Michigan: Trying to Drape the Albatross

Michigan Democrats would like nothing better than to hang what they call “the Goldwater albatross” around the neck of G.O.P. Governor George Romney. Although Romney, up for re-election this year, has pointedly failed to endorse Barry, neither has he disavowed him.

Last week Romney faced his gubernatorial opponent, scholarly Congress-man-at-large Neil Staebler, in debate before mostly Democratic delegates to a state A.F.L.-C.I.O. convention in Grand Rapids. In his opening remarks, Staebler set about trying to drape that albatross. Said he, in his high-pitched voice: “Romney is having a difficult time defending the Republican record while he attempts to carry Goldwater on both shoulders. Make no mistake about it.

The Republican candidate for Governor is Goldwater’s candidate for Governor.” In his own statement, Romney mentioned neither Barry in particular nor the national Republican record in general. Instead, he pointed with pride to his own record as Governor.

Then came questions from the floor, and the debate went something like this:

Question (to Romney): Do you or don’t you support the national Goldwater-Miller ticket?

Romney: My position is quite clear. The Republican Party has made its decision on the platform and the candidates. I accept these decisions. I accept them, but I don’t endorse them.

Shout from the floor: Answer the question, George!

Staebler: His problem is one of carrying Goldwater on both shoulders. It is a problem of being extremely moderate or moderately extreme.

Romney (to Staebler): Are you for George Wallace and Strom Thurmond?

Staebler: My position is very clear. No.

Romney: You compromised in Atlantic City. You retreated on the seating of the Mississippi delegation.

Staebler: That was a good play, George.

Romney: And in 1960, what was your attitude toward the Democratic vice-presidential candidate?

Staebler: I worked hard for John F. Kennedy against Lyndon Johnson. I was shocked when Johnson was picked for Vice President. But after several days, I then saw the wisdom of it.

Question (to Romney): Will you support and vote for the Republican national presidential and vice-presidential candidates?

Romney: I will not vote for candidates other than the candidates in my party.

Shout from the floor: Answer the question, George, you bum!

Romney: That’s my personal privilege, and I don’t expect to answer that here. Mr. Staebler would like to run for Governor against a man from Arizona. I think the people of Michigan want someone who will stand on his own two feet.