Frank's Bridge

Frank Elbridge Webb (September 1, 1869 – June 15, 1949) was an American engineer who served as the Farmer–Labor Party's presidential candidate in 1928. In the 1932 presidential election, he was initially renominated by the Farmer–Labor Party before being removed and running as the nominee for a wing of the Liberty Party. He also led many unsuccessful efforts to build bridges that spanned the San Francisco Bay. Born in the California Gold Country, Webb farmed in his youth. He served in the California National Guard and became associated with John H. Dickinson, a general, attorney, and state senator. In 1901, he moved to New York and became involved in engineering work. He also served in the U.S. Army during the Spanish–American War and World War I. In 1922, Webb proposed a plan to build a bridge across the San Francisco Bay. While the plan initially drew wide support, it ultimately failed. He also drew attention for his roles in an attempted purchase of the Idle Hour estate and a scheme to control Mexican government investments in the United States. A lifelong member of the Republican Party, albeit one who showed little interest in politics, Webb bolted from the party in 1928 and received the Farmer–Labor Party's presidential nomination. Among the policies he campaigned for were a referendum on prohibition, relief for farmers, and public ownership of utilities. His running mate was L. R. Tillman, who accepted the nomination after some tumult which included Senator James A. Reed asking "Who in hell is Webb", a phrase that became identified with the campaign. Webb appeared on the ballot in four states and received 6,390 votes. Webb remained active in politics and made a second bid for the presidency in 1932, the first presidential election after the Great Depression began. He was initially renominated by the Farmer–Labor Party, but the party removed him after concluding that he was a spy for President Herbert Hoover. After being removed, Webb won the nomination of a wing of the Liberty Party dissatisfied with party founder Coin Harvey. The party had poor fundraising and Webb failed to appear on any ballot.