Montana's Gubernatorial Crucible
An in-depth examination of the pivotal 1932 election, set against the backdrop of national transformation and economic upheaval.
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Election Overview
The Contest
The 1932 Montana gubernatorial election was held on November 8, 1932. This election saw the incumbent Governor, John E. Erickson, seeking a third term. Erickson, a Democrat, had previously been elected in 1924 and re-elected in 1928. His opponent in this critical election was Frank A. Hazelbaker, the sitting Lieutenant Governor, representing the Republican Party.
Key Figures
John E. Erickson (Democrat): The incumbent governor, seeking to extend his tenure. His political career would later see him appointed to the U.S. Senate.
Frank A. Hazelbaker (Republican): The incumbent Lieutenant Governor, who challenged Erickson for the state's highest office.
Turnout and Margin
The election recorded a significant voter turnout of 81.60%, an increase of 0.80% from the previous election. Despite the national political landscape heavily favoring Democrats due to the Great Depression and the landslide victory of Franklin D. Roosevelt, Erickson secured a narrow victory over Hazelbaker, highlighting a competitive state political dynamic.
Democratic Primary
Candidates
The Democratic primary featured incumbent Governor John E. Erickson vying for renomination against several challengers:
- John E. Erickson, incumbent Governor
- Lewis Penwell, Collector of Internal Revenue for Montana, former State Representative
- Miles Romney Sr., former State Senator, former Mayor of Hamilton
- Henry B. Mitchell
Primary Results
Governor Erickson secured the Democratic nomination, though not without facing substantial competition. The results were as follows:
Republican Primary
Candidates
The Republican primary saw Lieutenant Governor Frank A. Hazelbaker emerge as the party's nominee:
- Frank A. Hazelbaker, Lieutenant Governor of Montana
- W. S. McCormack, former President of the Montana Senate
Primary Results
Hazelbaker won the Republican nomination decisively. The results were:
General Election Results
The Outcome
The general election was closely contested, with John E. Erickson narrowly defeating Frank A. Hazelbaker to secure his third term as governor. The results reflect a divided electorate, even amidst a national wave of support for the Democratic Party.
Historical Context & Significance
A Nation in Transition
The year 1932 was marked by the depths of the Great Depression. Nationally, this translated into a significant political realignment, with Franklin D. Roosevelt winning the presidency in a landslide. This national trend suggested a strong mandate for the Democratic Party across the country.
Montana's Divergence
While Roosevelt carried Montana overwhelmingly in the presidential election, the gubernatorial race presented a different picture. The narrow victory for John E. Erickson, a Democrat, over Republican Frank A. Hazelbaker indicated that state-level politics in Montana retained a competitive edge, possibly influenced by local factors or voter concerns distinct from the national mood.
Erickson's Senate Appointment
Governor Erickson's tenure following this election was notably brief. Just a few months into his third term, he resigned from the governorship. This strategic move allowed him to accept an appointment to the United States Senate, filling a vacancy. This event underscores the dynamic political landscape of the era and the fluid nature of political careers.
Sources
Reference List
The information presented on this page is derived from the following sources, which are programmatically listed here.
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Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not political analysis or advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional historical research, political science consultation, or electoral analysis. Always refer to primary sources and consult with qualified professionals for specific insights or interpretations.
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