What About Ehrlichman

Speculation continues to grow in Washington about Senator Mark Hatfield’s pulling a Eugene McCarthy and opposing President Nixon for renomination in 1972. That is the interpretation some observers put on Hatfield’s cryptic reference to the possibility of a Reagan nomination by the GOP in 1972. The thinking is that Hatfield is projecting a conservative threat as a reason for the party to turn to a liberal and a dove.

Part of the speculation about Hatfield’s plans comes from spectacular conservative gains in recent Oregon local party elections. This means that Hatfield, who has given the President minimal support and who has been a vigorous opponent of his Southeast Asian policy, will have primary opposition. A number of Oregon Republicans on the Hill say there is no way Hatfield can win renomination as a Republican. But if the 1970 elections strengthen Mr. Nixon, Hatfield would still have time to trim sails.

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Presidential Election

Speculation continues to grow in Washington about Senator Mark Hatfield’s pulling a Eugene McCarthy and opposing President Nixon for renomination in 1972. That is the interpretation some observers put on Hatfield’s cryptic reference to the possibility of a Reagan nomination by the GOP in 1972. The thinking is that Hatfield is projecting a conservative threat as a reason for the party to turn to a liberal and a dove.

Part of the speculation about Hatfield’s plans comes from spectacular conservative gains in recent Oregon local party elections. This means that Hatfield, who has given the President minimal support and who has been a vigorous opponent of his Southeast Asian policy, will have primary opposition. A number of Oregon Republicans on the Hill say there is no way Hatfield can win renomination as a Republican. But if the 1970 elections strengthen Mr. Nixon, Hatfield would still have time to trim sails.