the term "rockefeller republican" was used 1960–1980 to designate a faction of the party holding "moderate" views similar to those of nelson rockefeller, governor of new york from 1959 to 1974 and vice president under president gerald ford in 1974–1977. before rockefeller, thomas e. dewey, governor of new york (1942–1954) and gop presidential nominee in 1944 and 1948 was the leader. dwight eisenhower and his aide henry cabot lodge, jr. reflected many of their views.