Few holdouts hang on to unusual political parties

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review ^ | Monday, April 26, 2004 | Matthew Junker

[Willie Green]

Increasing numbers of Pennsylvanians who register to vote are identifying themselves as members of third parties, despite a closed primary system that permits only major party members to cast ballots in Pennsylvania's primary elections.

Voters are asked to select a party affiliation when they register to vote. And an analysis of voter rolls in Westmoreland County shows that some people are choosing historic -- even eccentric -- political parties.

Four county voters, for example, are registered as Whigs. The party last held serious sway in 1856, before it was absorbed into the newly organized Republican Party.

"Obviously, the Whigs, it's hardly a burgeoning movement," said Robert G. Buckingham, of Hempfield Township, who alone makes up 25 percent of the county's Whig party membership.

[Willie Green]

ping

[untenured]

Four county voters, for example, are registered as Whigs.

Is this option available where you are?

[Joe Hadenuf]

Increasing numbers of Pennsylvanians who register to vote are identifying themselves as members of third parties, despite a closed primary system.

Many are completely disgusted with the two beltway parties. I give them another cycle or two before their power starts slipping away.

[martin_fierro]

Four county voters, for example, are registered as Whigs.

That's a Meetup I'd like to see.

[Mr. Bird]

I give them another cycle or two before their power starts slipping away.

Highly unlikely. H. Ross Perot was the zenith of third (or "other") party viability. A dual party system can work, but there must be distinctions with a difference between the two. Personally, I still see the differences. Others do not. If they choose to vote for another party, that's their choice.

[DM1]

I am hoping to see a Green Party that has just enough force to keep bleeding the Dems but not to win any real elections
now that would be a fun party ;)

[proxy_user]

"The county's only Anarchist also has an unlisted phone number -- and true to his party's ideals, hadn't bothered to tell authorities that he had changed his address.

I'm surprised he registered...

[Billthedrill]

I had hopes for the Monster Raving Loonie party when Kucinich became available, but it looks like it isn't gonna happen...

[TheBigB]

What's that old joke about trying to call a meeting of an Anarchist Club to order...

You can't do it, because everytime you try, everyone yells "Fascist!" and leaves. :)

[Just another Joe]

A dual party system can work, but there must be distinctions with a difference between the two. Personally, I still see the differences.

I, too, can still see differences but they are becoming smaller and smaller as time goes on.

[Skooz]

When I first registered to vote, I did so as a Tory.

The registrar was not amused, but filed it anyway.

[Joe 6-pack]

I don't belong to an organized political party...I'm a Republican.

[KC Burke]

Is this option available where you are?

LOL, it does my heart good that I have at least had enough notice to some of my ramblings about "old whiggism" to give rise to that question. Thank you.

If I could,
but build a bridge,
a span it would be
to the eighteenth century!

[inquest]

Increasing numbers of Pennsylvanians who register to vote are identifying themselves as members of third parties, despite a closed primary system that permits only major party members to cast ballots in Pennsylvania's primary elections.

Well there's a welcome trend.