NEWS CONFERENCE 857

that they weren't political enough, there wasn't enough to write about
politically. This is the last one before the convention so I think it's
going to be highly political. I think the governors will attempt to
feel each other out in some depth about which direction they are
going, and you may see some favorite son candidacies fall by the way-
side as people take definite positions. I am not sure how many, but
it's possible.

Q. Any chance of yours falling?

A. Oh mine could fall by the wayside momentarily in any direction.
It's admittedly a stance to keep us neutral for the time being, but
if I feel that it's to the advantage of the State and that the delegates
who are about to be selected on June 22 would desire it, I wouldn't
hesitate to abandon my favorite son candidacy in a minute.

Q. What seems to be the feeling of the delegates now — the trend:
toward Nixon or Rockefeller?

A. Well, we don't know who they are yet. Definitely we've got some
ideas about who is going to be elected, and I don't think that they
have indicated which way they are going at this point.

Q. Have you set a date for the party convention?
A. June 22.

Q. Well, there's no chance of your changing your mind then in Tulsa
about being a favorite son since the convention won't be held until
the 22nd?

A. Well, I'd say it's unlikely that I'll make any change at that time.

Q. Governor, would you abandon your favorite son position as one
of your predecessors did in order to place the name of a candidate in
nomination?

A. For that purpose alone, I guess no; but it's a hard question to
answer, because I assume if you felt strongly about a person enough
to place his name in nomination you may be willing to, but just for
that honor I wouldn't do it.

Q. Governor, if the Maryland delegation felt strongly either toward
Nixon or Rockefeller, could you stand in your favorite son candidacy
and go either way and take either man?

A. I think I could, yes. I don't feel that there's anything in the
makeup of either one of the men that would prevent my supporting