mugwumps
mugwumps
(mŭg`wŭmps'), slang term in U.S. political history for the Republicans who in 1884 deserted their party nominee, James G. BlaineBlaine, James Gillespie,1830–93, American politician, b. West Brownsville, Pa. Early Career
Blaine taught school and studied law before moving (1854) to Maine, where he became an influential newspaper editor.
..... Click the link for more information. , to vote for the Democratic nominee, Grover ClevelandCleveland, Grover
(Stephen Grover Cleveland), 1837–1908, 22d (1885–89) and 24th (1893–97) President of the United States, b. Caldwell, N.J.; son of a Presbyterian clergyman.
..... Click the link for more information. .
Bibliography
See L. W. Peterson, The Day of the Mugwump (1961).