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My dear fellow Virginians. As you know, l am seeking re-election to the U. S. Senate as an independent candidate.
Here is why I chose that unprecedented and difficult path.
Last February 21, a small group obtained control of the Democratic State Central Committee and imposed a new oath on candidates running for the U. S. Senate.
That new oath would have required me to pledge my support to whomever the Democratic National Convention might choose as its nominee for President in 1972.
No one knows who the convention will select in 1972. No one knows what that man’s principles or policies will be.
1 could not sign such an oath, and 1 would not sign such an oath.
The only oath that 1 am willing to fake is to the 4,600,000 fellow Virginians whom 1 represent.
I have seen too much blind political partisanship in the government and in Congress. I submit this kind of partisanship is one reason that our country is in such deep trouble today.
So it seemed logical to me that I should submit my record to all the people of Virginia as an independent.
I realize full well that my course is a difficult and unprecedented one. But I welcome the opportunity to take
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