Complex sentence: The Republicans, mostly united behind hard money, largely voted against the measure, while many Democrats joined the Greenbackers voting in favor; despite the soft money Democrats' support, the resolution was defeated 84--117 with many members abstaining.
Split into simpler sentences: The Republicans, mostly united behind hard money, largely voted against the measure, while many Democrats joined the Greenbackers voting in favor. Despite support of the soft money Democrats, the resolution was defeated 84--117 with many members abstaining.