Governor Talbot's Gubernatorial Upset

1878 Campaign ad that highlights Thomas Talbot's political strategy against Democratic challenger Benjamin Butler

After a brief hiatus from politics following his defeat in 1876, Governor Talbot was unanimously nominated to the Republican gubernatorial ticket in 1878. Though Talbot had an easy time securing the Republican nomination, his prospects in the general election did not look so promising. His major opponent was the popular, yet controversial Benjamin Butler of Lowell. Butler at one point held the distinction of holding the second highest command in the whole Union Army next to General Grant, despite the dubious reputation of never having won a battle. A lawyer and public figure outside of the war, he was a strong administrator, though criticized during his gubernatorial runs for having presidential ambitions. Despite this, Butler's presence dominated the political landscape and would prove a major hurdle for a mild-mannered man like Talbot to overcome. Talbot's strategy rested largely in his slogan "Honest Money, Honest Men" which placed focus on Talbot's remarkably clean record as both a politician and a mill owner. This was placed in stark contrast to Butler's reputation, who was viewed as a political opportunist, switching parties to secure advancement as well as a mill owner who did not live up to the standard set by Talbot. Butler's management of the Middlesex Mills were focused on as a key component of the campaign, highlighting the fact that Butler paid his workers significantly less than Talbot.

In the end, Talbot won and became the Governor of Massachusetts for the second time, this time being formally elected. Talbot's time as Governor was brief, as he refused to run another term in the election of 1880. During his two-year term as Governor however, he continued support legislation favoring worker's rights, and it would be under his administration that women would first be allowed to vote in local school board elections. Governor Talbot would also call for a constitutional amendment extending women's suffrage though that would not be answered in his lifetime. Upon leaving office, Governor Talbot was able to cut the state budget as well, fulfilling another goal of his platform.