Lincoln August 4, 1834 - Lincoln wins Legislature Seat

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On this date in August 1834, Abraham Lincoln won a seat in the Illinois State House for the first time. He improved measurably compared to his first campaign in 1832, to secure 1,376 votes, second barely to candidate John Dawson’s 1,390 votes. (Multiple candidates were competing for 4 available seats.) The soft spoken often awkward young Abe, had a way of impressing voters with his self-deprecating humor, reasoned argumentation, and affable mannerisms. Lincoln would go on to win re-election multiple times to the state legislature.
Compared to his presidency, and even his single 2-year term in the U.S. Congress (1847-1849), Lincoln’s 8 years in the state house are often overlooked. Despite the lack of national exposure in Vandalia and then Springfield, Lincoln quickly gained the respect of his Whig colleagues and even many political opponents. These formidable years cultivated Abraham Lincoln’s understanding of passing important political legislation, his ability to hone persuasive arguments, and his ability to think broadly about how important decisions can affect the lives of Americans far removed from the seat of political power. All of these experiences would serve Lincoln well as he navigated the ship of state through the storm of the U.S. Civil War.
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