The movement in support of George developed so much strength that the regular parties felt compelled to put forward exceptionally strong candidates.

The Democrats nominated Abram S.Hewitt, a man of the highest type of character, a fact which was not perhaps so influential in getting him the nomination as that he was the son-in-law of Peter Cooper, a philanthropist justly beloved by the working classes.

The Republicans nominated Theodore Roosevelt, who had already distinguished himself by his energy of character and zeal for reform.

Hewitt was elected, but George received 68,110 votes out of a total of 219,679, and stood second in the poll.

His supporters contended that he had really been elected but had been counted out, and this belief turned their attention to the subject of ballot reform.