1968 Richard Nixon/George Romney vs Pat Brown/Edmund Muskie

[Lincoln Republican]

In 1968

Former Vice President Richard Nixon, now a resident of New York state, as expected, wins the Republican Presidential nomination.  He does not need a running mate to boost his foreign policy credentials, as he has expertise already in this field.  Instead, he decides to go with someone with proven business credentials, and with a proven and successful record as chief executive of a major industrial state, Governor George Romney of Michigan.

On the Democratic side, in a surprise upset, former California Governor Edmund G. "Pat" Brown wins the Democratic Presidential nomination.  Brown picks experienced and well respected Senator Edmund Muskie of Maine as his running mate.

In 1960, then Vice President Nixon lost one of the closest elections for President in history, and in 1962, Nixon ran unsuccessfully for Governor of California against incumbent Governor Pat Brown.

Now, Nixon and Brown face one another again, this time for President.

How does this 1968 election go?

Please discuss, with maps if you wish.

Republican

Former Vice President Richard Nixon (NY)
Governor George Romney (MI)

Democratic

Former Governor Pat Brown (CA)
Senator Edmund Muskie (ME)

[Lincoln Republican]

It would be better for Brown if he won 1966 reelection againt Reagan. Otherwise, former Governor (even such good Governor as he was) after losing reelection by wide margin would be lightweigth candidate

Very valid point, however, Abraham Lincoln failed in his bid for a U.S. Senate seat as the Republican nominee for the Senate from Illinois in 1858.

As well, Nixon himself failed in his bid for the Presidency in 1960, and then failed in his bid to become Governor of California in 1962.

[Lincoln Republican]

Brown defeated Nixon for Governor of California in 1962 but Nixon wins a big victory over Brown for President in 1968.

Here's what happens.

Nixon/Romney                  394
Brown/Muskie                    99
Wallace/LeMay                  45