Republicans remained in control of the House in the 42nd and 43rd Congresses , and Blaine was reelected as Speaker at the start of both of them , for a total term of six years in the Speaker 's chair . His popularity continued to grow , and Republicans dissatisfied with Grant mentioned Blaine as a potential candidate for President in 1872 . Instead , Blaine worked steadfastly for Grant 's reelection , which was a success . Blaine 's growing fame brought growing opposition from the Democrats , as well , and during the 1872 campaign he was accused of receiving bribes in the Crédit Mobilier scandal . Blaine denied any part in the scandal , which involved railroad companies bribing federal officials to turn a blind eye to fraudulent railroad contracts that overcharged the government by millions of dollars . No one was able to satisfactorily prove Blaine 's involvement . Though not an absolute defense , it is true that the law that made the fraud possible had been written before he was elected to Congress . But other Republicans were exposed by the accusations , including Vice President Colfax , who was dropped from the ticket at the 1872 Republican National Convention
1872 Republican National Convention
1872 Republican National Convention
James G. Blaine