Robert Byrd heads the Democratic ticket. While repenting of his sins opposing civil rights for blacks, he, like his opponent Reagan, believes in allowing states jurisdiction in the social controversies of the day. As Reagan and Goldwater appeal to individual opportunity and standing up to the Soviets, Byrd promises to defend New Deal and Great Society programs and cautions against what he sees as Reagan's reckless foreign policy. Byrd's running mate Rep. Mills meanwhile spends much effort calling for support for police and the National Parks. The Anderson/Stafford ticket appeals to moderate Republicans, and also many liberal Democrats and urban blacks who are distrustful of the Southern ticket and Byrd's recent conversions. In spite of distrust for the party after the Nixon presidency, Reagan is able to lead the Republicans to victory in the divided field.
Sen. Robert Byrd (D-WV) / Rep. Wilbur Mills (D-AR) 216 40%
Rep. John Anderson (I-IL) / Sen. Robert Stafford (I-VT) 13 17%
