William Seward was the front runner when the Republicans met in

Chicago in May of 1860, but Lincoln quickly pulled ahead and won

the nomination on the third ballot. The Republican platform opposed

slavery in the territories but upheld the right of slavery in the

South. It also opposed the Dredd-Scott decision. The Democrats

nominated Stephen Douglas and the Southern-Democrats who called

themselves National Democrats nominated John Breckinridge.

In addition, John Bell was nominated by the Constitutional Union

party.

The Republicans were united behind Lincoln, while the opposition was

divided by regions. Most of the campaign was implemented by the party

organizations, with the candidates taking a very small active part.

Only Stephen Douglas campaigned actively throughout the country.

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