Out of the Tent

If the Nixon bandwagon is to work up impressive speed in the primaries, it must be rolling merrily for the nation's first primary in New Hampshire twelve weeks hence. But while the bandwagon, floats, trapeze artists and bands formed up impatiently. New Hampshire's chief elephant driver, Republican Governor Wesley Powell, sulked in his tent. Reason: Powell had the offer of an honorary chairmanship of the Nixon campaign, and he wanted to be full chairman, with control of plans and funds. Last week, mindful of serious clankings in the one-ring New Hampshire tent of Nelson Rockefeller, the state's Nixon forces gave in, gave Powell his chairmanship and urged him to get the show on the road.

Behind the bow to Powell lay a close reading of the Granite State's grass roots by a Nixon scouting team. Conclusion: though Nixon is a heavy favorite, Powell's personal following (judged to be worth 10% of the vote) would insure a thumping victory over Likely Challenger Rockefeller, whose backers are primed to cry "Nixon can't win" if their man comes close to winning in the primary. Also rumors were flying that the Governor had also had the offer of the national chairmanship of Rocky's campaign in exchange for his support. Reportedly under a Powell ultimatum, Nixon's New Hampshire triumvirate--Senators Norris Cotton and Styles Bridges and ex-National Committeeman Frank Sulloway--filed into Powell's office last week to make their peace.

Next morning, Chairman Powell climbed into his howdah, told newsmen he would preside at pro-Nixon gatherings throughout the state, whether strategy sessions or crossroads rallies. Personable Wes Powell's sweeping sense of authority was evident as he chaired his first board of directors' meeting; behind him hung a chart showing the Governor at the top of the organizational pyramid.

His sights set on the governorship again in 1960 and Cotton's Senate seat in 1962, Powell plainly wanted the state to see who was heading the parade. Just as plainly, if anything should go wrong with the Nixon vote in New Hampshire, the state could look forward to the biggest pile-up since a freight train hit Barnum & Bailey's "Jumbo" in 1885.

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