James W. Faulkner letter to Warren G. Harding, January 26, 1920

In this letter dated January 26, 1920, James W. Faulkner of The Enquirer writes to Senator Warren G. Harding disclosing news from an Indiana politician named "Bob" Tucker, who is currently traveling with Will H. Hays, chairman of the Republican National Committee. Faulkner's note summarizes nine points, most notably that there is no political leaning for any one candidate; General Leonard Wood's backers aren't optimistic of his success, and women do not support him, but he will win Arizona; Harding has strong friends in Colorado; and there's much talk about Republican candidate Herbert Hoover across the nation. This letter is part of the Warren G. Harding Papers (MSS 345). This collection includes correspondence, business records, and other materials documenting Harding’s business career as owner and editor-in-chief of The Daily Marion Star, as well as the various stages of his political career. A significant portion of the collection, and what’s available on Ohio Memory, highlights his 1920 presidential campaign, spanning just before publicly announcing his candidacy to handily defeating Ohio Governor James M. Cox in the election. Correspondents include both Ohio and national businessmen, political figures, and ordinary citizens writing with questions, support, congratulatory notes, and campaign advice. Some of the most interesting insights into the tumultuous political climate in the U.S., the extreme factionalism within the Republican Party in Ohio, and Harding’s campaign strategies are described in letters between Harding and his campaign manager, Harry M. Daugherty. Some of the topics addressed include women’s suffrage, Prohibition, the League of Nations, African American representation and issues, and lingering peace negotiations following World War I.THE ENQUIRER Columbus,O.Jan.26,I920 My dear Senator: I am taking the liberty of repeating some "dope" from a letter sent me by"Bob"Tucker, our Indiana political man,who is traveling with Chairman Hays out West.It was written in Los Angeles last week. He says(I) that there is no strong drift in that country for any particular man(2) a great deal of work is being done for Wood but his supporters are not sanguine of his success(4) that the women are against him for the same reason that they supported Wilson in 1916-their unanimous opposition to militarism or war(5) that Hiram Johnson will have California and Poindexter Washington but the rest of the delegates will be instructed and on the look-out for the best man at Chicago (5)" that Warren Harding has many strong friends in Colorado and a part of the delegation is likely to be for him"(6)there is much Hoover talk everywhere(7) that Frank Hitchcock is operating in that section (8)that Arizona will be for Wood(9) that"this country is ghastly quiet since it went dry." Good luck. Yours truly [written signature] JW Faulkner Hon.Warren G.Harding Washington,D.C