ABSTRACT
Greek-American politicians had downs as well as ups in the 1980s. Greek Americans in politics have also enjoyed notable successes since Spiro Agnew’s time. In any accounting of Greek Americans in politics it is important to note that whatever election victories they enjoy are not due to a Greek voting constituency. Any Greek American seeking higher office must frame an appeal that attracts broad support. Thus the small size of the Greek-American electorate has turned out to be an asset rather than a handicap to Greek-American political fortunes. One can affirm one’s Greek ethnic identity without being viewed as an advocate or product of a particular ethnic constituency. This reality characterizes the elections of Greek Americans to city halls, state houses and Capitol Hill.
