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US President National Vote

RACE DETAILS

Parents

> United States > U.S. Executive > Popular Vote

Office

President

Type

General Election

Filing Deadline

June 01, 1880 - 12:00pm

Polls Open

November 02, 1880 - 06:00am

Polls Close

November 02, 1880 - 08:00pm

Term Start

March 04, 1881 - 12:00pm

Term End

March 04, 1885 - 12:00pm

Contributor

Thomas Walker

Last Modified

RBH December 31, 2010 09:00pm

Data Sources

Description

The accomplishments of Rutherford B. Hayes cannot be emphasized enough. Although he was called Rutherfraud Hayes by the Democrats in connection with his disputed election, the 19th President endeavoured to lead an honest administration. He removed office holders who took advantage of their appointments. (One of his removals was Chester Arthur, who later became President.) The opposition element in the Republican Party became known as the Stalwarts; they preferred the old days when Grant sat in the Oval Office. Hayes’ faction of the Party was known as the Half Breeds.

The Stalwarts supported Ulysses Grant for a third term. Hayes refused to run for a second term, and the Half Breeds turned to James G. Blaine, a contender in 1876. The Republican National Convention was divided; on the first ballot Grant led with 40% to Blaine’s 38%. John Sherman of Ohio was third with 12%. The balloting continued with fewer than a dozen delegates shifting their votes. Finally, the Half Breed delegates shifted their votes to the man who placed Sherman in nomination, James A. Garfield. He received a 399–306 majority on the 36th ballot.

The Democrats nominated Winfield Scott Hancock of Pennsylvania. Two politicians from Ohio were unsuccessful contenders: Henry B. Payne and U.S. Senator Allen G. Thurman. Tilden gave his support to Samuel J. Randall, who was the Speaker of the U.S. House.

The election of 1880 was close. Garfield polled 2,200 more votes than Hancock nationwide, which was much closer than the quarter of a million difference separating Tilden and Hayes. Garfield’s 21,000 win in New York sealed Hancock’s fate.