nov 2, 1804 - Election of 1804
Description:
An election in which incumbent Democratic-Republican Thomas Jefferson was re-elected, beating Federalist candidate and NY Governor Charles C. Pinckney. John Adams had declined to run again, leaving the Federalists with his former running mate. Jefferson was nominated by his party without opposition. Though winning the 1800 Election by the slimmest of margins, Jefferson won by a landslide thanks to the Louisiana Purchase and a healthy economy. He ran with George Clinton, hoping to distance himself from his former vice president, Aaron Burr, who had recently killed Alexander Hamilton in a duel. The Federalists had been devastated by this loss, as Hamilton had been their party leader. They hurled more insults and accusations at Jefferson, much like what had been done in the last two elections. They claimed the Louisiana Purchase was unconstitutional (indeed, Jefferson had worried the same thing at the time) and accused Jefferson of sleeping with his slave, Sally Hemmings, but none of it stuck. Jefferson won every state but Connecticut and Delaware, even taking most of New England, traditionally a Federalist stronghold.
Main issues: Louisiana Purchase
Voter Turnout: 23.8%
Significance: first election after the ratification of the 12th Amendment
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