ABSTRACT
The growth in the resources of the presidency was dramatic after 1896. Presidents found themselves with unprecedented tools of influence. The national party chairmanship also passed through substantial evolution and growth during the period. Roosevelt’s exploits as leader of the Rough Riders in Cuba during the Spanish-American War typified the muscular, expansionist mood of the country and projected “Teddy’s” fame across the nation. New York’s Governor Odell was prominently mentioned as a successor in the chairmanship. Aside from Cortelyou’s merits, the basic issue was whether the senators, through their state party organizations, or the president would control the national chairmanship, the campaign, and the national party machinery. As might be expected from his previous executive achievements, Chairman Cortelyou proved to be an outstanding campaign organizer. Bitter factional fights, particularly in New York and Wisconsin, were handled with dexterity by the new chairman.
