The 1902 United States Senate election in Kentucky was held on January 21, 1902, after an initial election on January 14, 1902. Democratic candidate James B. McCreary was elected by the Kentucky General Assembly to the United States Senate, defeating incumbent Republican senator William J. Deboe. The election was held twice due to ambiguity in the law setting the election date.
Democratic nomination The Democratic Party chose to select its candidate by legislative caucus. Former governor and congressman James B. McCreary was nominated on January 9, 1902, defeating judge James E. Cantrill. Congressmen David Highbaugh Smith and Charles K. Wheeler, who had been campaigning for the nomination, withdrew from the contest the afternoon before the caucus was held.
Candidates James E. Cantrill, judge of the Kentucky Court of Appeals and lieutenant governor of Kentucky (1879–1883) James B. McCreary, governor of Kentucky (1875–1879) and U.S. representative for (1885–1897) David Highbaugh Smith, U.S. representative for (1897–1907) (withdrew January 9, 1902) Charles K. Wheeler, U.S. representative for (1897–1903) (withdrew January 9, 1902)
Results
+ Democratic caucus results Candidate Senate House Total % James B. McCreary 14 48 62 62.6 James E. Cantrill 11 26 37 37.4 Total votes 25 74 99 100.0
Republican nominatiom The Republican Party chose to select its candidate by legislative caucus, with incumbent senator William J. Deboe winning the nomination unanimously on January 8, 1902. Governor William O. Bradley and congressman Vincent Boreing, who had been suggested as alternatives, were not put forth as alternative candidates.
Candidates William J. Deboe, U.S. senator (1897–1903)
Elections First election Senate
House of Representatives
Second election Senate
House of Representatives
See also 1902–03 United States Senate elections
Notes
References
Sources