BUSINESS IN POLITICS: Out of the Background onto the Stump

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GET into politics," the U.S. Chamber of Commerce told its members a fortnight ago—its first appeal for businessmen to work directly in political organizations. Chamber President William A. McDonnell advised them just how: "We must roll up our sleeves and get to work at the precinct and ward levels where political decisions are made and officeholders chosen." McDonnell's words underlined a significant change in business thinking about politics. In the past, many a businessman and corporation has played a part in making political decisions and choosing officeholders. But the influence has more often been exerted behind the scenes than out front on political platforms. Now more and more corporations are going to work at the precinct level, as well as speaking out boldly on issues and candidates.

Giant Gulf Oil Corp. announced that it will analyze the speeches, voting and attendance records of "Congressmen; then Gulf management will report its findings to its 161,000 shareholders, employees and dealers. If the program proves a success, Standard Oil Co. (Ohio), among other companies, will copy it. Top executives from U.S. business are now forming conservative but nonpartisan Americans for Constitutional Action to endorse pro-business candidates. Headed by Admiral Ben Moreell, who retires this week as chairman of Jones & Laughlin Steel Corp., ACA counts among its trustees Armstrong Cork Co. Chairman Henning W. Prentis Jr.; former Sears, Roebuck & Co. Chairman General Robert Wood; McGraw-Edison Co. Chairman (and former New Jersey Democratic Governor) Charles Edison. In Los Angeles County, Republicans have recruited 120 companies to send in names of young executives who want to work for the party; the G.O.P. teaches them practical politics, gives them precinct assignments. -

Many businessmen still cling to the timeworn arguments that a company has no business openly endorsing any policy or party, because it may offend customers or the opposing political party. "At one time or another," says United States Steel Corp., "you have to do business with both parties." American Welding & Mfg. Co. President William J. Sampson Jr. says that the truth is simply: "We're all yellow. We businessmen should stand up for what we believe in. But whenever it's controversial, we back away."

Are these management fears justified? The political realists in unions do not think so. They are well aware that companies are deep in politics, through lobbying and individual contributions to candidates. Union leaders admit that companies have every right to comment openly, take basic issues right to the people just as unions themselves have done for years. Says Co-Director Jim McDevitt of the A.F.L.-C.I.O. Committee on Political Education: "There's nothing wrong if a company tries to get its executives to promote its candidates—providing there's no coercion, and a man's job is not put in jeopardy."