They meant not only that the Republican party would have the active and aggressive support of the Military Governor,--which was very important and would be worth thousands of votes to the party,--but they also indicated the attitude of the National Administration.

The campaign was aggressive from beginning to end.

Judge Dent was at a disadvantage, since his candidacy had failed to bring to his support the influence of the National Administration, which had been the sole purpose of his nomination.

In spite of that fact Dent made a game and gallant fight; but the election resulted in an overwhelming Republican victory.

That party not only elected the State ticket by a majority of about 30,000 but it also had a large majority in both branches of the State Legislature.
The new administration had an important and difficult task before it.