Monday, Feb. 21, 1944

Against the Kakistocracy

New Jersey's new, broom-wielding Governor Walter Evans Edge struck a blow at the very vitals of the kakistocracy* in Democratic Boss Frank Hague's Hudson County. He signed into law a bill passed by the Republican-dominated legislature, compelling Hudson County to install voting machines in each of its 658 election districts. To Hudson County dwellers, who have known only the juggernaut Hague machine (X marks the voter, dead or alive) for 27 years, this was a shock. No longer will Boss Hague be able to sit back on election night, wait until all other Jersey votes have been counted, and then send in whatever Democratic total is needed from Hudson County. Boss Hague still had a good chance: war priorities may prevent the manufacture of enough voting machines for November installation.

*Webster's New International Dictionary: "Government by the worst men."

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