[PapaBear3625]

Another thing to consider is that Lincoln only won 39.8% of the popular vote. The rest of the vote was split between three other (pro-South) candidates. Something to remember when thinking about 3rd-Party candidacies.

[Clintonfatigued]

You bring up an interesting point. In 1860, the Democrats nominated Senator Stephen Douglas of Illinois, but southerners opposed him because he opposed Federal protection for slavery. So, like spoiled brats who didn’t get their way, they stomped off in a huff and held their own convention and nominated someone else, guaranteeing Lincoln’s election.