And Then There Were Eight

Only half of them were up for election, and most of those had no contest, but for all eight of the front-running undeclared Democratic candidates for President the 1958 election campaign had big meaning:

California's Pat Brown. By winning by 1,012,000 votes over Bill Knowland, Brown becomes a full-fledged presidential possibility, although he is reportedly happy at thoughts of becoming Vice President. Brown's problem: keeping a wary eye on National Committeeman Paul Ziffren and Senator-elect Clair Engle, both longtime supporters of Adlai Stevenson.

Massachusetts' Jack Kennedy. He logged 14,000 miles and 30 speeches for fellow candidates in 17 states, zipped off 5,000 miles through 185 Massachusetts towns. Kennedy's out-of-state legwork made many a Democrat indebted; Kennedy's backyard spading produced a record-breaking, 870,000-vote plurality for him and high-lift coattails for other Massachusetts Democrats.

Minnesota's Hubert Humphrey. With less fanfare than Kennedy, he rolled up 20,000 miles through 18 states. Midwest and Western Democratic gains shifted the balance of political power westward, helped Humphrey because his ardor for rigid farm-price supports is more attractive than Kennedy's fickleness.

Texas' Lyndon Johnson. The most powerful Democrat, the most acceptable candidate to Southerners. If Democrats decide they need the South and if the majority leader wheels and deals well with the Senate's big, new Northern bloc, he could become a compromise candidate.

New Jersey's Robert Baumle Meyner. He lost ground by a poor showing during a late-summer Midwestern swing, recouped yardage by electing a hand-picked candidate to the Senate and taking firmer grip on once Republican New Jersey counties. Meyner's headache: better-known Eastern Moderate Jack Kennedy.

Adlai Stevenson. He did not noticeably alter the campaign's outcome in the four states where he campaigned, did not increase or diminish his own chances for a third nomination. Stevenson denies all presidential ambition, gives the impression he will take the nomination only if the convention offers it to him.

Missouri's Stuart Symington. Running hard for prestige purposes against weak opposition, he bettered his 1952 showing, won a 375,000 plurality to establish a Missouri off-year record. Symington's advantage: he is No. 2 on nearly every list, presumably would pick up strong second-ballot support.

Michigan's GerhardMennen Williams. In winning an unprecedented sixth term as Governor, he lost polish. Reason: his 138,000 plurality was fifth best on the ticket, will discourage liberals outside Michigan from committing themselves, especially with Humphrey around.

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