Sulzer, William

Sulzer, William (1863–1941) U.S. representative, governor; born in Elizabeth, N.J. A New York City lawyer and assemblyman (1890–94), he served in the U.S. House of Representatives (Dem., N.Y.; 1895–1913); there he supported such progressive policies as the graduated income tax and direct election of senators while opposing American intervention in Mexico. Governor of New York in 1913, he began investigating corruption in state politics only to be impeached himself for investing campaign contributions in the stock market. Although he served one more term in the state assembly (1914–16), his attempts at higher office failed and he returned to his law practice.