RIT Press publishes political memoir

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A. Sue Weisler

Richard Rosenbaum signed copies of his book, No Room for Democracy: The Triumph of Ego over Common Sense, at a Sept. 18 event in the Alexander S. Lawson Publishing Center. RIT Press is the publisher of the political memoir.

Richard Rosenbaum, a central figure in Republican politics in New York and nationally for decades, offers firsthand insights into some of the behind-the-scenes events that have been the backbone of history the past half century in his new book: No Room for Democracy: The Triumph of Ego Over Common Sense.

Among his career highlights, the Penfield resident served as the chair of the New York State Republican Committee from 1973 to 1977 and was a New York state gubernatorial candidate in 1994.

RIT Press, the book’s publisher, will host a reception to celebrate the release from 4 to 6 p.m. Sept. 18, in the Lawson Publishing Center in RIT’s Wallace Library. Rosenbaum will sign copies of the book at the event. He will also host a book signing at Barnes & Noble @ RIT, 7 to 9 p.m. Sept. 24.

Beginning with a foreword by Henry A. Kissinger, No Room For Democracy walks readers through Rosenbaum’s unique life—which started in 1931 as a Jewish boy growing up in a predominately gentile community and suffering from the rare disease alopecia (the premature loss of hair). The book takes readers through Rosenbaum’s time as a college boxing star to Nelson Rockefeller’s right-hand man and an integral part of the Republican Party nationally. No Room For Democracy puts readers front and center of key events in our nation’s modern political history—events that Rosenbaum both witnessed and affected:

■ The campaign he successfully orchestrated leading to Nelson Rockefeller being named Gerald Ford’s vice president. When Ford replaced Nixon as president and had to appoint a new vice president, George H.W. Bush was actively pursuing the job. Many insiders were surprised when he did not get it—and credited Rosenbaum for the coup.

■ His behind-the-scenes campaign to deny Ronald Reagan the Republican presidential nomination in 1976 and gain the nomination for Gerald Ford.

■ How his dominance of the state Republican Party and alliance with Rockefeller launched him into a powerful position on the national stage, earning Rosenbaum the nickname “Iron Chancellor.” Kissinger says of No Room For Democracy: “As Dick’s personal story unfolds, we also see the reshaping of American politics, as a tide of conservatism washes over the liberal wing of the Republican Party. We follow him through serious issues of governance to incidents that are uproariously funny.”

The book is available at amazon bookstore, carypress bookstore and bookstores.