Comeback

Adhemar de Barros. once the flamboyant governor of Sao Paulo and lately a political down-and-out, last week dragged himself back from oblivion by winning the mayoralty of Sao Paulo city. The comeback was spectacular; a year ago Adhemar, convicted of giving away five state-owned trucks while in office, was living in uneasy exile in Bolivia.*

Beefy Adhemar is a handshaking charmer with a common touch. Beginning as a member of the Sao Paulo state legislature in 1934, he went on to become governor, first by presidential appointment, and. in 1947, by the ballot box. He grew wealthy in office--but at the same time built hospitals, roads and schools. His luck ran out in 1954 when he lost the governorship to Janio Quadros, who campaigned on the charge that Adhemar was a thief. In the 1955 presidential race, Adhemar ran a poor third.

Last week Old Enemy Quadros was out to crush Adhemar again. He had hand-picked Architect Francisco Prestes Maia to run against Adhemar, and backed him with high-voltage fanaticism. The choice was a mistake; at political rallies Prestes Maia's lifeless voice and dazed expression chilled audiences into apathy. For his part, Adhemar pulled a tactical switch. Long known as a first-rank name-caller, he left the mudslinging to Quadros. The final returns proved Adhemar's magic greater: he won, 409,000 to 376,000.

Glowed Adhemar: "I will be governor, and I will be President in 1960."

* The federal supreme court later annulled the conviction.

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