The election took place in advance of the1840 United States presidential election, with the Maine state elections attracting national attention for their potential to foretell the outcome of the national contest. A fierce partisan campaign ensued, in which the Whigs sought to capitalize on thegrassroots enthusiasm for their national ticket, headed by the formermajor general andUnited States senator fromOhio,William Henry Harrison by donning log cabin badges and other emblems ofHarrison's presidential campaign. On election day, early returns variously showed either Kent or Fairfield narrowly ahead, with neither candidate conceding defeat. Democrats alleged that 28 votes cast forHannibal Hamlin, the Democratic candidate for theUnited States House of Representatives fromMaine's 6th congressional district, had been intended for Fairfield which with the addition of other contested votes fromunincorporated areas would give him a narrow majority. Thelegislature found that Kent had outpolled Fairfield by fewer than 70 votes, less than a majority of the total electorate, with 98 votes for other candidates. The election was referred to theSenate, where the Whig majority elected Kent.[2]
Elections and referendums in Maine
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