Joseph F. Crangle

Joseph F. Crangle (June 12, 1932 – January 12, 2021) was a lawyer and political boss in Erie County, New York. Crangle served overlapping terms as chair of the Erie County Democratic Committee from 1965 to 1988 and chair of the New York State Democratic Committee from 1971 to 1974.^[1][2]

Crangle was the longest-serving chairman of the Erie County Democratic Committee, the political party and political machine that during his term came to dominate the politics of Buffalo, New York and its suburbs. He was a key backer of Frank A. Sedita as mayor and opponent of James D. Griffin.^[3]

Anthony Masiello recalled getting his start in politics through Crangle.^[4]

Campaigner

Wesley Barthelmes, press secretary to Robert F. Kennedy, recalled Crangle and his predecessor Erie County's Peter Crotty as among the few Democratic insiders to support Robert F. Kennedy's run in the 1964 United States Senate election in New York. Crangle later served on RFK's 1968 Presidential campaign in Michigan.^[5][6]

In 1976, Crangle served as the chairman of for Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan's campaign.^[7]

He joined Ted Kennedy's presidential campaign against Jimmy Carter.^[8]

References

1. Wozniak, Mark (January 12, 2021). "Joe Crangle, 'historic' Democratic Party leader, dies at 88". WBFO. Buffalo, NY. Archived from the original on March 16, 2022. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
2. Charlton, Linda (1971-12-30). "Man in the News". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2022-04-04.
3. Prial, Frank J. (10 Nov 1977). "BUFFALO IS SURPRISED BY GRIFFIN'S MARGIN". The New York Times. Retrieved 4 April 2022.
4. McCarthy, Robert (January 12, 2021). "Democratic powerhouse Joseph F. Crangle, a 'master of grassroots details,' dies at 88". The Buffalo News. Buffalo, NY. Archived from the original on January 12, 2021. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
5. Wesley Barthelmes, recorded interview by Roberta W. Greene, May 20, 1969, (p. 11), Robert Kennedy Oral History Program of the John F. Kennedy Library.
6. Joseph F. Crangle, recorded interview by Roberta W. Green, March 22, 1973, Robert F. Kennedy Oral History Program of the John F. Kennedy Library.
7. Ronan, Thomas P. (1 October 1976). "Carter Campaigns With Moynihan". New York Times. Retrieved 28 March 2022.
8. Lynn, Frank (21 December 1979). "Kennedy Camp Appoints Crangle National Director for Party Affairs". New York Times. Retrieved 28 March 2022.