2/17/2013
By Ivan Pereira
It’s been nearly 70 years since a native or even adopted Empire State politician has made it to the White House, but experts say that doesn’t undermine New York’s importance.
Since the beginning of America’s history, the state and city have been gold mines politically and financially for presidential seekers, according to Christina Greer, an assistant professor of political science at Fordham University.
“I think it’s not only the geographic location, but also the concentration of wealth that’s here. It makes sense when you’re fundraising that you can pick up a lot of money,” she said.
Out of the 44 presidents in U.S. history, four were born in New York state: Martin Van Buren, Millard Fillmore, Teddy Roosevelt and Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Teddy Roosevelt is the only New York City native who has made it to the White House.
The elder Roosevelt’s knowledge of the city and his urban attitude helped him build his reputation as the city’s police commissioner, and later governor, impressing the voting populace.
“People saw the diversity and growth of the city and he was one of the first to usher that new, urban movement,” said Valerie Paley, a historian with the New York Historical Society.
Two presidents, Chester A. Arthur and Grover Cleveland, weren’t born in New York but made name for themselves serving the Empire State.
Arthur not only practiced law in the city but also served as the Collector of the Port of New York while Cleveland served as the mayor of Buffalo and governor.
Greer said the political appeal of New York comes from its progressive policies that have paved the way for change in other parts of the nation.
She said everyone from Robert F. Kennedy to Hillary Clinton has been drawn to New York by the promise of making leaps in their careers while raising huge amounts of campaign cash.
Greer couldn’t predict if any New York candidate will break the streak, she said it wouldn’t be impossible since the state continues to make strides politically.
“The running joke is you get educated in Boston, make money in New York and change policy in D.C.,” she said.
