Flynn, Edward Joseph

Flynn, Edward Joseph, 1892–1953, American political leader, b. New York City. He practiced law in New York City and served (1917–21) in the New York state legislature. Flynn became leader of the Democratic party in Bronx co. and a power in New York and national politics. He succeeded (1940) James A. Farley as national chairman of the Democratic party and successfully directed Franklin Delano Roosevelt's third-term Presidential campaign. Named (1943) envoy to Australia by President Roosevelt, Flynn quit as Democratic national chairman, but when his appointment was not confirmed by the U.S. Senate, he returned to the Democratic National Committee. He described his political experiences in You're the Boss (1947, repr. 1970).