New York has had many famous governors, from DeWitt Clinton to Mario Cuomo. None, however, compares to Nelson Rockefeller, the political and business giant.
A Man of the People
Rockefeller was elected to four terms as Governor of New York, more than any other Governor in the Empire State. Although his family was considered the richest in the world then, he was friendly and approachable, and truly loved meeting with regular citizens and rank-and-file voters. He was known for appearing unannounced on the state senate and assembly floors to push for bills he felt were essential to New York voters. His “Hiya Fella!” signature greeting is still remembered by those who had the pleasure of meeting him.
One of my associates told me he was sitting in his car on Madison Ave., stuck in traffic, when he looked to his left. There was Nelson Rockefeller in his limo right next to him. Rockefeller gave him a friendly wave and he waved back.
Political Career
‘Rocky’ had grand ambitions beyond New York State. He attempted to run for President three times, but his timing was always off. Ultimately, he was chosen by President Gerald Ford and confirmed by the Senate to be Ford’s Vice President, a position he never really wanted. His left-leaning policies made him anathema to the Republican Party, and ultimately, he was jettisoned from the Ford ticket for the election and replaced by the more conservative Bob Dole.
I love this pin because of Lincoln’s shadow and the conveyed message. Rocky was a forward thinker who cared about society’s betterment. He was the last governor to maintain New York’s status as the Empire State. Ten New York Governors were nominated for US President, and four were elected to the highest office in the land. Regrettably, Nelson Rockefeller wasn’t one of them.
