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THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON June 9, 1970 MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT SUBJECT: Virginia Senate Race The possibility of working out something with Senator Byrd on the Virginia Senate race is looking better. The Senator may this week state that he would welcome the endorsement of his candidacy by the Republican Party. This would signal Congress- man Joel Broyhill to openly initiate a campaign to win the endorsement and/or nomination for Senator Byrd at the conven- tion, which is to be held on June 26-27. Lee Nunn, through an outside source, is financing a professional effort to win the endorsement for Byrd. Brad Hays is doing the work. The attached letterhead of Byrd Republican supporters is very impressive and has already had good effects among Virginia Republicans. The Virginia poll results and analysis will be available later this week. The preliminary information shows Byrd running well ahead in a two-way or three-way race. However, this could have been based largely on recognition factor. Nevertheless, the distribution of this information among Republicans has also assisted in the Byrd boom. Byrd and the gentleman from Florida now take on more significance for 1972 in view of the June 2 primary result. Efforts are also continuing on the Florida matter. Hand sent in Harry S. Dent subject Florida