 Bryan 's nomination caused defections and divisions in the Republican party ; many farmers in the Midwest , even in McKinley 's Ohio , found the inflation it was expected free silver would cause to be attractive , as it would make it easier to repay debts . Polls in battleground midwestern states , and word from activists there , showed that Bryan had made deep inroads into Republican support . One survey in August showed that of the midwestern states , only Wisconsin was safe for the Republicans . 
