President Harrison had proven unpopular ; there were divisions even within the Republican party as the year 1892 began and Harrison began his re-election drive . Although no declared Republican candidate opposed Harrison , many Republicans were ready to dump the President from the ticket if an alternative emerged . Among the possible candidates spoken of were McKinley , Reed , and the aging Blaine . Fearing that the Ohio governor would emerge as a candidate , Harrison 's managers arranged for McKinley to be permanent chairman of the convention in Minneapolis , requiring him to play a public , neutral role . Hanna established an unofficial McKinley headquarters near the convention hall , though no active effort was made to convert delegates to McKinley 's cause . McKinley objected to delegate votes being cast for him ; nevertheless he finished third , behind the renominated Harrison , and behind Blaine , who had sent word he did not want to be considered . Although McKinley campaigned loyally for the Republican ticket , Harrison was defeated by former President Cleveland in the November election . In the wake of Cleveland 's victory , McKinley was seen by some as the likely Republican candidate in 1896
the convention
1892 Republican National Convention
William McKinley