Stephen Douglas
Election of 1860
Meet Stephen Douglas
Stephen A. Douglas is the leader of the Democratic Party. He urges the idea of popular sovereignty in relation to the issue of slavery in the territories. He wants the people of the territories to be able to decide for themselves whether or not they want slavery.He is largely responsible for the Compromise of 1850 that supposedly settles some slavery issues. He questions slavery again with the Kansas-Nebraska Act that opens some previously prohibited territories to slavery under popular sovereignty. Overall, he is more or less indifferent towards the issue of slavery. He wants what is best for the people. Douglas kind of has the same views on southern secession as he does on slavery. He does not care either way, but is an advocate to maintain the integrity of the Union, whether with or without the South.
"Vote for me and your opinion will be heard."
Political Backer
James W. Sheahan backs up Douglas's views.