NEVADA: Frazzled Cord

For 30 years Businessman E. L. Cord talked rarely and acted boldly; as a result, out of ships, airplanes, automobiles and real estate, Cord built a financial empire. Starting in 1956, he also got his feet wet in Nevada politics (as a state senator), and enjoyed the sensation. By last spring, as a result, a new empire was shaping up. A Cord machine dominated the state Democratic convention, paved the path for Errett Lobban Cord to become governor (TIME, May 19).

But apparently Businessman Cord forgot that successful politicians talk often and act cautiously. Cord somehow never filed for governor, gave no reason, left an impression that his health was poor. Incautiously he backed lackluster Harvey Dickerson, 53, Nevada attorney general and a habitual also-ran, for the governor’s nomination, unabashedly poured an estimated $75,000 into Dickerson’s campaign. When enterprising Dickerson Opponent Grant Sawyer, Elko County district attorney, cried that Cord was buying the governor’s mansion just as he had bought corporations, tight-lipped Politician Cord ignored the charge. The impression took root; by last week Nevadans had decided they did not like Cord. Underdog Sawyer, 39, handily (20,168-13,345) whipped Cordman Dickerson in the primary, is expected to give Republican Governor Charles Russell, running for reelection, a hard time in November. Down the drain with Loser Dickerson went not only E.L.’s $75,000 but also his chances of running Nevada.