In Suite 1625-1633 of Manhattan's Hotel Roosevelt, Republican Governor Nelson Rockefeller put the matter squarely to Republican Senator Jacob K. javits: the G.O.P. stood its best chance since Fiorello La Guardia to capture New York City's mayoralty—and Jack Javits, a remarkable vote getter, was the man to do the job. In urging Javits to run, Rockefeller was playing for high stakes: a Republican victory in New York City next November would help Rocky carry the state next year and greatly enhance his chances for the 1964 G.O.P. presidential nomination.
Jack Javits agonized...