Governor of Massachusetts. After graduating from Williams College and Harvard Law School he returned to his hometown of Westfield, Massachusetts where he practiced law. From 1915 to 1920 he served as the commonwealth's District Attorney for the western region of the state. The Democrat remained active in state politics and in 1930 ran for governor defeating the incumbent in a close contest. The new governor immediately sought ways to lessen the demoralizing effect of the Great Depression on his constituents. He began several public works projects to help alleviate the high unemployment rate. He increased highway construction and helped to establish a Boston police academy that would put better trained officers on the street. His plan to reduce state salaries during the financial crisis did not win him many friends in the legislature so after two terms (serving from 1931 to 1935) he chose not to seek re-election and returned to his Westfield law practice. However, he stayed active in national politics and openly fought to defeat Franklin Delano Roosevelt's successful re-elections for president. In 1944, his belief that no president should serve more than two terms compelled Ely to unsuccessfully seek the Democratic presidential nomination. His plan was to divide the party and defeat Roosevelt, whom he felt had abandoned Democratic Party principles. After this failed attempt he returned to Westfield where he explained his political views in the book "The American Dream". The self- described Jeffersonian Democrat never again sought public office but remained active in party politics until his death.
Governor of Massachusetts. After graduating from Williams College and Harvard Law School he returned to his hometown of Westfield, Massachusetts where he practiced law. From 1915 to 1920 he served as the commonwealth's District Attorney for the western region of the state. The Democrat remained active in state politics and in 1930 ran for governor defeating the incumbent in a close contest. The new governor immediately sought ways to lessen the demoralizing effect of the Great Depression on his constituents. He began several public works projects to help alleviate the high unemployment rate. He increased highway construction and helped to establish a Boston police academy that would put better trained officers on the street. His plan to reduce state salaries during the financial crisis did not win him many friends in the legislature so after two terms (serving from 1931 to 1935) he chose not to seek re-election and returned to his Westfield law practice. However, he stayed active in national politics and openly fought to defeat Franklin Delano Roosevelt's successful re-elections for president. In 1944, his belief that no president should serve more than two terms compelled Ely to unsuccessfully seek the Democratic presidential nomination. His plan was to divide the party and defeat Roosevelt, whom he felt had abandoned Democratic Party principles. After this failed attempt he returned to Westfield where he explained his political views in the book "The American Dream". The self- described Jeffersonian Democrat never again sought public office but remained active in party politics until his death.
Bio by: Bigwoo
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