868 ADDRESSES AND STATE PAPERS

versation with him, which was just the morning I appointed him,
he indicated he did feel in some ways these laws could be tightened
up, but not in such a manner of reaction that we are simply going
to go out and cure the sickness in this country, the emotional sickness
that sweeps it through directing regulation to one object, to wit, a gun.

Mr. Broder: Governor Agnew, to what extent is your shift of at-
titude toward Governor Rockefeller, vs. Mr. Nixon, related to Mr.
Nixon's recent expressions of interest in you as a possible running
mate?

Governor Agnew: To no extent whatsoever. Because if you will
look back in the chronology, you will see that the shift of attitude that
I have had occurred long before that mention. As a matter of fact,
Mr. Nixon has made no suggestions or commitments to me in our
conversations, and pragmatically I know very well that a state the
size of Maryland is a very difficult state to become important enough
to be utilized in a close election to select a vice presidential candidate.

Mr. Broder: Would you like to be Vice President?

Governor Agnew: I am not sure. Sometimes I find it very difficult
just to be Governor. I would have to think about that.

Mr. Broder: How will you decide when to yield your favorite-son
nomination and let Maryland go where it wants to go?

Governor Agnew: I think that will depend on my discussions with
the various delegates to the convention, my own analysis, which I hope
they will take some cognizance of, concerning the situation generally,
and my discourse with other governors and other public officials,
elected officials.

NEWS CONFERENCE
June 20, 1968

Questions and Answers
(National Politics)

Q. Governor, an effort was launched in Baltimore this morning to
try to enlist some support for Governor Reagan among the Repub-
lican delegates when they are selected this Saturday. What do you
think of the Reagan effort here in Maryland?

A. First, I've rarely heard of any concerted effort for Governor Reagan
here. Of course, as I have indicated previously, my position is that