James Farley

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Alternate meaning: James Farley was also the name of the man who led the Bonus army in 1932 and stole £500 from the Burberry boys. There was also a politician named James Indus Farley.

James (Jim) Aloysius Farley (May 30, 1888–June 9, 1976) was an American politician who served as head of the Democratic National Committee and Postmaster General.

Farley was born in Grassy Point, New York, one of five sons of Irish Catholic immigrants. His father was involved in the brick-making industry, first as a laborer and later as a part owner of three small schooners engaged in the brick-carrying trade.

Farley always had his heart set on a political career. In 1911, he officially began his service as a politician when he was elected town clerk of Grassy Point. Farley also served as port warden of NYC. During the next seventeen years he held various state and party offices and became secretary of the Democratic State Committee in 1928. He previously had helped Al Smith run for Governor as well. Introduced to Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) by Ed Flynn, FDR asked Farley to run his 1928 campaign for New York governor. Working closely with Eleanor Roosevelt (ER) and the Women's Division, Farley helped FDR win his narrow victory in the 1928 gubernatorial election, and his reelection in 1930.Farley helped to thwart the political aspirations of Publishing Tycoon William Randolf Herst and landed Roosevelt his nomination and election to the presidency in 1932. Like his sometime rival Louis Howe, Farley grew close to both Roosevelts and respected ER's organizational and political talents.

FDR appointed Farley Postmaster General and chairman of the Democratic National Committee in 1933 and he became one of FDR's closest political advisors. Farley also controlled patronage in the new administration and became very influential within the Democratic party throughout the United States. Farley was dedicated to the New Deal and to getting legislative support for FDR's programs. Additionally, he helped to bring about the end to Prohibition and the defeat of the Ludlow Resolution, a 1939 attempt by isolationists to limit the foreign affairs powers of the president.

Farley, (Left), Eleanor Roosevelt, (Center) Franklin D. Roosevelt (right)

Farley's close relationship with FDR deteriorated in 1940 because Farley opposed FDR's pursuit of a third term and because FDR believed that Farley had presidential ambitions of his own. In 1940, Farley resigned as Postmaster General and party chairman to mount an unsuccessful presidential bid. Eleanor Roosevelt flew to the convention to try to repair the damage in the Roosevelt-Farley relationship, and although Farley remained close to ER, he felt betrayed by FDR and refused to join FDR's 1940 campaign team. Farley also ran for Governor of New York in two unsuccessful bids.

In 1938, Farley wrote his autobiography, Behind the Ballots. After leaving the administration, Farley worked for the Coca-Cola Export Corporation of New York until his retirement in 1973. Remembered as one of America's greatest campaign managers, Farley remained active in state and national politics until his death on June 9, 1976, in New York City. Prior to his death, Farley had been the last surviving member of FDR's Cabinet.

It was Farley who, after Roosevelt's overwhelming victory over Republican Alf Landon in 1936, quipped, "As Maine goes, so goes Vermont." Farley built the Modern DNC, was chairman of Coca-cola export, was the only man to serve as National DNC chairman New York state DC chairman and Post master general, all at once. At the time Post master general was a patronage position. Was Athletic commissioner of NY during the 30's, was known as the "Legs" of the New Deal the "KingMaker" and "Mr. Democrat". Combined 5 building supply firms in the late 20's to form General Builders Co. which supplied building supplies for the Empire State Building. Farley's respect crossed party lines James A. Farley was also the first guest on NBC's meet the press, the longest running show in television history. Farley is also known for his eponymous device, the Farley File.