Election of 1808
With Jefferson's second term winding down, and his decision to retire widely known, Madison decided to seek the presidency in 1808. His nomination for the Presidency was challenged by Rep. John Randolph, who apparently believed Sec. Madison had prevented him from becoming minister to Britain. Randolph had been President Jefferson's political opponent in the House. Randolph attempted to block Madison's nomination by running James Monroe; thus gaining the support of Federalists, since Madison was considered Jefferson's staunch political ally. Support for Madison, however, among his party and in the Virginia legislature was overwhelming by a tally of 133 to 57. At the time, each party's Congressional Caucus chose presidential candidates, and in 1808 the Democratic-Republicans chose Madison. As the Federalist party by this time had almost completely disintegrated, Madison was selected in the election of 1808, easily defeating Charles Cotesworth Pinckney.
Read more about this topic: James Madison
Famous quotes containing the word election:
“Do you know I believe that [William Jennings] Bryan will force his nomination on the Democrats again. I believe he will either do this by advocating Prohibition, or else he will run on a Prohibition platform independent of the Democrats. But you will see that the year before the election he will organize a mammoth lecture tour and will make Prohibition the leading note of every address.”
—William Howard Taft (1857–1930)