Douglas' single term in office did not particularly help the Democratic cause. He bypassed Irish Americans (a significant force in the party) in appointments, leading to accusations of anti-Catholic sentiment. He also undermined his own position by announcing early in 1905 that he would not run for reelection. According to Charles S. Hamlin, Douglas may have been forced into this position by the discovery by Republicans that he had apparently fraudulently acquired an honorable discharge after deserting during the Civil War. The "quid pro quo" for this information not being revealed was that Douglas not run again. Douglas, despite his labor support, did not have the support of Democrats in the legislature, who helped override several of his vetoes. In the 1905 election, Douglas promoted Hamlin as his successor; the election was won by Republican Curtis Guild Jr.