[117]

1880 electoral vote results
With the war fifteen years in the past and Union generals at the head of both tickets, the tactic was less effective than the Republicans hoped.[117] Realizing this, they adjusted their approach to claim that Democrats would lower the country's protective tariff, which would allow cheaper manufactured goods to be imported from Europe, and thereby put thousands out of work.[118] This argument struck home in the swing states of New York and Indiana, where many were employed in manufacturing.[118] Hancock did not help his own cause when, in an attempt to remain neutral on the tariff, he said that "[t]he tariff question is a local question", which only made him appear uninformed about an important issue.[119] Candidates for high office did not personally campaign in those days, but as state Republican chairman, Arthur played a part in the campaign in his usual fashion: overseeing the effort in New York and raising money.[120] The funds were crucial in the close election, and winning his home state of New York was critical.