 Blaine received the news at his home in Washington and telegraphed Hayes his congratulations . In the subsequent contest of 1876 , Hayes was elected after a contentious compromise over disputed electoral votes . The results of the convention had further effects on Blaine 's political career as Bristow , having lost the nomination , also resigned as Treasury Secretary three days after the convention ended . President Grant selected Senator Lot M. Morrill of Maine to fill the cabinet post , and Maine 's governor , Seldon Connor , appointed Blaine to the now @-@ vacant Senate seat . When the Maine Legislature reconvened that autumn , they confirmed Blaine 's appointment and elected him to the full six @-@ year term that would begin on March 4 , 1877 . 
