Incumbent Governor Eberhart faced primary challenger William E. Lee, who had previously ran twice before, including an failed attempt to primary Eberhart in 1912. Lee attacked Eberhart on the organization of the State Fish and Game Commission, as it had more game wardens in cities than in rural areas. Eberhart also vetoed a financial appropriations bill Lee supported.[1]
Republicans conducted a ranked-choice primary, though second choices were not used, as Lee received over 50% in the first round.[3] The campaigns of both Lee and Eberhart announced their victory initially, however lee would take the lead.[4]
Hammond was first named by Democratic National Committee member Fred B. Lynch as a potential candidate in February of 1914.[5] Hammond was in Washington, D.C. for the entire duration of the convention, so was at no point physically present.
Lawler had previously ran for governor multiple times, only winning the nomination during his first attempt in 1892. Being one of the most conservative Minnesota Democrats, he was not very popular even within his own party, even being formally denounced by them in 1898. Despite this, Lawler performed surprisingly well, overperforming massively.[4]
Willis G. Calderwood, founder and treasurer of the Ministers Life and Casualty Union (Prohibition)
Campaigns
Winfield Scott Hammond Political Partoon
Following his loss in the Republican primary, Eberhart refused to work with Lee's campaign. He stated he would still vote for Lee.[6]
Following his nomination, Hammond would return to Minnesota on August 1, 1914, to begin his campaigning.[7]
Lee, had previously accused members of his own party of corruption while running against Eberhart, declared that all who he had accused of corruption had "changed their views".[8] Former Minnesota Secretary of State Albert Berg, a Republican, called Lee a 'Party-Wrecker' and said he would support Hammond out of protest.[9]
Socialist Party candidate Thomas J. Lewis gave a speech in which he called American workers cowardly for their lack of continuing to demand more rights and better conditions.[10]
Prohibition Party candidate Willis G. Calderwood was expected to perform well. Calderwood focused mostly on campaigning in what would otherwise be safe Republican territory.[11] In early October, Lee attempted to convince the Prohibition party to withdraw their nomination of Calderwood and instead endorse him. The deal was not accepted.[12]
Both Lee and Hammond were Prohibitionists, and Lee accused Hammond of being pro-liquor, an attack Hammond responded to by declaring in a speech in Mankato "I am a temperance man". Hammond then attacked Lee, by bringing to attention that Lee had not been present during a previous vote in the state legislature on alcohol, accusing him of dodging the issue intentionally.[13]
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