The Election included an intriguing cast of characters. ​

James G. Blaine a career politician with questionable financial gains connected to the expanding rail road industry. 

Belva Anne Lockwood, the first women to run that met the constitutional qualification even though she could not vote.

Benjamin F. Butler a general turned statesman who was the chief prosecuting attorney in President Johnson impeachment trial.

John P. St. John a former republican governor considered a traitor by his party for accepting the Prohibition nomination.  

Not included in the group was President Arthur who did not receive his party nomination.  Only four other sitting presidents have that distinction.