James Joseph Hines

James Joseph Hines (December 18, 1876 – March 26, 1957) was a Democratic Party politician and one of the most powerful leaders of Tammany Hall in New York City.

Biography In his early years, Hines acted as a caretaker to residents in New York's Eleventh Assembly District.

Jimmy Walker's election as Mayor of New York City would also firmly establish Hines' influence over the local political scene

In 1932, New York Governor Franklin D. Roosevelt ran for President and wanted to weaken Tammany Hall. Walker, who was tainted by allegations of City contract corruption and was a threat to Roosevelt's campaign, was pressured by him into resigning.

Liberal Republican Fiorello LaGuardia, a former Representative and a fierce opponent of Tammany Hall whom Hines had successfully forced from power in the 1932 Congressional election, was elected mayor in 1933, and Tammany Hall's longtime influence over local politicians faded. Hines would not fall. After becoming President, Roosevelt appointed Hines to oversee the U.S. civil service's patronage system for employees in the Manhattan District.

He died on March 26, 1957, at the Long Beach Memorial Hospital. He was successfully prosecuted and sentenced to spend time incarcerated.