Al Smith (1873-1944), was the dominant Democratic politician in New York State in the 1920s and was elected governor five times. He was defeated in the 1928 Presidential Election. Smith was a leader of the Progressive Era because of his efficiency-oriented, growth-promoting pro-business policies as governor.l Smith (1873-1944), was the dominant Democratic politician in New York State in the 1920s and was elected governor five times. He was defeated in the 1928 Presidential Election. Smith was a leader of the Progressive Era because of his efficiency-oriented, growth-promoting pro-business policies as governor.