His attempts during the campaign to finesse his anti-annexation position on Texas alienated many voters .
Though a slaveowner himself , Clay denounced annexation as a threat to North - South sectional unity , as well as a potential cause of war between the United States and Mexico .
Clay 's attempts during the campaign to finesse his anti-annexation position on Texas alienated many voters .
Though a slaveowner himself , Clay denounced annexation as a threat to North - South sectional unity , as well as a potential cause of war between the United States and Mexico .