Elmer C. Nelson
Elmer Carl Nelson | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Woonsocket, Rhode Island, U.S. |
| Died | March 31, 1975 (aged 74) |
| Occupation(s) | Political leader, businessman |
| Years active | 1933–1964 |
| Known for | Chairman of the Massachusetts Republican Party (1953–1956), Republican candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts (1958) |
Elmer Carl Nelson (June 1, 1900 – March 31, 1975) was a prominent American political leader who held the position of chairman for the Massachusetts Republican Party between 1953 and 1956. He also participated as a delegate at the 1956 Republican National Convention and was the Republican candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts in 1958. Nelson lived in Mendon, Massachusetts.
Early life
Born in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, Nelson completed his education at Milford High School. In his final year of high school, he enlisted in the United States Army, where he served with the 26th Division, specifically the 101st Engineer Battalion, during World War I. In 1929, he established a Buick dealership located in Milford.
Political career
Nelson served as a representative for the 8th Worcester District from 1933 until 1937 and held the role of vice chairman on the Special Commission on Taxation. He was the campaign manager for Leverett Saltonstall’s victorious gubernatorial bid in 1938 and subsequently acted as Saltonstall’s volunteer aide and head of patronage. Between 1939 and 1942, Nelson fulfilled duties as a state racing commissioner. During the course of World War II, he attained the rank of captain in the Army.
In 1952, Nelson managed Christian Herter’s campaign for governor and, with Herter’s backing, was chosen as chairman of the Massachusetts Republican Party in 1953, becoming the first individual to hold this paid position with an annual salary of $12,000. Despite pressure from gubernatorial candidate Sumner G. Whittier in 1956 to step down, Nelson declined and subsequently lost his reelection bid to Ralph H. Bonnell. As the Republican nominee for Lieutenant Governor in 1958, Nelson was defeated by Democrat Robert F. Murphy, who secured approximately 60% of the vote compared to Nelson’s 39%. Later on, he directed John Volpe’s successful campaign for governor in 1964.
Death
Nelson passed away on March 31, 1975, at Milford Hospital.