Conversation so far:
What convention was covered in the article on William H. Seward?
Entering the 1860 convention, Senator William H. Seward of New York was generally regarded as the front-runner.
How did the 1860 Republican National Convention go for William H. Seward?
Lincoln clinched the nomination on the third ballot after consolidating support from more delegates who had backed candidates other than Seward.

Question: Why was Seward the favorite?
Self-contained rewrite: Why was William H. Seward the favorite for the Republican Party's nomination for president in 1860?