The Grand Old Party

Spotlight: One hundred and fifty-five years ago today, the first official meeting of the Republican Party took place in Jackson, Michigan. It was organized by disgruntled members of the Democratic and Whig parties in response to the Kansas-Nebraska Act, which would serve to repeal the anti-slavery laws in the Northern states. It quickly became the second largest political party in the United States. The Republicans ran John C. Fremont as their first candidate for President in 1856. He lost that race to Democrat James Buchanan. In 1860, Fremont once again announced his candidacy, but withdrew in favor of Abraham Lincoln, who became the first Republican President of the United States.

Quote: "I hope you're all Republicans." — Ronald Reagan, to surgeons as he entered the operating room after a failed assassination attempt