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Will Westchester Have 'Almost Presidential Museum' For Chappaqua's Clinton?

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, N.Y. -- Greenburgh Supervisor Paul Feiner suggested on Sunday that an "Almost Presidential Museum Library" be created to recognize the contributions of Chappaqua's Hillary Clinton and four other presidential candidates who won the popular vote but lost the Electoral College. Two of the other presidential losers also happen to be New York Democrats.

Chappaqua's Bill and Hillary Clinton

Chappaqua's Bill and Hillary Clinton

Photo Credit: Tom Auchterlonie
Former New York Gov. Samuel Tilden, a Democrat who lived in Yonkers, won the popular vote in the Election of 1876, but lost the electoral college -- and presidency -- to Republican Rutherford B. Hayes.

Former New York Gov. Samuel Tilden, a Democrat who lived in Yonkers, won the popular vote in the Election of 1876, but lost the electoral college -- and presidency -- to Republican Rutherford B. Hayes.

Photo Credit: Wikipedia
Grover Cleveland, the incumbent 22nd president, lost the 1888 electoral vote to Benjamin Harrison despite winning the popular vote. He came back to unseat Harris in 1992, winning the popular vote in the third straight presidential race.

Grover Cleveland, the incumbent 22nd president, lost the 1888 electoral vote to Benjamin Harrison despite winning the popular vote. He came back to unseat Harris in 1992, winning the popular vote in the third straight presidential race.

Photo Credit: Wikipedia
Paul Feiner, Town of Greenburgh supervisor who has not (yet) run for president, in proposing an Almost President Museum in westchester.

Paul Feiner, Town of Greenburgh supervisor who has not (yet) run for president, in proposing an Almost President Museum in westchester.

Photo Credit: Greenburgh website

Feiner, a Democrat, said the Almost Presidential Museum Library "could be a boost to tourism in Westchester and help the local college that could host it."

Feiner further suggested that the library create a foundation and advocate for election reforms.

"I think any of the area colleges would be great -- Pace, Manhattanville, Sarah Lawrence -- even the (Westchester) community college. This will be privately funded, not taxpayer funded. I think we should take advantage of our county's role in this historic election," Feiner told Daily Voice.

"I suggest that this museum also highlight the stories of the other Presidential candidates who almost became President -- winning the popular vote but losing the Electoral college votes," Feiner added.

This museum, if established, will be most helpful to tourism, Feiner said. The museum will become a destination for tourists from around the country and world. The museum will also enhance the reputation of the Westchester college that pursues this initiative. 

"Perhaps, Secretary Hillary Clinton and Vice President Al Gore and relatives of the other almost presidents will donate their Presidential campaign and public service papers to the college for future generations to study?" Feiner suggested. "Similar to what presidential libraries do. Students will benefit by being able to take courses about presidential campaigns at the library."

Gore, a Democrat, won the popular vote in 2000, but lost the Electoral College vote to George W. Bush. 

Two other popular vote winners not elected president were New York Democrats Samuel J. Tilden of Yonkers in 1876 and Grover Cleveland in 1888.

Cleveland, the incumbent 22nd president, lost the electoral vote to Republican Benjamin Harrison. Cleveland, the former mayor of Buffalo, came back in 1992 to defeat Harrison and become the first president to serve non-consecutive terms, also becoming the 24th president.

Former New York Gov. Tilden won the popular vote in the Election of 1876, but lost the Electoral College -- and presidency -- to Republican Rutherford B. Hayes.

A fifth presidential election also ended with an unpredictable outcome in 1824: John Quincy Adams was elected by the House of Representatives, defeating Andrew Jackson, who had won a plurality in both the Electoral College and the popular vote.

The local Almost Presidential library could host election forums, Feiner suggested. A library-appointed panel could also review the way our nation conducts elections. A foundation associated with the almost Presidential library can advocate for election reforms at every level of government.

Westchester is currently part of a living history. Hillary Clinton and her husband, former President Bill Clinton, have become an important part of our county, Feiner said. 

"We have a former president, a former first lady, a former secretary of state, the first female nominee from a major political party who won the popular vote living here," Feiner said. "Let's make sure that Westchester takes advantage of this by making the Almost President of the United States Library one of the number one tourist attractions in New York State and a must visit historical site."

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