Harold Ickes began his political career as a progressive Republican. Ickes was unknown to Presdient-elect Franklin Roosevelt, but a number of advisors suggested his name to the new President and Roosevelt appointed Ickes to be Secretary of the Interior. Ickes administered a number of New Deal programs and was one of the most forward-thinking members of the Roosevelt administration. While he was not one in Roosevelt's inner circle, Ickes remained close to the President throughout his term.