VICE PRESIDENT NELSON A. ROCKEFELLER - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 03/09/1959 - HFSID 259164

NELSON A. ROCKEFELLER
The new Governor faces a fiscal crisis.
Typed Letter Signed: "Nelson A. Rockefeller" as Governor of New York, 1p, 7x10½. Albany, 1959 March 9. To Carl L. Shipley, Chairman, Republican State Committee, Washington, D.C. In full: "I appreciate tremendously your thoughtful and encouraging letter. After examining carefully the fiscal situation of the State, it was clear to me that we had to face up to the realities of the existing situation, no matter how unpleasant that may be. With many thanks." CARL L. SHIPLEY (1916-1998) was the Republican Chairman for the District of Columbia from 1958-1968. He was an outspoken supporter for home rule for the District, at times even suggesting a Governor and District Legislature. Through his efforts, among others, the 23rd Amendment was added to the U.S. Constitution in 1961 giving the District of Columbia electoral votes for the first time. NELSON A. ROCKEFELLER, who would later serve as Gerald Ford's Vice President from December 19, 1974-January 20, 1977, had just become Governor of New York in January 1959. Rockefeller came to Albany facing a projected state budget deficit of $220 million. He also had to help New York City Mayor Robert F. Wagner, a Democrat, with $135 million for his budget. The new Governor raised taxes and issued bonds, raising over $6 billion for New York state. The state debt during his administration rose from $1 billion to $13 billion, allowing the Governor to engage in a massive building and spending program, leading opponents to claim Rockefeller had an "edifice complex". Lightly creased. Light smudge at blank right margin. Fine condition.