September 6, 1968
Page 26022
NOMINATION OF SENATOR MUSKIE AS VICE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE
HON. FRANK E. MOSS OF UTAH IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
Friday, September 6, 1968
Mr. MOSS. Mr. President, I commend to the Senate a reading of the editorial entitled "The Choice of Mr. MUSKIE," published in the St. Louis Post Dispatch, and ask unanimous consent that it be printed in the Extensions of Remarks.
There being no objection, the editorial was ordered to be printed in the RECORD, as follows:
THE CHOICE OF MR. MUSKIE
In selecting Senator Muskie of Maine as his running mate, Vice President Humphrey took his first concrete step toward an independent candidacy. He successfully resisted the pressure brought upon him to choose Gov. Connally of Texas, or some other Southern conservative, and picked a man who represents something close to an ideal political choice.
If the selection can be faulted at all, it is on the ground that Senator Muskie is not too well known to the national electorate. He is well and favorably known, however, to officials of the big urban centers through his effective work on the big-city problems, and he will strengthen the Democratic ticket in the cities where Mr. Humphrey hopes to win.
Mr. Muskie has an enviable background for any American political candidate. The son of a Polish immigrant, he worked his way through college, won a Phi Beta Kappa key and obtained a law degree at Cornell. He served in World War II, was a member of the Maine House of Representatives for six years, served two two-year terms as Governor, and then, in 1958, became the first popularly-elected Democratic Senator in Maine's history. In the Senate Mr. Muskie has worked quietly, industriously and effectively, and is exceedingly popular with his colleagues.
Because of his phenomenal vote-getting record in a state once considered a bellwether of Republicanism Mr. Muskie has been in demand as a Democratic political speaker in almost every state, so that he has a considerable acquaintance with national politics. He is a person of liberal leanings, substance and good judgment, and in general meets the most important test of all – whether he is qualified to act as President if the President should die or be disabled.
He seems to us to be well qualified, which is all that really ought to matter to the voters.