But the Free Soil and Democratic leaders were not content to leave the power in the hands of the Whig minority.

In 1849 a few Representatives and Senators were chosen to the Legislature by a union of the Free Soil and Democratic Parties.

In the autumn of 1850 this arrangement was extended through the State.
The Whigs were in a minority in the Legislature, and the coalition proceeded to elect a Democratic Governor and Lieutenant Governor and an Executive Council.

In consideration of giving these offices to the Democrats, it was agreed that Mr.Sumner should be chosen Senator.

A few of the Democrats, who desired to keep their party relations with the South, refused to agree to this arrangement.