National Affairs: Beachhead

Herbert Lehman, a popular symbol in New York Democratic politics, last week issued a formal statement: "Many months ago I stated publicly that, of the many well-qualified Democrats available for the nomination, my preference was Adlai Stevenson, and that I expected to support him. I see no reason for any change in my attitude or preference." This did not presage any substantial split in the New York State vote for Harriman, whose coach, Tammany's Carmine De Sapio, will control the 1956 convention delegation. But Lehman's name did give the Stevensonites a beachhead in New York, where they could deploy diversionary forces with some nuisance value.