Why do you think plunkitt was willing to the people of his district at all hours of the day and night?

He claimed that if he did all that it would be helpful for both the people and him. He believed that if you are a politician, you work for yourself and in your self-interest. If you find a way to help yourself and at the same time your people and you country, that would be the best, so being available for help was a political move that would help elevate his rank, while also being useful for the people.

The election was held on Tuesday, November 6, 1860. In a four-way contest, the Republican Party ticket of Abraham Lincoln and Hannibal Hamlin emerged triumphant. ... The Republican Party platform promised not to interfere with slavery in the states, but opposed the further extension of slavery into the territories.

1860 United States presidential election - Wikipedia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1860_United_States_presidential_election

Here is a website to get more info.

Election of 1860 - HISTORY

https://www.history.com/topics/american-civil-war/election-of-1860