In 1848, the Democratic Party had been split into Barnburners and Hunkers. He also attempted to reconcile the Barnburners and the Hunkers, with mixed results. Ex-Chancellor Reuben H. Walworth was the candidate of the Hunkers. The Hunkers were the relatively pro government faction. Three Hunkers and only one Barnburner were elected on the Democratic ticket. During the following years, the Hunkers split over the question of reconciliation with the Barnburners.