The New Boys

These were the new boys. Some were Democrats, others Republicans. The difficulties they faced were as different as the 50 states of the Union. But as newly elected Governors, all had strong ideas about what they wanted--and didn't want. And in their diverse interests and approaches, they made for a fascinating collection. Among those taking office last week:

Ohio Republican James A. Rhodes, 53, was determined to put his state's government back on the conservative, business like path from which it had strayed during the administration of Democrat Mike Di Salle. In his inaugural address, former State Auditor Rhodes called for industrial development combined with "fiscal integrity" and "rigid economies." To demonstrate that he meant to practice what he preached, Rhodes had already ordered the ouster of more than 3,500 state employees hired since last Sept. 17--all still on "temporary" civil service status.

Iowa Democrat Harold E. Hughes, 40, who switched his allegiance from the G.O.P. nearly six years ago because "my basic feelings were not compatible with the Republican philosophy," now appeared before a heavily Republican state legislature. Said Hughes: "The differences that divide us as partisans are small by comparison with the common ground that unites us as fellow Iowans." Maybe so, maybe not. In any event, Hughes seemed certain to run into trouble on his first specific proposals: to legalize liquor by the drink; and to provide public transportation for both public and parochial school children.

Oklahoma Republican Henry Bellmon, 41, the first member of his party ever to be elected Governor of Oklahoma, confronted the state's Democratic legislature with some of the bluntest political words that have been heard in a long while. Said Bellmon: "You can lie to me once. But I can assure you it will be only once. I have learned that in politics the best philosophy is to forgive and remember." Some 25,000 Sooners flocked into Oklahoma City for the inauguration, saw Wheat Farmer Bellmon go informal to his inaugural ball ("I'm not going to wear a cockeyed tux"). Bellmon made it plenty plain that Oklahoma was in for a new deal. Said he:

"Practically every pressure group that prowls the legislative halls went down to defeat on Nov. 6. Never has a legislature had such a free hand to write a program for a whole state without regard for the selfish interests of a privileged few. The power blocs are in shambles."

Texas Democrat John Connally, 45, came in with a shebang rarely equaled even in those wide open spaces. Connally had invited "everyone in Texas" to attend his inauguration--and it sometimes seemed that most everybody did. Hotels and motels had been sold out weeks in advance, guests poured into Austin by private plane, chartered train and special bus. Evangelist Billy Graham did the honors at a prayer breakfast; Vic Damone, the Ames Brothers and Comedian Joey Bishop were featured at the $25-a-plate "victory" dinner. In his address, Connally spoke about the "task of tomorrow." For many of those present, the big task of tomorrow would be dealing with a Texas-sized hangover.

Vermont Democrat Philip Hoff, 38, first Governor of his party in Vermont since 1854, went before a state legislature ruled 4 to 1 by Republicans. Hoff played it cagey. Promising the legislators a "new and fresh approach," he thereupon suggested that they adjourn.

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