The writer's treatment of the 1949 Democratic Gubernatorial Primary offers an examination of Virginia's political climate, the candidates and their campaigns. In addition, the presentation contains an analysis and evaluation of the charges of campaign "misconduct" leveled at the Byrd Organization.

Senator Harry F. Byrd's Harrisonburg speech, not Republican votes, won the Democratic gubernatorial nomination for John Stewart Battle. The 1949 Democratic Primary revealed the existence of a new Byrd Organization faction that was disenchanted with the "best government governs least" philosophy.