Popularity in Reverse

In his two terms as Iowa's governor, wavy-haired Robert D. Blue seemed to do his utmost to be unpopular. Aloof and often autocratic, he browbeat his legislature, gave little heed to rising growls from the voters. In Iowa such unpolitic conduct sometimes does not matter. A Republican could always count on enough organization votes in the primary.

But in last week's GOPrimary a surprisingly large number of voters turned up-- 42% more than in 1944. The American Farm Bureau Federation (which did not like Governor Blue's tax programs) had drummed up a big registration. Labor unions (which did not like his anti-labor laws) advised Democrats to switch their allegiance, get a Republican ballot and vote against Blue. Teachers (who did not like the governor's economizing on school funds) turned out in droves. Result: a stunning defeat for Governor Blue.

The winner and probable next governor was grey, husky William S. Beardsley, a veteran state representative. Before the campaign, Beardsley was little known outside his home county, where he runs a drugstore at New Virginia (pop. 450) and manages his 900-acre farm. Burly (5 ft. 10 1/2 in., 200 Ibs.) Bill Beardsley got around to picnics and rallies all over the state, paid no attention to the professional politicos. Most Iowans liked his record in the legislature. He had fought the governor on school legislation, had opposed Blue's stringent labor laws. When the returns came in, Bill Beardsley was the busiest man in Iowa. He was back of his soda fountain, helping fix the sundaes, Cokes and coffee for his farm neighbors.

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