The death of Senator Robert M. LaFollette removed a unique figure from American public life. Senator LaFollette was both constructive and destructive, but there was not one who questioned his motives at any stage of his political life. Senator LaFollette was bitterly opposed to the entrance of the United States into the World War, and he was one of the men who fought President Wilson hardest. The peace treaty did not suit him: neither was he favorable to the League of Nations. Classed as a Republican, it was natural for him to oppose Democratic doctrines. Yet when the Republicans assumed power again, Senator LaFollette was just as determined in his opposition to them as he had been with the Democrats. He was an “insurgent” in the full sense of the expression and to the end he fought policies and measures that were repulsive to him regardless of their source.
As a Presidential candidate Senator LaFollette enjoyed little success. No one ever gave him even a remote change to be elected, but many thought he would poll a strong vote. He failed to do this, and secured only the vote of his native State. However, he believed that he laid the foundation for an independent party that would exert much influence in years to come.
Senator LaFollette was the stormy petrel of politics without doubt, and although he sponsored many measures that were unwise, we believe nevertheless he was recognized by all as a man who was thoroughly sincere and who followed his own dictates in all public matters.
From the editorial page of The Concord Daily Tribune, Saturday, June 20, 1925
newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn92073201/1925-06-20/ed-1/seq-4/
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