FDR loses New York Governorship in 1928

Having just read Conrad Blacks book on FDR, I didn't realise how close he came to defeat in the 1928 election for Governor against Republican Albert Ottinger.
The contest was one of the closest in New York history. Against the national Republican trend, Roosevelt won by only 25,000 votes—less than 1 percent of the four million ballots cast.
So what happens if Ottinger wins, no FDR in 1932 for almost certain.
 
Having just read Conrad Blacks book on FDR, I didn't realise how close he came to defeat in the 1928 election for Governor against Republican Albert Ottinger.
The contest was one of the closest in New York history. Against the national Republican trend, Roosevelt won by only 25,000 votes—less than 1 percent of the four million ballots cast.
So what happens if Ottinger wins, no FDR in 1932 for almost certain.

Smith again in 32 ? Maybe he wins this time ?

Best Regards
Grey Wolf
 
I have an idea that at that time NY Governors had 2 year terms. If so FDR - assuming Smith does not want the old job- would likely win in 1930.
 
I have an idea that at that time NY Governors had 2 year terms. If so FDR - assuming Smith does not want the old job- would likely win in 1930.

I think Smith WOULD have wanted his old job back...from what I read whilst researching my current timeline, anyway

And it would also, it seems, have been a useful launchpad for a 1932 bid for the presidency for him

Best Regards
Grey Wolf
 
Al Smith should have waited it in 1928, and then got his chance in 1932, which would have happended if FDR lost in 1928, he would have gotten another chance, and would have been a better choice that John Nance Garner.
Also I learnt that Smith supported Wendell Wilkie in 1940 against FDR.
 
How would an Al Smith presidency in 1932 change things? Not as huge a New Deal, for sure, but what would he do? Might we see FDR, say, as Secretary of the Treasury? Or even as the 1940 candidate? (IIRC, Smith was older and might not have wanted a 3rd term.)
 
Without FDR, Al Smith wouldn't necessarily have been the Democrats' nominee in 1932. Another significant candidate was Maryland governor Albert Ritchie: he ran, but FDR pretty much overshadowed many other candidates. Absent FDR, I could believe Ritchie might well have been on the national ticket (I know H. L. Mencken backed him vociferously, and Mencken had a significant degree of influence at the time).

What might have been FDR's role in either a Smith or Ritchie presidency? I'm guessing Secretary of State, given his ability to schmooze.
 
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