1976. William Proxmire vs. James Buckley

[jojoju1998]

William Proxmire for those who do not know him, was the democratic Senator from Wisconsin. What if he won the nomination ? For vice president, let's say he chooses another senator. Vance Hartke from Indiana.

Gerald Ford does not run for reelection. Ronald Reagan died of a heart attack a year before. Senator James Buckley from New York wins the nomination. He chooses Senator Bill Brock from Tennessee .

Gerald Ford's popularity is around 50 percent.

Maps would be appreciated.

[🐒Gods of Prosperity🔱🐲💸]

Hartke and Brock were both facing tough reelection challenges that year, so I'll put their colleagues from their respective states on the ticket instead.  The conservative Buckley runs with the moderate conservative Baker, and the moderate liberal Proxmire runs with the more liberal Bayh.

Buckley is well respected, and is helped by Baker, but is seen as too conservative by a majority.  Proxmire's record as an advocate for government reform helps him win in this first post-Watergate Presidential election.

Sen. William Proxmire (D-WI) / Sen. Birch Bayh (D-IN)   365  52.2%
Sen. James L. Buckley (R-NY) / Sen. Howard Baker (R-TN)  173  46.7%
others  1.1%