ABSTRACT
Willkie’s Loyal Opposition speech and Martin’s imminent resignation provoked discussions about national party leadership that dealt with every difficulty faced by an out-party in the United States. The former must recruit and organize and finance and direct strategy; the latter has only the duties of a loyal and discreet top-sergeant. The national committee meeting tried unsuccessfully for a compromise. Among those suggested were Barak Mattingly of Missouri, Frank Gannett of New York, and John Townsend of Delaware. The candidates’ maneuvers had been going on throughout the year. The national committee gave overwhelming support to the plans for a full-time headquarters. The contesting forces focused attention upon the 115 uncommitted votes, including approximately 33 in Michigan and nearly the same number in Pennsylvania. The extremely narrow Republican majorities in Congress suggested that the election was more of a personal than a party victory.
