That idiot Hughes did not even meet with popular Governor (and then in 1916 Senate Canddiate) Herschel Johnson. Had he met with him, had some drinks, maybe golfed, then Johnson would have endorsed Hughes and he would have won California and the election.
Hughes stayed at the same hotel as Johnson, and didn't even know he was there. He had been planning to meet with him, but his advisers didn't tell him he was there.
That is true, but he should have made it his business to know. The problem with Hughes is that he was not a national candidate. He lacked the savy that Wilson had.
