That year was the last genuinely contested political convention. In a heated race to amass the most delegates, Ronald Reagan nearly denied Pres. Gerald Ford the presidential nomination.

Repulican Presidential candidate Ronald Reagan (left) and President Gerald Ford eye each other at a podium during the GOP National Convention, Kansas City, Mo., mid August, 1976. Ford won the ...

The magic number needed to capture the Republican presidential nomination in 1976 was 1,130 delegates, and Ronald Reagan was oh so close as the national convention prepared to convene. After ...

Republicans can find solace in the history the 1976 election, when approximately 17 Democrats, most current and former elected officials, competed to succeed President Gerald Ford.