 Garfield placated the Stalwarts by endorsing Chester A. Arthur of New York , a Conkling loyalist , as nominee for vice president , but it was to Blaine and his delegates that Garfield owed his nomination . When Garfield was elected over Democrat Winfield Scott Hancock , he turned to Blaine to guide him in selection of his cabinet and offered him the preeminent position : Secretary of State . Blaine accepted , resigning from the Senate on March 4 , 1881 . 
