Conversation so far:
How did William Goebel get started in politics?
James W.
Bryan vacated his seat in the Kentucky Senate to pursue the office of lieutenant governor.
Goebel decided to seek election to the vacant seat representing the Covington area.
Did he win that seat?
the Union Labor party courted the votes of both Democrats and Republicans, and made the election close - decided in Goebel's favor by a mere fifty-six votes.
What year did this take place?
In 1887, James W.
Bryan vacated his seat in the Kentucky Senate.
What was his next step in his political career?
to distinguish himself before a re-election bid, Goebel took aim at a large and popular target: the Louisville and Nashville Railroad.
Did he accomplish anything significant during this time?
Goebel served on the committee, which uncovered significant violations by the railroad lobby.
Goebel also helped defeat the bill to abolish the Railroad Commission in the Senate.

Question: Were his ideas well received?
Self-contained rewrite: Were William Goebel's ideas well received?