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The 1872 Massachusetts gubernatorial election was held on November 5, 1872. Republican governor William B. Washburn was re-elected to a second term in office over businessman Francis W. Bird, a Liberal Republican nominated with support of the Democratic Party.[1]

Republican nomination

Candidates

Convention

With an incumbent seeking re-election, the Republican convention was far less contentious than the open race of 1871.[2] Nevertheless, supporters of Benjamin F. Butler placed his name in opposition to Washburn and a vote was taken.

1872 Massachusetts Republican Convention[2]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican William B. Washburn (incumbent) 563 67.10%
Republican Benjamin Butler 259 30.87%
Republican Scattering 17 2.03%
Total votes 839 100.00%

Washburn's renomination was then made unanimous. A subsequent inquiry found that Butler's totals were inflated by "ballot-stuffing and other improper devices."[2] In the only other contested race, Thomas Talbot defeated Elijah B. Stoddard by 643 to 395 for lieutenant governor.[2]

General election

Results

1872 Massachusetts gubernatorial election[3][4]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican William B. Washburn (incumbent) 133,900 69.10% Increase14.18
Liberal Republican Francis W. Bird 59,626 30.77% N/A
Write-in 254 0.13% Decrease0.12
Total votes 193,780 100.00%

See also

References


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