NEWS CONFERENCE 943

A. I think Governor Romney indicated yesterday that he wants to
touch base with Governor Rhodes and with me and with other people
down there, and I certainly will continue to meet and discuss the
situation with other governors and interested people in the party. I
have no plans for any particular meeting at this time with either of
the two governors.

Q. Will their decisions play a great part in your decision?
A. When you say a great part, I guess that's an exaggeration; they'll
certainly play some part. But it's entirely possible that I may not
go in the same direction they do or vice versa. We've always recog-
nized the fact that we may not come to the same conclusion. The
thing that I proposed when I discussed this matter with them in
Cincinnati was that if we are going to go the same way it will have
a greater impact if we concurrently announce our decision. I think
that still stands.

Q. Governor, could you elaborate on what you meant — you said

in the final analysis it comes down to how you go politically, what's
the right thing to do. Could you explain?

A. I wish I could, but I can't. I don't know how to explain that.
Every political decision I have ever made is based on some ingredients
of past recollection and you might call a hunch reaction that you
can't define. I think it's true with everyone in politics because cer-
tainly there's no way to, in an orderly fashion, sort out the factors
and make a weighing of them on any basis that's reliable. Politics
is a rather chancy profession and this is part of it.

Q. Governor, have you noted anything in recent weeks that might

have increased the popularity of Mr. Nixon if the Gallup poll is

correct?

A. I couldn't say one way or the other whether I have or haven't.

I think that it's a real horse race for this nomination. And contrary

to what some people may say, I don't honestly expect that today we

know as much as we're going to know by Saturday. I think the thing

could turn in any direction at this time.

Q. Governor, is the Republican delegation committed to Maryland

as was the Democratic —

A. May I ask before I answer your question — are you carrying

newsman credentials?

Mr. Edwards: Yes I do, WMET-TV.

Governor: All right, now I'll take the questions.

Mr. Edwards: Would you like to see it, sir?