Under French election law, any French citizen could run for the House of Representatives as long as they submitted an application and obtained the joint endorsement of two thousand citizens qualified to vote.
Thus, no formal political parties had yet taken shape; there were only relatively loose factional alliances.
This also filled the election with uncertainty.
Inside a building in Paris's western suburbs, candidate Bouchard looked at Little Fatty seated opposite him and said sternly, "Mr. Rochefoucauld, you must add at least another thousand francs in campaign funds.
"You know, placing a one-hundred-word campaign advertisement in a corner of the Paris Business Daily now costs three hundred francs." The lawyer beside him, named Rocher, immediately nodded. "Or I can withdraw from this election and leave my funds to Mr. Bouchard. Otherwise, neither of us will get elected."
Yes, Rochefoucauld had sponsored two candidates at once. However, he had only given each of them two thousand francs.
"These black-hearted Newspaper Offices—at the beginning of the year, three hundred francs would have been enough for an ad on the second page." Rochefoucauld voiced an exaggerated "protest," then turned to smile. "But believe me, the current funds are sufficient. I mean, for two seats."
The two candidates exchanged helpless looks and chose to set aside the funding issue for the moment. "Then let's discuss which faction to join.
"Given the current situation, we'll be at a serious disadvantage without factional support."
The lawyer nodded. "I suggest the 'Liberals.' Their street speeches are very effective. Most importantly, speeches don't cost much."
"The 'Trade Faction' isn't bad either. At present, the Trade Faction probably has the largest number of people."
After asking about the current election factions, Rochefoucauld frowned. "Forgive me for being blunt, but given your and Mr. Rocher's reputations, you are very likely