Alfred E. Smith

Legendary New York Democratic politician whose life began on the low end as a fish market worker and climaxed as a Presidential candidate. He was first elected to the New York State Assembly in 1903, becoming its Speaker in 1913. For a time, he was sheriff of New York County (1915-17) and president of the Board of Aldermen of New York (1917). He was elected four times as the state's governor, serving in 1919-1920 and 1923-1928). In 1928, he was the first serious Roman Catholic candidate for the Presidency, and received the active support of Franklin D. Roosevelt, but was defeated by the Republican candidate, Herbert Hoover. Four years later, he gave his support to Roosevelt's successful campaign, but in 1936 and 1940, supported the Republican candidate instead.