Cameron machine

Cameron machine
LeaderSimon Cameron
J. Donald Cameron
Matthew Quay
Boies Penrose
Foundedc. 1860
Dissolvedc. 1930s
Ideology• Anti-slavery
Grantism
Conservatism
Fiscal conservatism
• Pro-spoils system
Protectionism
Hard money
Political positionRight-wing
National affiliationRepublican Party

The Cameron machine, later known as the Quay machine[1][2] and Penrose machine,[3] was a Republican political machine in Pennsylvania that controlled much of the state's politics for seven decades. Founded by antislavery Know Nothing and Republican Simon Cameron, it passed into control of his son J. Donald Cameron, later controlled by Matthew Quay and finally Boies Penrose. The organization was financially and fiscally conservative, favoring higher protective tariffs and representing business interests.

The elder Cameron's leadership skills were contrasted with the weaker political abilities of his son Donald, and several Republican defeats resulted in a transfer of machine power into the hands of Quay, who utilized the machine's powers with shrewd effectiveness. The baton of machine boss was then passed for a final time to Penrose, whose death ended its power and influence.