[odawg]

George Washington did seek it.

[doldrumsforgop]

Then you must be a better historical writer than the American History Magazine.

Here’s a quote from them re Washington:

‘He had done nothing to promote himself as a candidate for the presidency and had agreed to undertake the mammoth task with the utmost reluctance.’

http://www.historynet.com/american-history-the-first-real-two-party-us-presidential-election-in-1796.htm