Complex sentence: Despite the incessant criticism, Carpenter was seen as being easily re-elected in 1875, but a surprise bolt by disgruntled Republicans combined with votes by calculating Democrats resulted in the election of Angus Cameron, a La Crosse Republican of little ability or achievement.
Split into simpler sentences: Despite the incessant criticism, Carpenter was seen as being easily re-elected in 1875. Nevertheless, a surprise bolt by disgruntled Republicans combined with votes by calculating Democrats resulted in the election of Angus Cameron, a La Crosse Republican of little ability or achievement.