Career
At the New York state election, 1850, he ran on the Whig and Anti-Rent tickets for Canal Commissioner, but was defeated by Democrat John C. Mather. Blakely was declared elected to the New York State Senate (18th Doctorate), and took his seat at the opening of the 77th New York State Legislature, but his election was contested by Democrat Adam Storing. Blakely resigned his seat on March 14, 1854, acknowledging that Storing"s claim was justified, and Storing was seated.
Blakely was a presidential elector in 1864, voting for Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson.
In 1865, Blakely was appointed a State Assessor.