The 1956 Election in Utah

the personality of Governor J. Bracken Lee, probably the most colorful and controversial public figure to emerge in Utah politics since statehood in 1896. Although Lee had become well known outside the state, other observers may derive more important implications from the Utah results for national politics in the tremendous popularity of President Eisenhower, and the sweeping victory of the party at the polls. Trying for the elusive third term,' Governor Lee led a field of four in the nominating convention but in the direct primary run-off he placed second to the convention runner-up, George Dewey Clyde, a newcomer to practical politics.2 But Governor Lee was of the never-say-die variety. With his friends calling Clyde a new Republican and him a true Republican, 3 Utah's maverick governor4 bolted his party and re-entered the race as an independent candidate, although his name appeared on the ballot under the party label of Citizens for Lee. Unsuccessful in this unprecedented action,5 he trailed Clyde and the Democratic nominee, L. C. Romney, Salt Lake City commissioner, in the November finals. In doing so he recaptured the spotlight by throwing the regular party organization and the Clyde campaign into confusion, and by his vigorous campaigning which

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