NEWS CONFERENCE 875

executive session in Tulsa and, in spite of the fact that some of the
Governors have some reservations about it, there was considerable sup-
port for it also. I don't know whether I'll be able to get it included;
it's generally regarded as a very liberal viewpoint. But it's one 1
believe is necessary if we are going to have the kind of halt to this
flow of people looking for the State that's doing the most in social
programs. Let me qualify that. Another thing that I brought up —
and this is very important in that respect — I'm not asking the Federal
government to take over a program to get the State out from under
the financial onus of supporting it. Because corollary to my proposal
would be that the State would take back full responsibility for ex-
pensing some other program better administered at the State level so
that there would not be a net financial gain for the State out of the
switch of welfare into the national picture.

(National Prospects, Resumed)

Q. Governor, to get back to your answer that you do not anticipate
a move out of the Governor's office at this time — would it be fair
to conclude that you would seriously consider any offer at the na-
tional level that you might get after the November election?

A. Well, I think it would be fair to say that I would consider it,
yes. But I do feel a heavy obligation to the party in Maryland and
to the people who elected me to serve this four years. And in spite
of the fact that it is very flattering to be discussed as a potential
candidate and to be discussed as a potential recipient of some ap-
pointed position, I would feel a responsibility to complete the major
portion of this term. So, I'd say it is unlikely that I would attempt
to move into the national scene at this time.

Q. You hedged again. You said "complete a major portion. "

A. Well, you know it's very difficult for a person to avoid doing
what you call hedging because the words that you say can be changed
by changes in conditions later on, and then they're always dumped
back in your lap as an inconsistency. So I suppose what I am saying
is you have to hedge a little bit. I'm trying to give you my best im-
pression of my situation now, which is away from any move of that
type.

(Representative Long and Bay Bridge)

Q. Governor, Representative Long had some remarks about you dur-
ing your absence, alleging that you passed the buck to Mr. Goldstein
and are now passing the buck to him on bridge costs. Do you have
any comments on that?