Wheeler's reputation for honesty was celebrated by Allan Nevins in his introduction to John F. Kennedy's "Profiles in Courage." Roscoe Conkling, a Senator and New York State political boss once offered, "Wheeler, if you will act with us, there is nothing in the gift of the State of New York to which you may not reasonably aspire." Wheeler declined with "Mr. Conkling, there is nothing in the gift of the State of New York which will compensate me for the forfeiture of my self-respect."