In 1929, Mayor Jimmy Walker appointed him as chamberlain, now a part of the city treasurer's office, to take succeed Edward J. Flynn, the Bronx party leader and a political mentor.

In 1953, Buckley succeeded Ed Flynn as the "boss" or Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Bronx County Democratic Party, a post from which he derived at least as much influence as his position on Capitol Hill.

Robert F. Kennedy, who received the Democratic nomination, in part due to Buckley's support, and President Lyndon Johnson endorsed the incumbent.

[6] Bingham fired back with allegations that Buckley received work from a contractor free of charge at his home in Rockland County.

Rumors swirled that he intended to appoint Rep. Jacob H. Gilbert from the neighboring New York's 22nd congressional district to a judgeship.

The plan would require votes from some members of the Manhattan Democratic Committee as well, and party leaders there rejected the idea.