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The Democratic state convention was held at the Columbus Civic Center in Rochester. The convention was held amidst a general air of pessimism given general Republican sentiment throughout the country, though some drew parallels to the 1948 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, at which defeat seemed certain before Harry S. Truman eventually defeated Governor Dewey to win re-election. [1] On the eve of the convention, Franklin D. Roosevelt Jr. announced that he would not be a candidate, conceding that Lynch had the support of the majority of delegates and the party's political bosses. His concession led to an hour-long demonstration, leading Roosevelt to reconsider his decision. After consulting with Daniel P. O'Connell, Roosevelt maintained his non-candidacy. [1]
Despite party support for Lynch, led by U.S. Senator Herbert H. Lehman, some delegates attempted to draft another candidate who would be more likely to win the general election. Suggestions included Roosevelt, former Postmaster General and chair of the Democratic National Committee James A. Farley, and Federal Security Agency administrator Oscar R. Ewing. [1] In reaction to this opposition, Senator Lehman opted to personally attend the convention in a show of support for Lynch. [1]
In his acceptance speech, Lynch attacked Dewey and the Republicans for "represent[ing] now, as always, that small privileged class which has sought, for its own advantage, to have influence in government." [4]
