 The conflict between the branches of government was the major issue of the 1866 campaign , with Johnson taking to the campaign trail in a Swing Around the Circle and Garfield facing opposition within his party in his home district . With the South still disenfranchised and Northern public opinion behind them , the Republicans gained a two @-@ thirds majority in both houses of Congress . Garfield , having overcome his challengers at his district nominating convention , was easily re @-@ elected . 
