A powerful political adviser who was influential in the elections of several New York City mayors has died. David Garth was 84.
Longtime friend and colleague George Arzt says Garth died Monday at his Manhattan home after a long illness.
Garth worked for Democrats and moderate Republicans throughout his career.
Arzt says the veteran political powerhouse was instrumental in the elections of mayors John Lindsay, Edward Koch, Rudy Giuliani, and Michael Bloomberg.
Garth also worked on behalf of governors Hugh Carey in New York, Brendan Byrne in New Jersey, and Ella Grasso in Connecticut.
His funeral will be private, with a memorial service later.
Arzt is Koch's former press secretary. He says Garth's admirers frequently referred to him as a genius.
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