Howe, Louis M.

Howe, Louis M. (McHenry)

(1871–1936) presidential adviser; born in Indianapolis, Ind. A brilliant, chronically ill New York journalist, he ran Franklin Delano Roosevelt's state senate campaign in 1912, thereafter serving as his secretary (1913–35). He is credited with convincing Roosevelt to remain in politics after polio crippled him in 1921, training Mrs. Roosevelt to campaign, and devising the strategy for his gubernatorial races. When Roosevelt assumed the presidency, Howe continued to be one of the most intimate advisers with influence exceeding his job title of White House secretary.