Random Thoughts on Third Parties
I like third parties. Granted, they do not have much of a chance to win in any election, but I certainly do like them. Some third parties advocate particular agendas (ie. Greens, Libertarians), while others exist to, well, exist (ie. the Light Party or Pansexual Party).
There are two things that I like to mention about thirds in this posting. First, when searching around on the Internet, please note that the Green Party has candidates for all statewide elections in Illinois. The reason why I feel that this is noteworthy is that the they are the only third party with a slate of candidates in each state race. The Libertarian Party chose not to field a slate of candidates this time around. With the dismal showing of Cal Skinner four years ago, the LPI decided to regroup and retool their organization in 2006.
As for the Greens, three candidates have websites regarding their candidates. Please visit them. Two are up-to-date, while one still touts her candidacy for Illinois House of Representatives. For the most part, the three sites are easy to navigate.
Rich Whitney (Gov.): whitneyforgov.org
Julie Samuels (Lt. Gov.): juliesamuels.com
Dan Rodriguez-Schlorff (State Treasurer): www.schlorff.com
Other candidates, without websites:
David Black for Attorney General
Karen Young for Secretary of State
Alicia Snyder for State Comptroller
If you know of any website updates for these candidates, please email me at schreck@morainevalley.edu
The second third party posting regards Kinky Friedman for Governor (I-TX):
You have to see the commercials for the Kinky Friedman Talking Action Figure. On his website, http://www.kinkyfriedman.com/, you will find three such commercials. In one of the commercials, you will find a certain interim US Senator from Minnesota asking the Friedman figure a question. That's Dean Barkley, former US Senate appointee of then-Governor Jesse Ventura, and now Friedman's Campaign Director and Chief Strategist. Friedman's poll numbers are ahead of Ventura's at this stage of the game. Friedman polls 10-12% and he is not even on the ballot yet. Once Friedman gains ballot access in Texas, he'll certainly be worth watching. The race in general is worth analyzing because there will be four candidates on the ballot (access permitting, of course). Current Governor Rick Perry (R) will be the party nominee for the GOP. A contested Democratic primary will field a nominee. There will also be two Independent candidates. Current State Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn (I), dropped her bid for the Republican nomination and became an Independent. Finally, there's Richard. Kinky to his friends. Perry is heavily favored, but with a four-way race, anything can happen. If Friedman is allowed to debate, then look out. Ventura gained access to public debates in Minnesota and wiped the floor clean with his opponents. The same could happen with Friedman. Wait and see.
In the meantime, visit his website (mentioned above).
There are two things that I like to mention about thirds in this posting. First, when searching around on the Internet, please note that the Green Party has candidates for all statewide elections in Illinois. The reason why I feel that this is noteworthy is that the they are the only third party with a slate of candidates in each state race. The Libertarian Party chose not to field a slate of candidates this time around. With the dismal showing of Cal Skinner four years ago, the LPI decided to regroup and retool their organization in 2006.
As for the Greens, three candidates have websites regarding their candidates. Please visit them. Two are up-to-date, while one still touts her candidacy for Illinois House of Representatives. For the most part, the three sites are easy to navigate.
Rich Whitney (Gov.): whitneyforgov.org
Julie Samuels (Lt. Gov.): juliesamuels.com
Dan Rodriguez-Schlorff (State Treasurer): www.schlorff.com
Other candidates, without websites:
David Black for Attorney General
Karen Young for Secretary of State
Alicia Snyder for State Comptroller
If you know of any website updates for these candidates, please email me at schreck@morainevalley.edu
The second third party posting regards Kinky Friedman for Governor (I-TX):
You have to see the commercials for the Kinky Friedman Talking Action Figure. On his website, http://www.kinkyfriedman.com/, you will find three such commercials. In one of the commercials, you will find a certain interim US Senator from Minnesota asking the Friedman figure a question. That's Dean Barkley, former US Senate appointee of then-Governor Jesse Ventura, and now Friedman's Campaign Director and Chief Strategist. Friedman's poll numbers are ahead of Ventura's at this stage of the game. Friedman polls 10-12% and he is not even on the ballot yet. Once Friedman gains ballot access in Texas, he'll certainly be worth watching. The race in general is worth analyzing because there will be four candidates on the ballot (access permitting, of course). Current Governor Rick Perry (R) will be the party nominee for the GOP. A contested Democratic primary will field a nominee. There will also be two Independent candidates. Current State Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn (I), dropped her bid for the Republican nomination and became an Independent. Finally, there's Richard. Kinky to his friends. Perry is heavily favored, but with a four-way race, anything can happen. If Friedman is allowed to debate, then look out. Ventura gained access to public debates in Minnesota and wiped the floor clean with his opponents. The same could happen with Friedman. Wait and see.
In the meantime, visit his website (mentioned above).
posted by Political Science Prof at 9:50 PM
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