 Harrison had proven unpopular even in his own party , and by the start of 1892 , McKinley was talked about as a potential presidential candidate . McKinley 's name was not offered in nomination at the 1892 Republican National Convention , where he served as permanent chairman , but some delegates voted for him anyway , and he finished third behind Harrison ( who won a first ballot victory ) and Blaine . Hanna had sought support from delegates , but his and McKinley 's strategy is uncertain , due to lack of surviving documents . According to Hanna biographer William T. Horner , " McKinley 's behavior at the convention supports the idea that he liked the attention but was not ready for a campaign " . According to McKinley biographer H. Wayne Morgan , many delegates " saw in [ McKinley ] their nominee for 1896 " . 
