Colorado had the dubious distinction of having 3 governors in a 24-hour period because of the corruption surrounding the election of 1904.  Republican governor James H. Peabody was up for reelection against former governor, Democrat Alva Adams. Peabody's term had been difficult with significant labor strife occurring in the mining areas of the state which made the election quite contentious. The votes came in for Alva Adams and he was inaugurated as governor in January, 1905. Shortly after the election, however, Peabody sued the State claiming that the election had been rigged. In fact, both sides probably contributed to the corrupt voting system that year. On January 6, Peabody submitted a protest to the largely Republican General Assembly. After hearings were held in the legislature, Peabody was declared the winner two months later on March 16, 1905 under the condition that he resign the next day. Jesse F. McDonald, who was Peabody's Lieutenant Governor, then took office upon Peabody's departure.  The attached documents include the protest by James Peabody in front of the Joint Session of the General Assembly on January 6, 1905, the inaugural address of Alva Adams on January 10 and the resignation of Peabody documented in the Executive Record on March 17, 1905.

James H. Peabody Protest of Election, January 6, 1905

Alva Adams Inaugural Address, Joint Session, January 10, 1905

Governor Peabody's Resignation, March 17, 1905

Jesse F. McDonald, Governor March 17, 1905-1906