In 1870, Gaines played a strategic role in passing the Militia Bill, which created a state police force to combat lawlessness and to protect against voter intimidation. Gaines was elected to a six-year term to the Senate, but only served four years.
Gaines contributed strategically to the passage of the Militia Bill in 1870, which created a state police force to address lawlessness and voter intimidation. He was elected to a six-year Senate term but served for only four years.