Stunner in New Hampshire (PJW)

March 8, 1960
CONCORD: What many describe as the biggest political upset has just occurred in the Democratic primaries in New Hampshire. In what many regarded as John F. Kennedy's "backyard", candidate Harry Byrd (D-VA) won the first primary of the campaign season. "Kennedy focused so much on defeating Hubert Humphrey, who was seen as the front runner, in Wisconsin, that he forgot about the other challengers," our local political analyst said.

Senator Hubert Humphrey (D-MN) was the expected front runner for the presidential candidacy. Harry Byrd - whom many suspected to be running just as a favorite son candidate for Virginia - shocked the Party by actually travelling to New Hampshire and campaigning. It was too late for the others to turn their course, and at the end of the voting count, Byrd stood victorious.

Byrd's platform consists of establishing law and order in the United States in the wake of severe domestic violence. He also made promises of limiting American military deployment in other countries, in order to focus on the issues of home first. "America first," Byrd proclaimed to a large crowd of supporters at a New Hampshire rally. "America first." Byrd has come under fire from civil rights activities for his racist and pro-segregationist views, but these may actually be driving voters to him. "Byrd understands the problems negros pose to us," a voter told the post on his return from the ballot box. "He has experience with these issues and knows how to deal with them."

Voting Totals:

Byrd: 37%

Kennedy: 36%

Humphrey: 18%