He had not, as they alleged, turned back from any test exacted by the South, until he had reached the point where another step forward involved political death to himself.

They would not credit his hostility to the Lecompton Constitution to any nobler motive than the instinct of self-preservation.

This was a harsh judgment, and yet a most natural one.

It inspired the Republicans of Illinois, and they prepared to contest the return of Douglas to the Senate by formally nominating Abraham Lincoln as an opposing candidate.
The contest that ensued was memorable.

Douglas had an herculean task before him.