 In the state legislative elections of 1830 , the ascendent Whig Party gained control of both houses of the General Assembly . Rowan 's strict adherence to Jeffersonian democracy and leadership of the New Court faction during the court controversy of the 1820s had put him at odds with Whig founder Henry Clay . By this time , however , not even Rowan 's fellow Democrats endorsed his re @-@ election . Henry Clay was elected instead . 
