Lincoln's one term as Congressman

[irshgrl500]

In 1846, Abraham Lincoln was elected to Congress and he pledged to serve only one term, in Congress. Why?

[RJNorton]

Hi Karin. As I recall Lincoln had agreed with a few other Whigs that each person would serve one term and then another person would run during the next election. So I think Lincoln didn't run again because it was not his turn. He was simply keeping his word, if this arrangement be true. I might add that had Lincoln run he probably would not have been re-elected as his position on the Mexican War was not very popular among many of his constituents.

[irshgrl500]

(03-16-2014 12:26 PM)RJNorton Wrote:  Hi Karin. As I recall Lincoln had agreed with a few other Whigs that each person would serve one term and then another person would run during the next election. So I think Lincoln didn't run again because it was not his turn. He was simply keeping his word, if this arrangement be true. I might add that had Lincoln run he probably would not have been re-elected as his position on the Mexican War was not very popular among many of his constituents.

Thank you, Roger.

[L Verge]

Can I just add that it's nice to see Karin posting again...

[irshgrl500]

(03-16-2014 08:55 PM)L Verge Wrote:  Can I just add that it's nice to see Karin posting again...

Thank you, Laurie. That is very kind, and encouraging.

I know that had AL ran for a second term in Congress, Roger, like you said, he likely would not have won. His views, and public comments of President Polk's tactics in the Mexican-American war, were damaging, (subsequently,AL even regretted making some of the statements.) although, I believe AL was correct on calling Polk on some of his statements; demanding Polk show proof, or follow up with some veracity. Polk seemed to notoriously mislead with his statements, and so called "facts" as to reasons, the US rightfully belonged on Mexico's land; they weren't rightful, and Polk's statements, served to do no more than manipulate and mislead, so as to simply, garner support for the actions of the US, which were incorrect, as AL correctly pointed out. Pointing out or implying that the President is deliberately distorting the truth, no matter how righteous, is not a popular position.

[Eva Elisabeth]

As Roger explained, A. Lincoln had already wanted to go to Congress two terms before, but he had two stronger rivals: John J. Hardin (who had already been representative since 1836) and his friend Edward D. Baker. Hardin had the necessary votes, and in order to have a solid party vote behind one candidate, Lincoln offered a resolution (which was adopted) to make his nomination unanimous for the establishment of a principle of rotation in office, i.e. Baker as the choice of the party's nomination in 1844 and himself in 1846.
Lincoln's successor was a democrat, Thomas L. Harris.

[irshgrl500]

(03-17-2014 08:54 AM)Eva Elisabeth Wrote:  As Roger explained, A. Lincoln had already wanted to go to Congress two terms before, but he had two stronger rivals: John J. Hardin (who had already been representative since 1836) and his friend Edward D. Baker. Hardin had the necessary votes, and in order to have a solid party vote behind one candidate, Lincoln offered a resolution (which was adopted) to make his nomination unanimous for the establishment of a principle of rotation in office, i.e. Baker as the choice of the party's nomination in 1844 and himself in 1846.
Lincoln's successor was a democrat, Thomas L. Harris.

Thank you for the details about the agreement, that established his one term. Also, in garnering strength for their candidates, wasn't Zachary Taylor, the Whig's candidate for President, at the end of AL's term? So, by rotating their positions as Whig party nominees for congressional office, assuming they'd be elected, they also strengthen the party's Presidential candidate's position.