[x]

It depends on who they nominated and how the campaign went. Lincoln was an unknown quality and there was a certain quotient of luck in his victory.

Also, regional politics played an important role. Lincoln checked Douglas in his own region and handily carried the Northeast.

If Seward had been nominated, a Democrat could have picked up votes in the Old Northwest. With Southern votes such a Democrat could have won. Conversely, a New Yorker like Seymour just possibly could have beaten Lincoln.

[JCBreckenridge]

I guess my point is here.

Grant, Hayes, Garfield, Arthur, Harrison, Cleveland, McKinley, Roosevelt, Taft.

9 presidents, from 1868 to 1912, everyone of them were from NY or Ohio.

Failed candidates:

Parker (New York), Seymour (Ohio), Greeley (New York), Tilden (New York),

Bryan (Illinois), Hancock (Pennsylvania), Blaine (Pennsylvania),