 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||
 County results Washburn: 60–70% 70–80% 80–90% >90% | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||
The1872 Massachusetts gubernatorial election was held on November 5, 1872. Republican governorWilliam B. Washburn was re-elected to a second term in office over businessman Francis W. Bird, a Liberal Republican nominated with support of the Democratic Party.[1]
With an incumbent seeking re-election, the Republican convention was far less contentious than the open race of 1871.[2] Nevertheless, supporters of Benjamin F. Butler placed his name in opposition to Washburn and a vote was taken.
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | William B. Washburn (incumbent) | 563 | 67.10% | |
| Republican | Benjamin Butler | 259 | 30.87% | |
| Republican | Scattering | 17 | 2.03% | |
| Total votes | 839 | 100.00% | ||
Washburn's renomination was then made unanimous. A subsequent inquiry found that Butler's totals were inflated by "ballot-stuffing and other improper devices."[2] In the only other contested race,Thomas Talbot defeatedElijah B. Stoddard by 643 to 395 for lieutenant governor.[2]
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | William B. Washburn (incumbent) | 133,900 | 69.10% |  14.18 | |
| Liberal Republican | Francis W. Bird | 59,626 | 30.77% | N/A | |
| Write-in | 254 | 0.13% |  0.12 | ||
| Total votes | 193,780 | 100.00% | |||
  | ThisMassachusetts elections–related article is astub. You can help Wikipedia byexpanding it. |
.jpg)
.jpg)
