But Garfield’s shooting was the crowning blow to Conkling’s ambitions and career. A shooting by an avowed Stalwart, even a crazy one, could not help his cause, and his resignation had already proved a terrible mistake and boon to his enemies. His reelection was probably doomed even before Guiteau shot Garfield. The New York Legislature had deadlocked in the same way the 1880 Republican convention had deadlocked, and Conkling finally lost his bid for reelection to the Senate in July.
