 The Indiana constitution prevented Marshall from serving a consecutive term as governor . He made plans to run for a United States Senate seat after his term ended , but another opportunity presented itself during his last months as governor . Although he did not attend the 1912 Democratic National Convention in Baltimore , his name was put forward as Indiana 's choice for president . He was suggested as a compromise nominee , but William Jennings Bryan and his delegates endorsed Woodrow Wilson over Champ Clark , securing the nomination for Wilson . Indiana 's delegates lobbied to have Marshall named the vice presidential candidate in exchange for supporting Wilson . Indiana was an important swing state , and Wilson hoped that Marshall 's popularity would help him carry it in the general election . He had his delegates support Marshall , giving him the vice presidential nomination . Marshall privately turned down the nomination , assuming the job would be boring given its limited role . He changed his mind after Wilson assured him that he would be given plenty of responsibilities . During the campaign , Marshall traveled across the United States delivering speeches . The Wilson – Marshall ticket easily won the 1912 election because of the division between the Republican Party and the Progressive Party . 
