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NEWS CONFERENCE

March 14, 1968

There was no opening statement by the Governor.

Questions and Answers
(Kennedy vs. Johnson)

Q. Governor, if Senator Kennedy were to challenge President John-
son for the nomination, what if any effect would this have on the
Republican campaign?

A. It's pretty hard to estimate right now what effect it would have,
but I do think that the Republican Party as a party would make a
mistake to over-assess the impact of someone entering a primary con-
test against President Johnson.

Q. Do you think it could cause a serious split in the Democratic
Party?

A. I have consistently said that I believe the value of a primary con-
test can sometimes be over-evaluated, and if it applies to the Repub-
lican Party I guess it applies to the Democratic Party.

Q. Excuse me Governor, I missed the question. Does that refer to
Robert Kennedy?

A. Yes.

Q. How would you, Governor, assess Governor Rockefeller's chances
against a Robert Kennedy?

A. I'm not going to get into any discussion on the Rockefeller cam-
paign at this point unless it's something I do in regard to the state-
ment which is for 6: 00 p. m. release tonight — which I'll be glad to
do at the close of this news conference for any of the people who would
like to have it.

(Administration Legislation)

Q. Governor, how do you feel about the administration program in
the Legislature now?

A. I feel much encouraged in the recent weeks concerning the prog-
ress of the administration bills. I think that they're moving ahead all
right, and while I hesitate because of the lack of a real definitive posi-
tion on some of these important bills at the moment — I hesitate to
be too optimistic — I think that the leadership is solidly behind some
of the important bills such as the water pollution bill, the mass transit