Republicans divided. Blaine led a Republican faction, the Half-Breeds, who broke with the Stalwarts over civil service reform. The Stalwarts, led by Conkling, hated Blaine nearly as much as liberals like Adams did. The availability of the nomination gave both Conkling and Blaine a chance to prance and preen. Conkling talked of giving Ulysses S. Grant a third term, although Conkling’s preferred candidate was, as always, Roscoe Conkling. If the Stalwarts had their way, the approaching 1880 electoral campaign would offer a choice between two of the best-known quantities in American politics:
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