1914 Boston mayoral election explained
| Election Name: | 1914 Boston mayoral election |
| Country: | Boston |
| Type: | Presidential |
| Ongoing: | no |
| Previous Election: | 1910 Boston mayoral election |
| Previous Year: | 1910 |
| Election Date: | January 13, 1914 |
| Next Election: | 1917 Boston mayoral election |
| Next Year: | 1917 |
| Image1: | CURLEY, J.M. HONORABLE LCCN2016858342 (3x4a).jpg |
| Candidate1: | James Michael Curley |
| Party1: | Nonpartisan candidate |
| Popular Vote1: | 43,262 |
| Percentage1: | 53.5% |
| Mayor |
| Before Election: | John F. Fitzgerald |
| After Election: | James Michael Curley |
| Candidate2: | Thomas J. Kenny |
| Party2: | Nonpartisan candidate |
| Popular Vote2: | 37,522 |
| Percentage2: | 46.4% |
The Boston mayoral election of 1914 occurred on Tuesday, January 13, 1914. James Michael Curley, member of the United States House of Representatives, was elected Mayor of Boston for the first time, defeating Thomas J. Kenny, president of the Boston City Council.[1]
Incumbent mayor John F. Fitzgerald withdrew in December, citing illness; in actuality, Curley and attorney Daniel H. Coakley forced Fitzgerald from the race after learning of his indiscretions with a cigarette girl, Elizabeth "Toodles" Ryan.[2]
Curley was inaugurated as mayor on Monday, February 2,[3] and intended to continue also serving in Congress. However, on February 25, after political pressure mounted to unseat him, Curley announced his resignation from Congress, retroactive to February 4.[4]
This was the last January-scheduled general election for Mayor of Boston; the next mayoral election was held in December 1917.
Candidates
- Withdrew
- Other
- Michael J. Fitzgerald,[9] Barber; The Boston Globe on 13 Nov 1913, Thu • Page 5 reported the practical joke played on Michael J. Fitzgerald in entering his name for candidacy actually was gaining support with thousands of signatures, labor organizations offering assistance and prominent politicians willing to put "a strong machine" behind him. 10 days later, 23 Nov 1913, Sun • Page 2 The Boston Globe published Michael Fitzgerald expressing his gratitude for the many who signed for his nomination but declined running for office. The post ended with " Citizens, you may select John F. but not Michael J. Fitzgerald to kick to a frazzle the many variegated velours that are tossed in the ring of the coming municipal contest."
- Ernest E. Smith,[10] member of the Boston City Council since 1911; insufficient signatures for nomination
Results
See also
- List of mayors of Boston, Massachusetts
Further reading
Notes and References
- News: Curley New Mayor of Boston . . January 14, 1914 . March 15, 2018 . newspapers.com.
- Web site: Boston's Own Dapper Dan: America's Most Corrupt Politician . Maurice . Cunningham . . June 2, 2015 . March 15, 2018.
- News: Curley Serves Two Masters . . . February 2, 1914 . March 15, 2018 . newspapers.com.
- News: Mayor Out of Congress . . . February 25, 1914 . March 15, 2018 . newspapers.com.
- News: Fitzgerald Withdraws . . . December 18, 1913 . March 15, 2018 . newspapers.com.
- News: KELIHER LEAVES FIELD TO CURLEY AND KENNY . . 1 . December 31, 1913 . March 15, 2018 . limited . pqarchiver.com.
- News: MURPHY OUT, BUT KELIHER STAYS . . 1 . December 23, 1913 . March 15, 2018 . limited . pqarchiver.com.
- News: PAPERS FOR MAYOR TAKEN---PETERS OUT . . 1 . November 6, 1913 . March 15, 2018 . limited . pqarchiver.com .
- News: 'JOKE' CANDIDATE HAS 2500 SIGNERS . . 5 . November 13, 1913 . March 15, 2018 . limited . pqarchiver.com.
- News: SMITH FAILS OF PLACE ON BALLOT . . 1 . December 21, 1913 . March 15, 2018 . limited . pqarchiver.com.
- Book: Annual Report of the Election Department . 1913 . 159 . City of Boston . March 15, 2018.
