William Seward was the front runner when the Republicans met in
Chicago in May of 1860, but Lincoln quickly pulled ahead and won
the nomination on the third ballot. The Republican platform opposed
slavery in the territories but upheld the right of slavery in the
South. It also opposed the Dredd-Scott decision. The Democrats
nominated Stephen Douglas and the Southern-Democrats who called
themselves National Democrats nominated John Breckinridge.
In addition, John Bell was nominated by the Constitutional Union
party.
The Republicans were united behind Lincoln, while the opposition was
divided by regions. Most of the campaign was implemented by the party
organizations, with the candidates taking a very small active part.
Only Stephen Douglas campaigned actively throughout the country.
