Alfred E. Smith, who was better know as Al Smith to most, was a elected as Governor of New York city four times (between 1919 and 1928). Al ran for President under the Democratic ticket in 1928. He was also the first Irish Catholic to run for President in the US under a major party. In addition to his political life, Al was instrumental in the construction of the Empire State Building as president of Empire State, inc.
Mr. Smith is in the Spotlight because, although he has been dead for 64 years, he is still helping others through the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner, a charity event organized by the Catholic Archdiocese of New York for the benefit of needy children. The dinner was held today and became a big news story because John McCain and Barack Obama were speakers. The event was a pleasant departure from the usual campaign tone. The talks were lighthearted and both candidates were actually very funny. An estimated $4 million was raised. It is nice to see differences put aside, even just for one night, to come together for such a good cause.