When Baker worked on Wilson 's behalf at the Democratic National Convention in Baltimore in 1912 , he was considered as a possible vice-presidential contender . He and Wilson had been acquaintances since they were both at Johns Hopkins in the 1890s , and Baker played a vital role during Wilson 's Democratic nomination for president at the convention by securing votes from Ohio delegates . Wilson wanted to bring him to Washington D.C. Though offered the post twice , Baker declined to serve as United States Secretary of the Interior during President Wilson 's first term
Democratic National Convention
1912 Democratic National Convention
Newton D. Baker