Los Banos Rotary Club History
Germino Tells Of Convention Trip

"The most personally deflating experience imaginable."

That is Judge D. Oliver Germino's primary impression of the Republican National Convention. Attending the convention as an alternate and sitting as a regular delegate for the 12th California district at several sessions when Congressman Oakley Hunter could not personally be there. Germino said as far as the formal delegate sessions are concerned they are little more than a formal gesture and that the actual job of formulating party platforms and choosing party candidates is accomplished by the top level party men in private closed sessions.

The judge said that personally he and his wife had a splendid time despite the unbearably hot weather, and greatly enjoyed the color, pomp and ceremony of the convention. But for actual accomplishment, Germino said he might just as well have remained in Los Banos.

Pointing to the fact that neither the Republican nor Democratic parties choose the men who had received the highest popular vote, Germino said he is firmly convinced that the present electoral college system of choosing candidates is wrong and that a new system must be devised wherein the nominees are selected at least partially in accordance with popular primary vote.

Germino discounted the prevalent rumor that the California delegates had "missed the boat" in not changing over in favor of the winning candidate, and said rather that the California bloc was a key influence in the selection of candidate Eisenhower and that the formality of official vote from the floor of the convention was in itself immaterial.

Germino emphasized the California delegation had gone to Chicago pledged but not committed to Governor Warren, and that the delegation was remarkable in its loyalty and close-knit organization. He said high tribute to the California leader, Sen. Knowland and said the Senator had the complete confidence and cooperation of the delegation and in turn he confided in them fully relative to top level conferences and planning.

Relative to the candidacy of Governor Warren, Germino said the California group well understood that the Governor's chances depended on a deadlock, which unfortunately for Gov. Warren did not develop. He said the Governor made a surprising show of strength at the convention, and that Californians generally may well be proud of the excellent showing he made there.
Going into convention history briefly, Germino said he was privileged to have a part in the contested delegation fight, in which California voted with the minority group as against the "Old Guard" group which at first had complete control of the convention.

Germino said that in his mind the turning point in the candidate selection came when Sen. Dirksen of Illinois made his personal verbal attack on Governor Dewey; an attack that was obviously inspired and approved by top level leaders. The attack cost Senator Taft the nomination.

He described the convention floor as a site of terrible noise and confusion, deplorable in the lack of attention that was given the speakers; and said that from standpoint of hearing and seeing what was going on he fared far better during the Democratic convention with radio and television.
And commenting on the Democratic convention, the Judge related that the Democratic nominee, Stevenson, had as governor of Illinois, addressed the Republican convention at its opening session, and that he was greatly impressed. He described him as very sincere and humble and a very capable and forceful speaker.

Following the convention Judge and Mrs. Germino continued on to New York, where they were joined by Senator and Mrs. Harold J. Powers and spent several very enjoyable days. While there they joined Governor Warren one afternoon for a major league baseball game at Yankee stadium, where Germino says, baseball is at its very best.

August 1, 1952

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