Phelps began his political career as Deputy Commissioner for Veterans Affairs for New York City . From 1924 to 1928 , he was a Republican member of the New York State Assembly . After the 1932 Republican National Convention , he became a Democrat , and acted as a delegate at a number of national conventions . He served another term in the State Assembly , and then in the New York State Senate . He also attended a New Jersey Constitutional Convention , hosted a long-running radio commentary show , and was a prolific writer of letters to the editor of major newspapers . Phelps served in the United States Army during World War II , achieving the rank of Captain . Immediately following the war , Phelps served on Douglas MacArthur 's staff during the Japanese War Crimes Tribunal
1932 Republican National Convention
1932 Republican National Convention
Phelps Phelps