As early as 1892 , McKinley and Hanna began to prepare for the 1896 campaign . Charles Dick recalled being asked to take the Republican state chairmanship : President Harrison had proven unpopular even in his own party , and with the start of 1892 , McKinley was talked about as a potential candidate . At the 1892 Republican National Convention in Minneapolis , McKinley 's keynote address sparked wild applause from a convention-friendly to him . This popularity did not translate into delegate votes ; Harrison 's supporters were in control of the convention throughout . Hanna , a delegate from Ohio , promoted McKinley to delegates . McKinley , never a declared candidate , finished third , a fraction of a vote behind Blaine , who had declared himself not to be a candidate . Despite Harrison 's success , McKinley was carried from the convention hall to his hotel by supporters after he adjourned the convention . According to Morgan , many delegates " saw in McKinley their nominee for 1896 "
1892 Republican National Convention
1892 Republican National Convention
Mark Hanna