Rare 7/8″ celluloid pinback button from FDR's failed 1914 campaign for the United States Senate, featuring a youthful portrait at center encircled by the text: "For U. S. Senator, Franklin D. Roosevelt." Reverse bears a Whitehead & Hoag paper backer. In fine condition. Running to replace retiring New York Senator Elihu Root, Roosevelt faced the formidable, Tammany-backed James W. Gerard in the Democratic primary. FDR was soundly defeated by Gerard, who in turn lost the general election to Republican James Wolcott Wadsworth, Jr. A desirable, early FDR campaign pin.
