President primary, and former U.S. Rep. Laurence Curtis (R), Nixon's Moscow excursion. In a rare Rhodes burst of now 80 years old. anger, he made it clear that he had no intention of responding to a White House request for a headcount • California Republicans suffered another setback on impeachment. recently when they lost the State Senate seat formerly held by U.S. Rep. Robert Lagomarsino (R). A weak • U.S. Rep. John Conlan (R-Ariz.) will not have Republican candidate was decisively beaten by a Dem­ any primary opposition after all. Richard Stauffer, the ocrat, giving that party a 22-18 edge in the State Senate. former Conlan aide who quit to run against the 4th 4 r------

C.D. congressman, dropped out of the race because of in the South Dakota GOP primary and Federal Mari­ money troubles. Stauffer is continuing, however, a $2.5 time Commission Chairman Helen Delich Bentley back­ million suit against Conlan for defamation of character. ed away from a primary with Sen. Charles McC. Conlan has only one Democratic opponent, Byron "Bud" Mathias (R) in Maryland. Only in Nevada does a Brown. Democratic woman have a chance for a Senate nomina­ tion. • In his final report for the Watergate Committee, Sen. Lowell Weicker (R-Conn.) said, "Obviously this • Republicans see a chance to has been rough duty in a Republican sense. However, pick up two Democratic congressional seats being va­ from the outset I've operated on the basis that the cated by incumbents though the GOP candidate in a best investigation was the best politics. I couldn't change third district targeted by Republicans withdrew from the facts. I couldn't silence those who knew the facts. the race because of pregnancy. In the 3rd C.D.former All I could do was to make sure that a Republican State Sen. Marshall Parker (R) has the advantage spoke the facts if not before, then simultaneously with of name recognition from two past Senate races against a Democrat. On page 103 of the Transcripts, President Sen. Ernest Hollings (D). Parker comes from the Dem­ is talking to John Dean: 'I don't know ocratic end of the district while his opponent for the what we can do. The people who are most disturbed seat now held by U.S. Rep. William Jennings Bryan about this (unintelligible) are the (adjective deleted) Dorn (D) comes from the Republican end. In the 5th Republicans. A lot of these congressmen, financial con­ C.D., a broadcast executive Len Phillip:; (R) won 39 tributors, etc., are highly moral. The Democrats are percent of the vote against retiring U.s. Rep. Tom" just sort of saying, "(expletive deleted) fun and games." , Gettys (D) in 1972. This year, he is expectd to have Richard Nixon understood the strong base of integrity a better chance against the expected liberal w::mer of that is a Republican heritage. Because he rejected it a July runoff. The GOP State Executive Comm;ttee, then, is no reason for any Republican to do so now ... however, will have to fill the spot vacated by State Rep. Along with a will to pursue the truth, I would hope Sherry Shealy Martschink (R), who had been unop­ the will to win for the Republican Party is slightly posed for the GOP nomination against U.S. Rep. stronger and fairer in its next titular head." Mendel Davis (D). Martschink withdrew, because of her pregnancy, shortly after the primary. • The sister of Gary Hart, the 1972 McGovern campaign manager, is seeking the Democratic nomina­ • Only one Democratic candidate, State Rep. tion to succeed U.S. Rep. William Roy (D-2nd). Martha Charles Grisbaum, Jr., has filed to oppose U.S, Rep. Keys, Hart's sister and herself the 1972 Kansas Mc­ David Treen, Louisiana's sole Republican congressman. Govern coordinator, is opposed by Jake Miller, an at­ That alone, however, may be a measure of Treen's torney-pharmacist, for the nomination in the eastern strength. Other expected Democratic challengers did Kansas district. Republicans, however, hope to regain not file - an unusual event in a district with a GOP the district with the winner of the August 6 primary­ registration of 3 percent. The 37-year-old Grisbaum either State Rep. John Peterson, 26, or State ·Sen. Ed will, however, be able to cut into Treen strength in the Reilly, 37. Peterson is given the edge. One reason for east side of Jefferson Parish, where Treen accumulated Republican optimism is the personal nature of the Dem­ his winning margin in 1972. Grisbaum lives in that ocratic organization in the district. It owed its allegiance section of the 2nd C.D. Republicans also hope to to Roy and is being commandeered for Roy's Senate dump U.S. Rep. John R. Rarick (D), whom New Times race. Democratic attempts to link Watergate to Sen. magazine has called one of the nation's ten dumbest Bob Dole, Roy's opponent, appeared to have failed. congressmen. The ultra-conservative Rarick will have Polls continue to show Dole in the lead and Dole's or­ a tough primary challenge; if he survives, he will face ganization has jelled quickly and is picking up steam. attorney Henson Moore, a young Baton Rouge attorney who hopes to combine enough moderate conservative • The withdrawl of Sen. Edward Gurney from and liberal votes to unseat the 6th C.D. congressman. the Senate race means there may be two Re­ publican women running for the Senate this fall. Florida • At least two women were omitted" from the Public Service Commissioner will face FORUM's summary on women GOP congressional can­ , a businessman who lost the 1970 GOP didates (See Politics: Reports in the July 1 FORUM). gubernatorial runoff to former Gov. Claude Kirk (R) Edythe June Layne is challenging U.S. Rep. Lester in the September 10 primary. U.S. Rep. Louis Frey, Jr. Wolff (D) in New York's 6th C.D., which consists.of (R-9th), decided to seek a fourth term in Congress about equal parts of Queens and the North Shore of rather than make an expected Senate race; Frey noted Long Island. Layne, a former teacher and long-time that he would not be able to wage an energetic pri­ GOP activist, will be contesting a Democrat who won mary campaign at the same time that the House of only 52 percent of the vote of the 1972 election. Nassau Representatives is debating impeachment. (Frey had Republicans feel Layne has the name recognition and once promised Gurney that he would never challenge appeal necessary to oust Wolff, who has been a repeated his former law partner in a Senate primary, but target for the GOP since his upset victory in 1964. In Gurney's withdrawl came the same day as Florida's Hawaii, former State Rep. Diana Hansen (R) is making filing deadline.) In South Carolina, Gwenyfred Bush, her second run against U.S. Rep. Patsy Mink (D), who a Charleston housewife, will be the GOP's candidate has already announced she will be a 1976 candidate for to oppose Sen. Ernest F. Hollings (D), but Mrs. Bush the Senate seat held by Sen. Hiram Fong (R). Hansen, is given little chance of upsetting the entrenched in­ who has been bedeviled by the IRS for tax problems cumbent. Other Republican women Senate candidacies surrounding her 1972 race, ran a surprisingly strong failed to materialize: Barbara Gunderson came in third race that year with 43 percent of the vote. 5 careful not to curtail First Amend­ ly spend $50,000 of his own hisjher ment freedoms, particularly freedom own money. The law further extends COMMENTABY: of speech. that limitation to members of the can­ All of the current proposals seem didate's family - including grand­ CAMPAIGN to pose dangers to these objectives be­ parents. Obviously, this was meant to cause they hamper political involve­ prevent the 'buying' of elections by REFOBM ment and do not attack 'the real prob­ rich families such as the Kennedys and lem: the cost of campaigns. the Rockefellers. However, are a can­ Campaign expenditure limitations didate's own funds really more tainted than tho!;e solicited from special inter­ essentially pro~cct present incumbents. KeepiDe Campaign needs vary widely across the ests? nation and so do the financial require­ A dec e n t Republican campaign ments of successful campaigns. Limi­ against an entrenched urban ma­ The tations on ·the amount a supporter can chine Democrat can cost upwards of contribute to a candidate are not only $350,000. To raise such sums, a can­ probabT.y unconstitutional, but unnec­ didate must be either a superb per­ ChaBeDee essary if full disclosure of contribu­ sonal fund raiser or bankroll himself tions is also required. from his own and his family's accounts. In According to the prevailing consen­ Under the federal law, family money sus, the Federal Election Campaign is bad money. So the potential can­ Act of 1971 represented progress in didate must attract funds from unions RelorlD the murky area of campaign financing. businesses or power centers. As are: Aside from spawning yet another bu­ suIt, the candidate may be free of his by Constantine reaucracy, the net effect of the new family, but not power brokers. The limitations may be to narrow the num­ amount of a potential contribution is irrelevant if there is full disclosure of Sidamon-Eristof/ ber of candidates and limit political advancement to incumbents, the fa­ the amount and source. Likewise, how much a candidate spends is irrelevant The clamor for campaign reform is mous or offspring of the famous, and "institutional" candidates with ready­ as long as it is fully disclosed - be­ pushing politica11eadership at all levels fore citizens go to the polls. to "do something." The "something" made organizational backing. generally centers on three areas: Organizations and incumbents have But campaign costs must also be re­ - limitations on amounts a candi­ built-in advantages not affected by duced to a more manageable level. If date can spend himself or a contribu­ spending limitations. Incumbents have that were done, the issues of campaign tors can give to anyone candidate; media access, franking privileges, and fundraising would be less important. - limitations on what can be spent a ready staff. Before Massachusetts .At­ Making public money available for by or on behalf of a candidate; and torney General Robert Quinn made his campaigns does not lower the cost of - public financing of federal and/ formal announcement, for example, his campaigns, nor does it limit the amount or state election campaigns. political speeches were typed in his spent for per voter. Direct public fi­ nancing will assist entrenched leaders Sometimes, however, the admitted­ official office, reproduced, and sent and incumbents by assuring the flow ly noble motives of campaign reform over to his campaign headquarters for distribution to the press. Quinn in fact of needed campaign cash. A better al­ conflict with other equally motive noble ternative would be to adopt the Euro­ American values. For example, the delayed his candidacy announcement to prolong his "official" standing. pean approach in which television time, right to privacy must bow to the pub­ mailings, radio spots, and election day lic "right to know" when it comes to Organization candidates furthermore expenses are picked up directly by the disclosure of campaign contributions. have access to the manpower and government. Campaign financing reform should, woman power who owe their patronage Another useful reform would ex­ however, conform to some fundamen· to the organization. Political clubs are pand the allowable deduction for cam­ tal, objectives if the reform is to have not "committees" under the terms of paign contributions on the federal in­ a meaningful effect on American pol­ the federal law unless they spend over come tax in order to encourage the itics. Proposed legislation, for example, $1,000 a year to specifically influence participation of more individuals in should scrupulously abstain -from either. a federal election. Insurgents, on the campaign funding. If more voters con­ aiding incumbents or hampering po­ other hand, have traditionally had to tributed to political candidates, the in­ tential challengers. rely on "coffee money" distributed to fluence of fat cats would decline. Neither should powerful, entrench­ district captains in urban constituencies. Responsible public policy requires ed interests be assisted to the detri­ Federal laws inhibit such cash trans­ that individual participation in the po­ ment of political reformers, iconoclasts, actions. The result favors incumbents. litical processes be encouraged and that and other upstarts. Rather, the re­ Particularly odious is the limitation the quest for political office be facili­ forms should be careful to broaden ac­ on what a candidate for federal office tated, not encumbered. All proposed cess to the political system. Further­ may spend of his own money. A pres­ reforms should be measured against more, campaign reforms should be idential aspirant, for example, may on· these goals. •

6 under this model, is anti-competitive grams such as private labeling or food and results in higher prices due to processing. Under a policy of en­ COMMENTABY: the market power of the competitors. forced smallness, the consumer stands Adhering to this economic model, to lose these economies. ECONOMICS those who have enforced the anti­ This is not to suggest that monopo­ trust laws, designed to preserve com­ ly is beneficial. Without some regu­ petition, have dutifully attempted to lations a monopolist, while having the keep small firms in business and break greatest cost reduction potential, would up or prevent growth of large firms. have no incentive to pass the savings A Therein lies the trap. on to the consumer, or to invest in lower costs. But neither does the "per­ Price :is a {unction of cost. No firm fect competition" model seem to offer can stay in business unless it prices the answer to high prices. above its cost. It follows that the firm Proposal with the lowest cost can sustain the Perhaps government policy should lowest price. begin to move toward a new model of competition, "aggressive oligopoly." However, in many, if not all, in­ Under this model, government would dustries, a small firm cannot have the For continue to deal harshly with conspira­ lowest possible costs. This is more torial Behavior. But the treatment of than a function of economic scale which, on occasion, can be achieved industries tending toward monopoly would be different. Government would by a relatively small firm. It is also a function of the ability of firms to not attempt to break up large firms invest in lower cost equipment and or prevent their growth in order to achieve near "perfect competition," systems, to automate, to effectively i.e., smallness. Instead, it would pro­ plan and monitor and control costs, to OUIlOpoly invest in research and the like - all mote a program. of loans, loan guar~ antees, tax incentives or other stimu­ of which require the kind of capital lants designed to aid a few small com­ seldom available to small firms. In­ petitors of the potential monopolist to by Robert Stewart sistence on having only small com­ petitors in a market precludes many invest in the cost reductions they need to compete effectively, and grow to a The recent Federal Trade Commis­ if not all of these potential economies. The result is higher prices to the con­ competitive size. With a few large sion announcement that it was inves­ sumer than might otherwise exist. aggressive competitors in the market tigating the market structure of the the consumer would have both the ben­ retail food industry does not neces­ efit of size and the competition need­ sarily bode well for the consumer. ed to force costs and prices down. Presumably, the FTC has decided Bigness has become anathema to the that it is time to attack food prices public, oft~ for good reason. Assaults by establishing a more "competitive" on bigness are biennial rituals for pol­ environment in the supermarket indus­ iticians. But the existing anti-trust pol­ try. Its concern may be prompted by icy of enforced littleness results in

7 "I,

be postponed until after November. Republicans mean­ while have a four-way primary. The leading candidate is probably State Senate president Robert Bennett, an DULY NOTED Overland Park lawyer. Two other men, however, are also given a chance of winning the primary: former State GOP Chairman Don Concannon, a Hugoton lawyer; and the Rev. Forrest Robinson, who resigned as minister of • "Dems, GOP Reveal Poll Findings," by J·ames Rip­ the state's largest Methodist church to make the race. ley. Columbus Cttlzen.JournaI. July 11, 1974. "Gov. John Robinson ingeniously found a way to make up for the J. Gilligan's lead over fonner Gov. James A. Rhodes in GOP's difficulties in raising funds to challenge Miller; their battle for the [Ohio} governorship ranges from he and his running mate for lieutenant governor made eight to 12 percentage points, according to the most re­ a 685-mile bicycle tour of the state, grabbing headlines cent polls sponsored by both sides. However, despite the that money couldn't buy. (Lt. Gov. Dave Owen (R), who handsome lead Gilligan held at the time the polls were had been the GOP's leading prospect for governor, is taken, both polls indicate a significant shift in the un­ heading Sen. Bob Dole's re-election campaign instead.) decided column could swing the election to Rhodes," All GOP candidates have reported a laCk of voter and writes Ripley. The Republican poll showed Gillig·an lead­ contributor interest in their campaigns, however, a fact ing Rhodes, 46-38, while the Democratic poll showed Gil­ they attribute in part to the formidable nature of Mil­ ligan with a 50-38 percent lead. "Both polls indicate the ler's reputation. One possible measure of voter apathy election outcome is far from certain, an observation em­ is a television poll of GOP gubernatorial preferences. The phasized by [GOP State Chairman Kent} McGough last results showed a whopping 62 percent undecided. week who described Gilligan as vulnerable and his sup­ port as soft." • "Ford's Three Pitches," by David S. Broder. Waah­ ington Post, June 23, 1974. Vice President Gerald Ford's • "Republlcaus Fear Mlller's Popular4ty," by Ken extensive speechifying has generated mixed reactions. His Peterson. Topek1a. Capltal.JournaJ, July 14, 1974. Kansas standard speech, according to Broder, stresses the danger Attorney General Vern Miller has no meaningful primary of a veto-proof Congress, the importance of the New opposition for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination Federalism, and the wisdom of Nixon-Kissinger foreign but he does have other problems in his quest to succeed policy. Where the Vice President shines, however, is in Gov. Robert Docking. Two of Miller's drug agents have the after-speech personal contacts. ''What sticks in pe0- been arrested for conspiracy to sell cocaine; a third agent ple's minds, I would guess, are not Ford's short wooden had previously been charged in Las Vegas with conspiracy talks, but his long leisurely visits," writes Broder. to sell heroin. The problems in Miller's department plus the reopening of a grand jury investigation into alleged • "Conlan-Navajos VB. Stelger·Hopis at the Pass," by kickbacks on an architectural contract at the University Bernie Wynn. Tbe ArIzona. RepubliC, June 30, 1974. The of Kansas -Medical Center may derail Miller's election longstanding feud between U.S. Reps. John Conlan and express. The timing of the upcoming kickback trials may Sam Steiger over politics has apparently been linked to affect the gubernatoJ'i'al result, but the trial is likely to the longstanding feud between the Hopis and Navajos over land. Conlan has sided with the Navajos while Steiger has sided with the Hopis. "The dispute could be a critical point in this year's 4th District contest because the Hopis reportedly are out working hard against Conlan. How­ ever, the Navajo outnumbers the Hopis 10 to 1 in the -MARGIN RELEASE 4th District. So if they turn out at the polls for Conlan, he's well ahead. The only fly in the ointment is that the l;Iopis are traditionally in the Republican column while BREED'S HILL - Charlestown youth normally- car­ the Navajos generally vote Democrat." ry hockey sticks the way some city kids carry knives. Sum­ • ''Longley Seen Major Factor In Gubernatorial Race," by Jim Brunelle. MaIne SOlIday T~legram, June 30, mer is notable here as those three months when basket­ 1974. "The 1974 Maine gubernatorial sweepstakes are ball courts can be used for basketball rather than elaborate shaping up asa sharp three-way race between Democrat and vicious games of street hockey. George J. Mitchell, Republican James S. Erwin, and in­ dependent James Longley. State Sen. Harrison L. Rich­ Boston's air is generally more hospitable this time ardson's decision not to ask for a recount in his run for of year than Washington's, but it was equally as sultry the GOP nomination clearedc the way for Erwin to get his campaign into gear for the fall election. Had Rich­ the day I chose the hour before dusk to shoot a little ardson held out for a recount, it would seriously have basketball. wounded Erwin even if the fonnery attorney general eventually had been validated as the Republican nomi­ I had the court all to myself until a trio of Charles~ nee." Although Richardson staffers argued that they were town's youth, half my age, suggested a game of pickup. within 350 votes of Erwin after the June 11 primary, After less than a quarter hour of action, my spleen needed a their candidate opted for party unity over personal gain. A recount might not have been completed until August, transfusion and I announced I had to leave. I tried to substantially delaying the GOP campaign. Richardson keep moving back and forth across the court, but like the dramatically narrowed the lead Erwin held early in the campaign by reminding Maine voters that Erwin had President, I don't fake as well as I used to. In retrospect, twice lost the governorship. In contrast, Democrat I don't even think I scored - though Judge Gesell knows Mitchell won a surprlsingly easy primary over five oppo­ I took enough shots. nents. There is controversy over whom independent Long­ ly will hurt more - Mitchell or Erwin ~ but there is no Well, I'm another year older. Maybe that explains it. controversy that the wealthy businessman is a serious Part of growing older is knowing when to go gracefully threat. Campaignfug on government effiCiency, he will cut into would-be Erwin support. The GOP asserts, however, to the showers. db that Longley is really a Democrat. PORUM Publishe4 semi-monthly by the Ripon Society, 509 C Street N.E., Washing­ ton, D.C. 20002. Second class postage paid at Boston, Massachusetts.