New Right: Republicans

Nelson Rockefeller was many things in his life. He was Governor of New York, Vice President under Gerald Ford, he was a noted businessman, an art collector, a philanthropist and a member of the richest family in the country.

Rockefellers importance to the Republican party is immense. Not only did he serve in office and in constructive ways but his moderate beliefs were a good balance to the ultra-conservative, religious-based type of conservatism that was beginning to take over the party. Republicans, even today, who are moderate to liberals are referred to as Rockefeller Republicans, and its a good name. He believed in medical care, firm support for the arts and education, environmental and conservation issues, and creating more mass transportation. He was tough on crime, tough on civil rights violations and tough on drugs. He achieved some fame and infamy for his response to the Attica prison riots while he was governor. The prisoner take over ended bloodily when 39 people were killed due to his reluctance to negotiate with the prisoners. Largely, the country agreed with him. He was a great pragmatist who started many public works, and his legacy

Read more: Nelson Rockefeller - A Moderate Republican