Pedestrian Politics

Referring to his shoes as his "mobileheadquarters," Robert P. Bingham '25,Democratic nominee for Governor of NewHampshire, estimates that he has travelledsome 8000 miles—many of them 011 footduring his campaign. At the contest at thepolls this month he will seek to replaceanother Dartmouth man, New Hampshire's Governor Sherman Adams '20, Republican.

The Bingham campaign has necessarilybeen very tightly financed, without expensive publicity aids. Nevertheless, using the"old fashioned approach," Bingham hasmanaged to reach a great many people. Hehas behind him a long list of speeches tofraternal organizations and union groups:and when his not-too-new car broke downnear Dover, N. H., he set out on foot toring doorbells. It has been observed thatwhen he wins a voter to his Democraticside—no small feat in New Hampshirethe vote sticks. In 1948 he revealed an unexpected faculty for unseating Republicans hen he won an upset victory in the16th District (comprising three normallyRepublican wards) over J. Walker Wiggin'30, then Speaker of the House.

Bingham's background has been steepedin the traditions of the Democratic Partyin the North Country. His father, JudgeGeorge H. Bingham '87, served on theNew Hampshire Supreme Court Benchand later on the U.S. Circuit Court ofAppeals. Bob Bingham for 22 years hasbeen a member of the New HampshireSupreme Court bar and for 16 years amember of the U.S. Supreme Court bar.He acted as legislative counsel for the lateJohn G. Winant, and in Washingtonheaded the legal staff defending the constitutionality of the Social Security Act.For the coming election, Bingham's wifeAnita has been his campaign manager.There are four children, ranging in agefrom five to 15.

ROBERT P. BINGHAM "15, Democratic standard-bearer in the New Hampshire gubernatorial election this month, displays the evidence of the solid groundwork he has put into his grass-roots campaigning.