US Presidential Election 1928 (Vive l'Emperor)

Republican Nomination
President Pershing refused to serve a 3rd term in office. The battle was between various members of his cabinet to be his successor. Vice President Charles Dawes seemed to be the likely successor, having much support from the american business community. However Dawes slowly lost this support to Hoover and Coolidge. By the time the Republican convention was held on July 10th there were 6 candidates for the presidency. Kansas senator Charles Curtis and Dawes were both eliminated on the second ballot. Secretary of state Theodore Roosevelt Jr. seemed another favorite to win, and was Pershings favoured successor. However he lacked momentum and his campaign was poorly orgainsed. Roosevelt and Coolidge gradually lost delegates to Hughes and Hoover, and on the 5th ballot they were the only two left. Hughes, a veteran campaigner who had served in several key positions, was in favour with the leading conservative "boss's" of the republican party, but was at 66 thought too alt to be an effective leader. On the 6th ballot Hoover was only 2 delegates short of an all out victory, and this was secured in the 7th ballot. Hoover chose Curtis as his running mate. Curtis was regarded as a farmer from Kansas and was only selected to gain Hoover support in the mid west.