Judge Leffingwell as a Candidate

LEFFINGWELL

Posted By: Nettie Mae (email)
Date: 12/13/2023 at 10:25:10

Source: Page 4, The Clinton Age, Clinton, Iowa, Sept. 27, 1872
When we reflect upon the results of the occasion, and the astounding manifestation of Judge Leffingwell's appreciative popularity, we cannot refrain from expressing our feeling of pride in having hoisted his name in advance and advocated his nomination.
Presented as his name was, in joint convention, by delegates fresh from the intelligent masses in the district, from the democratic and liberal elements, out of 153 votes on the first formal ballot, he received 125, and this too, amid votes cast for such other distinguished gentlemen whose names were not presented.
It is now the important duty of democrats and liberals alike, throughout the entire district, who have manifested their desire of perpetuating the principles of a free and peaceful government, to rally, and with a determined effort, unitedly, support the nominee of the convention in which both elements had an equal voice in deciding who should be the popular candidate; it is their duty to be tolerant and just towards each other, and especially towards all exponents and representative men of the now united and national party of reform, no matter how bitter or ungenerously others of a different turn of mind may criticize or denounce them.
We consider Judge Leffingwell one of the most earnest and ablest statesmen in the state -- a man of cool and logical mind, swayed neither by passion or selfishness, and honestly, patriotic at heart. He has always been faithful in the interests of his constituents when in public office, and has ever been successful in vindicating his idea of right or conviction. Let us look at his past record, and see how long and favorably he has stood before the people, and how his popularity has been maintained and approved by the voters in each succeeding campaign:
He was elected from county to the House of Representatives of the last Territorial Legislature.
On the adoption of the Constitution, was elected from Clinton county, as a member of the House of Representatives.
In 1850 was elected a member of the Senate, from the counties of Scott and Clinton.
In 1852 was on the electoral ticket, as a Pierce elector, and carried the State, which was carried for Pierce.
In December, 1852, was elected president of the Senate, and that too, while he was the youngest in years of any member.
In 1853, was elected Judge of the 8th Judicial District, which was composed of the counties now composing this (the 2nd) Congressional District.
In 1858 was the democratic candidate for Congress, against Wm. Vandever, in the old Second District, which embraced the north half of the State, and reduced the majority of about 10,000 to 2,000.
In 1868 was the democratic candidate for Congress in the 2d District, against Wm. Smythe, and with a majority of 8,017 in the District was defeated by but 5,778.
In 1870 was the democratic candidate for Congress, in the same district, against A. R. Cotton, and with a majority of 6,343, was defeated by only 4, 360; running in advance of his ticket in 1868, 2,239 votes; and in 1870, 1,983.
Linn county, which gave a republican majority of 2,163 in 1870, having since been struck off from this Congressional District, will reduce the heretofore majority initially leaving but 2,197 for Leffingwell to overcome in the present election campaign over that of 1870. A trifle gain of over a thousand votes in this District, will elect Judge Leffingwell. These he will get, in the counties of Jackson, Jones and Clinton, to say nothing of the gains in other counties. Mind the prediction: We may call the election of Judge Leffingwell SURE! -- Andrew Picket.