TLS, one page, 8.5 x 11, Democratic National Committee letterhead, November 22, 1928. Letter, written as governor-elect of New York, to Democratic National Committee member J. Bruce Kremer. In 1928 the Republican Party of New York nominated Albert Ottinger for Governor, the first Jewish gubernatorial candidate in New York history. To counteract, the Democratic Party nominated Franklin D. Roosevelt for governor, and Herbert Lehman, also a Jew, as the candidate for lieutenant governor. The gubernatorial contest, was one of the closest in New York history. Against the national Republican trend, Roosevelt won by only 25,000 votes—less than one percent of the four million ballots cast. Some of are the view that this race ended up having world-wide implications, as it is likely that, had Ottinger won the race, FDR would not have become president in 1932. In part, “It was only this week that my friend Ottinger finally conceded my election, so I am apparently in for a difficult two years in Albany. Of course I shall be the target of the concentrated batteries of the Republican Party, both State and National.” Roosevelt continues, “Word has just come of the death of our good friend Oldfield. I am distressed, for he has been taken in the prime of his life and usefulness.” William Allan Oldfield was a U.S. Representative from Arkansas. He served as the House minority whip between 1921 and 1928. Roosevelt closes the letter expressing his hope for the continuation of the success of his political party and reveling in his close victory, “Do send me a line from time to time and tell me how you think the situation is shaping up for the continuation of the organization work for the next three years. Certainly we must not talk candidates, but must concentrate on publicity of the right kind. I think that you and I can feel we have done everything possible in this campaign, even though the odds proved to be insurmountable.” Roosevelt’s reference to “publicity of the right kind” may indicate his desire and ambition to run for president in 1932. The last sentence of the letter is apparently a reference to the landslide defeat of Al Smith to Herbert Hoover in the 1928 presidential election. In very good condition, with well done professional repairs and reinforcement to reverse, intersecting mailing folds, one barely touching last letter of first name of signature, punch holes, and rusty paperclip mark to top edge and some light wrinkling, mostly to right side. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA .
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