Street. 20 Taft did recruit a few minor officials in places such as New Jersey and

Pennsylvania to convert Dewey supporters, but these efforts were very limited and

mark the exception, rather than the rule, for the Taft pre-convention strategy.21

 In 1948, Taft, and Dewey vied for the votes of delegates or whole state

delegations and used all resources at their disposal in the hopes of becoming party

standard-bearer. Taft hoped to avoid as much controversy as possible and focused on

augmenting support in what he considered "safe" states. Dewey's broader strategy of

building counter-organizations did not allow Taft such a luxury. Dewey forces

worked feverishly in several critical states that Taft firmly believed he controlled.

These deserve close examination due to their importance either as sources of delegate

strength or areas that provided tactical and financial opportunities. This localized

infighting underscored the differences between the resources of the candidates and the

rhetorical strategy of their managers. Dewey won the nomination because of superior

organization and resources rather than as a consequence of any sort of ideological or

programmatic position. To party insiders, these traits made a Dewey victory seem

more plausible in the national election because he had the tools and experience to

mount a successful campaign, not because they shared his view of the electorate.

 Over one thousand individuals were slated to cast their ballot at the Republican

National Convention and each man and woman faced entreaties from all of the

potential nominees. Delegates had to balance local concerns with national interests.

Intense negotiations went on for well over a year before the convention between

candidate managers and state and local leaders. These often included promises of


20 Robert A Taft, Letter to Lonnie Noojin, 15 July 1947. Copy in Folder (Political 1947), Box 890,
Taft Papers.
21 See, for example, Ben Tate, Letter to Guy Gabrielson, 1 June 1948. Copy in Folder (1948 -
Campaign Miscellany Delegates 1947-8), Box 230, Taft Papers.