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Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Jr., said in Elkins yesterday that "If Sen. John Kennedy wins the West Virginia primary, he's sure to get the presidential nomination."

Roosevelt, who flew his private plane to Elkins yesterday to meet Democratic leaders in a move to promote the campaign of his friend Sen. John Kennedy, said he flet [sic] the West Virginia primary provides a crucial test between Kennedy vs. Sen. Hubert Humphrey forces.

"But Kennedy is being ganged-up on in West Virginia - he's running against the combined forces of Senators Humphrey, Johnson, Symington, and Adlai Stevenson," said the former congressman from New York.

Roosevelt continued with, "Your own Sen. Byrd has said he supports Johnson but is moving around the state introducing Humphrey, and getting his supporters to line-up with the Humphrey forces," said Roosevelt.

Flashing the Roosevelt smile that so much resembled his late father, who served as Presdient [sic] of the United States, the New York business executive chatted with Randolph County Democrats as he motored to the Tygart Hotel where he greeted voters and talked of the forthcoming primary.

"Introducing Roosevelt to townspeople was Robert Hedrick, candidate for Delegate at Large to the Democratic National Convention. Among dignitaries on hand to greet the visiting Democrats was Ted Williams, Democratic Chairman for Randolph County, many Democrat candidates, and Mrs. Nunley B. Snedegar, Democrat National Committeewoman for W.Va.

Roosevelt, who has openedly [sic] declared himself for Kennedy, was asked by an Elkins Inter-Mountain staff writer who his mother, Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt is supporting. He replied, "She speaks for herself, but I can tell you that she has not announced herself as in favor of any candidate. She does not plan to attend the convention."

When questioned about the religious issue that has cropped up in the current campaign, Roosevelt said: "I think that the religious issue has no part in our American life, or politics, but unfortunately there will be some people who will bring it up. The constitution guarantees every citizen the right to worship as he sees fit. No one asked Kennedy whether he was Protestant, Catholic or Jew when he entered the U.S. Navy. He has since taken the oath of office three times in the House and twice as a Senator."