"To Do" for Next Week: Research Independent Senate Candidates
Good insight from A.C. Kleinheider at Volunteer Voters:
I've been thinking about this a lot lately, and I've come to the conclusion that truly independent-minded voters need to start working on November 8 to get solid independent candidates on the ballots for state and local elections in 2007 and 2008 and to spread the word. Whether these candidates can be labeled "liberal" or "conservative" is less important than whether their first political priority is their constituents or their party.
On several occasions I've voted for an independent or third-party candidate for president or for a statewide office. These candidates have never had any chance of winning or even coming close, in part because they are inexperienced. As we look to the future, independents and others who are disenchanted with the major parties need to focus on "little races" that a political novice without much cash on hand can actually win. If you get enough independents in state legislatures and city councils, you can then take a stab at the U.S. House, then the Senate and governorships, and then the presidency.
As it were, Nashville—where local office-holders can't claim a party affiliation anyway—would be a great place to start this little experiment.
My gut tells me that many people have this sense of alienation from these two candidates that is more than a lack of enthusiasm. They are disgusted, appalled and uninspired. Yet when the time comes, and for some of you it has already some, you go in and vote for one party or another.
I'm telling you you don't have to do that. You can either vote your conscience or send a message. The franchise has power. The people have enormous power. It amazes me that people think that they are wasting their vote when they vote for an independent candidate. It is never a wasted vote.
If these independent candidates are so bad, and many people clearly believe that, and, if, as people say, independent candidates cannot win, why not vote for them? What is the harm? The party you like the least gets in power? Will it really be that bad? A tragedy?
I've been thinking about this a lot lately, and I've come to the conclusion that truly independent-minded voters need to start working on November 8 to get solid independent candidates on the ballots for state and local elections in 2007 and 2008 and to spread the word. Whether these candidates can be labeled "liberal" or "conservative" is less important than whether their first political priority is their constituents or their party.
On several occasions I've voted for an independent or third-party candidate for president or for a statewide office. These candidates have never had any chance of winning or even coming close, in part because they are inexperienced. As we look to the future, independents and others who are disenchanted with the major parties need to focus on "little races" that a political novice without much cash on hand can actually win. If you get enough independents in state legislatures and city councils, you can then take a stab at the U.S. House, then the Senate and governorships, and then the presidency.
As it were, Nashville—where local office-holders can't claim a party affiliation anyway—would be a great place to start this little experiment.
posted by Tinley | 11:43 AM
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