University of Virginia Library

Williams Relinquishes Positions
To Support Godwin's Campaign

By JOHN EPPS

Seventh District Democratic
Party Chairman John W.
Williams has resigned that post
to free himself to work for
former Gov. Mills E. Godwin in
Mr. Godwin's attempt for
reelection.

Mr. Godwin has announced
his intention to run for the
governorship but has
renounced his former
Democratic party label.

Mr. Williams resigned in a
letter to Joseph Fitz-Patrick,
Chairman of the state
Democratic Central
Committee.

Mr. Williams' letter was
dated Feb. 7, three days before
Mr. Godwin announced his
candidacy.

In the letter Mr. Williams
said he expects to "support
Mills E. Godwin in his bid for
the Governorship in 1973
regardless of how he runs."

"He is a personal friend, a
political friend and we share the
same political philosophy," Mr.
Williams said. "In my
judgment, Virginia needs
Governor Godwin and there
are many of us who are
grateful that he is willing to
make such a sacrifice."

The letter also announced
Mr. Williams' resignation from
the Democratic Steering
Committee and the State
Central Committee.

There has been much
speculation that Mr. Godwin
will run as a Republican or as
an independent with the
Republican party's support.

Mr. Godwin headed the
Democrats for Nixon campaign
in Virginia and was instrumental
in Republican Senator William
Scott's successful campaign in
November.

He has not announced
whether he will join the
Republican party.

Mr. Williams was named
yesterday as one of three
Seventh District members of
the Virginia Democrats for
Godwin steering committee
announced by Watkins M.
Abbit, former Congressman
from the Fourth District.