REPORTS ON VICE PRESIDENCY 809

will be achieved on platform recommendations which we may submit
to the Committee on Resolutions at the national convention in Aug-
ust.

All regional hearings have been designed with this in mind. All
follow the same format, only the issues vary. This hearing is confined
to the categories of civil rights, education, health, job opportunities
and law enforcement. Six authorities in these respective fields have
been invited to testify. Witnesses will present a five minute summary
of their written statements which will be followed by a period of
questioning by the Governors lasting about ten minutes.

Subsequent witnesses, who have prepared papers, will speak for
three minutes and questioning will follow as time permits.

I sincerely regret we could not hear all who desired to testify but
time is one problem that defies solution. However, all papers presented
in connection with this hearing will receive the task force's considera-
tion and be turned over to the Republican Governors' Association for
full distribution.

Again, I reiterate my welcome to Governors, witnesses and guests —
and on behalf of the task force, express our gratitude as we go to work.

COMMENT ON PUBLISHED REPORTS ON
VICE PRESIDENCY

May 17, 1968

I am flattered by the reports that Richard Nixon has listed me
among the several persons he has considered as potential vice presi-
dential candidates. I have spoken to Mr. Nixon and thanked him for
his kind remarks.

While it is pleasing to receive such consideration, it is certainly too
early to speculate about the presidency or the vice presidency. My
concern and my obligation are to protect the best interests of the
Republican citizens of Maryland at the Convention and to work for
the strongest possible ticket that can be nominated.