They only feared each other, and tried to circumvent each other.
On one occasion there was a large gathering, where all three of the candidates were present, and each one was expected to make a speech.

It came Crockett's lot to speak first.

He knew nothing of Congressional affairs, and had sense enough to be aware that it was not best for him to attempt to speak upon subjects of which he was entirely ignorant.

He made one of his funny speeches, very short and entirely non-committal.
Colonel Alexander followed, endeavoring to grapple with the great questions of tariffs, finance, and internal improvements, which were then agitating the nation.
General Arnold then, in his turn, took the stump, opposing the measures which Colonel Alexander had left.

He seemed entirely to ignore the fact that Crockett was a candidate.