[1] The Radical Republican reforms and alleged corrupt schemes initiated by Governor Scott after he assumed office in 1868 infuriated the white population of the state.

The chairman of the committee, Matthew Butler, submitted a paper with positions that would enforce the Fifteenth Amendment, uphold the existing laws enacted by the Radical Republicans, and to restore their perception of honesty and accountability in the state government.

Richard B. Carpenter, called a carpetbagger judge by some was from Charleston and considered of questionable reputation,[3] won the nomination for Governor although he had never sought the position.

Policies adopted on their platform included the continuation of support for civil rights and to request Congress to sell public lands in the South to the landless.

Even though most African-Americans faced grave threats if they opted to support the Union Reform ticket, many sincerely refused to even consider a candidate other than a Republican.

Turnout for the election was high as Radical Republicans sought to discourage any future attempts of an organized opposition by show of force at the polls.