Conkling and his fellow Stalwarts , including Arthur , wished to follow up their 1879 success at the 1880 Republican National Convention by securing the nomination for their ally , ex-President Grant . Their opponents in the Republican party , known as Half-Breeds , concentrated their efforts on James G. Blaine , a Senator from Maine who was more amenable to civil service reform . Neither candidate commanded a majority of delegates and , deadlocked after thirty-six ballots , the convention turned to a dark horse , James A. Garfield , an Ohio Congressman and Civil War General who was neither Stalwart nor Half-Breed
1880 Republican National Convention
1880 Republican National Convention
Chester A. Arthur