Campaign Ribbon from the Election of 1844 The Liberty Party, though fiercely opposed to the proslavery presidential candidate James K. Polk, helped turn the 1844 election in Polk’s favor by taking votes away from the Whig contender, Henry Clay, who compromised on slavery. This Whig campaign ribbon from the fourth ward in Lynn, Massachusetts, proclaims “Clay, the Union and Liberty.” © David J. and Jane L. Frent Collection/CORBIS