Tillman was known as " '' ' Pitchfork Ben ' '' " because of his aggressive language , as when he threatened to use a pitchfork to prod that " bag of beef , " President Grover Cleveland . Considered a possible candidate for the Democratic nomination for president in 1896 , Tillman lost any chance after giving a disastrous speech at the convention . He became known for his virulent oratoryespecially against black Americansbut also as an effective legislator . The first federal campaign finance law , banning corporate contributions , is commonly called the Tillman Act . Tillman was repeatedly re-elected , serving in the Senate for the rest of his life . One of his legacies was South Carolina 's 1895 constitution , which disenfranchised most of the black majority and ensured white rule for more than half a century
the convention
1896 Democratic National Convention
Benjamin Tillman