Norris, a former Republican, was quoted as remarking, “I would rather go down to my political grave with a clear conscience than ride in the chariot of victory.” In part for his honesty with constituents even if it meant defeat, Norris was later featured in John F. Kennedy's Pulitzer Prize-winning Profiles in Courage.[1]
Republican primary
Candidates
Hugh Ashmore
Voyle Rector
Kenneth Wherry, former state senator and mayor of Pawnee City; candidate for U.S. Senate in 1934 and governor in 1932
Terry Carpenter, former U.S. Representative from Nebraska's 5th district, Democratic candidate for governor in 1940 and 1934, lieutenant governor in 1938, and senator in 1936
Harry B. Coffee, incumbent U.S. Representative from Nebraska's 5th district
Foster May, radio newsman and candidate for U.S. Representative in 1936