Comeback

Albert Benjamin ("Happy") Chandler is back from political oblivion. When the final returns from Kentucky's Democratic gubernatorial primary (TIME, Aug. 8) were counted last week, Happy had the nomination by an 18,500-vote length over his sober young opponent, Judge Bert T. Combs.

The victory was a distinct shock to Kentucky's regular Democratic politicians, who had predicted a Combs victory by a margin of 40,000 votes. And it was a portent of worse shocks to come. If he wins the election in November (which seems likely), Chandler will almost certainly throw out the supporters of Senator Earle Clements and found his own political dynasty. And, with the end of his machine at hand, Boss Clements' own future looks bleak: during the campaign Happy repeatedly swore to end Clements' career in Washington if he won the governorship. But in the flush of victory last week, Happy took it all back. "That was all made in the heat of the campaign," he said. Hardly anyone--least of all Earle Clements--believed him.

Happy's victory might have national repercussions, as well. Unlike Clements, he takes a dim view of Adlai Stevenson (he supported Richard Russell's candidacy in 1952), and at next year's Democratic Convention, Chandler may lead a delegation pledged to defeat Stevenson at all costs.

What made Happy win? A voter from the Upper Red Bird district, in Combs's own Clay County, explained it. "We didn't vote against Bert Combs," he said. "We just voted for Happy Chandler because we fell in love with his winsome personality."

In the election, Happy's Republican opponent, Judge Edwin R. Denney, 51, can hardly hope to match Chandler for winsomeness. A solid (6 ft. 2 in., 225 lbs.), solemn, soft-spoken mountaineer, he plans a campaign that will "stress honesty, frugality, economy and integrity in government." But with the Democrats loyally closing ranks, and Chandler's pretested corn-and-comedy act on the road again, G.O.P. hopes look dim indeed.

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