James G. Blaine 1880 Republican National Convention

blaine during 1870s

the other main contender republican nomination james g. blaine. blaine, senator maine had served in united states house of representatives, including holding speaker of house position 1869 1875, in competition prevent grant s nomination. 4 years earlier blaine had campaigned party s nomination; in weeks prior 1876 convention, accused of committing fraudulent activities involving railroad stocks. specifics of blaine s involvement detailed in mulligan letters. blaine pleaded own defense on floor of house of representatives, , read aloud selected, edited portions of letter not incriminating. despite attempt clear name, blaine tarnished scandal throughout rest of political career. on sunday before balloting begin in cincinnati, ohio, blaine collapsed @ steps of washington congregational church. unconscious 2 days, , result, lost supporters doubtful on health , whether capable of handling presidency. blaine ridiculed opponents, accused him of faking illness gain sympathy; new york sun headlined blaine feigns faint . on first ballot of 1876 convention, blaine received 285 votes, while political enemy, roscoe conkling, in second place 99 votes. blaine , conkling had long-standing political feud started @ debate on floor of house of representatives in 1866. after 6 more ballots resulted in no consensus, conkling switched support rutherford b. hayes, beat blaine nomination.

after blaine s failure in 1876, supporters believed needed nominated @ 1880 convention in chicago if ever going president, reasoning if tried nomination twice , failed, not count on opportunity. campaign manager, william e. chandler, put it:

despite mulligan letters scandal, blaine had succeeded remarkably in 1880 campaign, attracting nationwide support candidacy. argued gold standard, support big business, tariff protect american jobholders, civil rights freed blacks , irish independence.