Stevens was a delegate to the 1856 Republican National Convention , where he supported Justice McLean , as he had in 1832 . The convention , however , nominated John C. Frémont , whom Stevens actively supported in the race against his fellow Lancastrian , the Democratic candidate James Buchanan . Nonetheless , Pennsylvania helped elect Buchanan . Stevens returned to the practice of law , but in 1858 , with the President and his party unpopular and the nation torn by such controversies as the Dred Scott decision , Stevens saw an opportunity to return to Congress . As the Republican nominee , he was easily elected . Democratic papers were appalled . One banner headline read , " Niggerism Triumphant "
1856 Republican National Convention
1856 Republican National Convention
Thaddeus Stevens