1840 United States Presidential ElectionPresident Webster was unable to quell the opposition that emerged from both sides. From one direction came Andrew Jackson's failed protege, another failed also-ran, Martin Van Buren whose campaign had gained steam in the wake of newly enacted tariffs and spending projects, offensive to a still deeply sectionalist America. While Webster might've been able to overcome Van Buren, from the other direction came James G. Birney of the newly founded Liberty Part. With anti-slavery voters in Northern states upset over Webster's straddling of the issue and his past compromises, a popular revolt in a region that should've strongly supported Webster took place.
Former Senator Martin Van Buren (Democrat-New York)/Senator John Tyler (Democrat-Virginia) 133 electoral votes, 36.5% of the popular voteFormer Mayor James G. Birney (Liberty-Michigan)/Attorney Thomas Earle (Liberty-Pennsylvania) 106 electoral votes, 36.3% of the popular votePresident Daniel Webster (National Republican-Massachusetts)/Vice President Francis P. Granger (National Republican-New York) 55 electoral votes, 27.3% of the popular voteWith neither candidate possessing a majority, the election went to the House of Representatives. There, Birney attempted to fight on but to little avail. Only a few states possessed representatives supportive of his cause and the fight was between Van Buren and Webster. With National Republican fatigue causing the election of a plurality-Democratic House, Van Buren was elected the 7th President of the United States of America.
Former Senator Martin Van Buren (Democrat-New York) 15 statesPresident Daniel Webster (National Republican-Massachusetts) 8 statesFormer Mayor James G. Birney (Liberty-Michigan) 3 statesThe closeness of the election, combined with its being determined in the House of Representatives, left a bad taste in the mouths of many Birney's supporters, and it was believed that, come the next election, it would finally be their turn for victory. In the Senate, the election was between Tyler, an experienced Senator, and Thomas Earle, an attorney from Pennsylvania. Tyler easily won.
Senator John Tyler: 37 SenatorsAttorney Thomas Earle: 15 Senators