Speculation about Alf Landon and the FDR cabinet

[Lincoln Republican]

In 1936, Governor Alf Landon of Kansas was the Republican candidate for President, losing to President Franklin D Roosevelt.

Landon was a lawyer, as well as a very successful business man.

It is reported that Landon was offered a cabinet position by Roosevelt.

Landon made his acceptance of a cabinet position contingent on Roosevelt's renunciation of a third term, and therefore did not accept a cabinet position.

And now for the speculation.

If Landon had agreed to accept a cabinet position in the Roosevelt administration, what position do you think that would be?

Attorney General, Interior, Commerce come to mind.

Your thoughts?

 
 

[Lincoln Republican]

Interesting thought experiment! I'll say AG, I don't believe Commerce existed then

Thank you for your input.

The Department of Commerce has existed as its own department since Mar 4, 1913.

Prior to that time, it was part of the Department of Commerce and Labor since Feb 14, 1904.

The most famous Secretary of Commerce was Herbert Hoover, who held the office from 1921 to 1928, who, of course, went on to be elected President in 1928.

[Lincoln Republican]

It is interesting to note that Frank Knox, who was the Republican candidate for Vice President on the ticket with Alf Landon in 1936, was appointed by Franklin D Roosevelt to cabinet as Secretary of the Navy, serving 1940-1944.

He died in office.

[Lincoln Republican]

As far as I know, Alf’s running mate Frank Knox, a newspaper publisher, served as Secretary of the Navy in FDR’s administration after the election.

His term in office as Secretary of the Navy was July 11, 1940 – April 28, 1944.  He died in office.

This appointment of Knox was part of President Roosevelt's effort to build bi-partisan support for his foreign and defense policies following the defeat of France by Germany.