Gordon M. Nelson

Gordon M. Nelson (August 18, 1941 – July 21, 1993) was an American political activist who served as chairman of the Massachusetts Republican State Committee from 1976 to 1980.

Early life Nelson was born on August 18, 1941, in Brookline, Massachusetts. He attended Newton Public Schools and graduated from Newton High School and attended Harvard University, but dropped out to get involved in politics.

Early political involvement Nelson first became involved in politics in 1964 when he worked for Barry Goldwater's Presidential campaign. He was also a founder and executive director of the Massachusetts chapter of Young Americans for Freedom.

Presidential campaigns In 1972 Nelson directed Richard M. Nixon's canvassing efforts in Massachusetts.

Chairman of the Massachusetts Republican Party On May 19, 1976, Nelson, backed by the conservative REGRO faction of the party, defeated Andrew Card, the consensus choice of the moderates, by two votes to become Chairman of the Republican State Committee. He was the first Jew elected to this position. Nelson was also a delegate to that year's Republican National Convention.

Nelson sought to win elections with a conservative ideology and grassroots campaigning. He sought to convert conservative, ethnic Democrats to the Republican party, as he thought they would feel more at home in a conservative Republican Party than a liberal Democratic one. To raise grassroots support and soften the party's "Rich Brahmin" image, Nelson launched a door-to-door effort to recruit new workers to local committees called Project Precinct.

Nelson was one of RNC Chairman Bill Brock's most tenacious adversaries. Nelson desired an ideological crusade while Brock emphasized technological innovation. On April 8, 1980, he was defeated by State Representative Andrew Natsios 41 votes to 35.

Later life and death Following his defeat, Nelson defeated former Massachusetts Governor John Volpe to become Republican National Committeeman.

Nelson encouraged William Weld to run for Governor of Massachusetts in 1990. However, he later supported Steven Pierce over Weld in the Republican primary. Nelson also led a group of Republicans that supported acting Mayor of Boston Thomas Menino in the 1993 election.