Chapter 17: Abe Loses the Senate Bid but Gains National Notoriety

In the mid-term election that follows, the Democrats retain their lead in the Illinois Legislature, and it votes 54-46 in favor of Douglas’ return to the Senate.

While disappointed by the loss, Lincoln further commits himself to politics over law, and, with encouragement from his mid-western allies, begins his campaign for the 1860 presidential nomination.