Long Shots Loom as Spoilers in Tight November Races Across Nation [Watch the Libertarians]

New York Times ^ | 09/29/2014 | Jonathan Martin

[SeekAndFind]

WASHINGTON — In an election year shaped by voter anger toward the political establishment, the outcome of an unusually large number of close Senate and governor’s races could be determined by the outsize role of third-party candidates.

The potential spoilers include a quixotic former three-term senator, a pizza delivery man and an Alaskan whose name, Fish, summons a favored native food. They represent independents, Libertarians and other parties that have suddenly become relevant — and could affect the balance of power in Congress and decide who runs the governor’s offices in several states.

“If people don’t like their choices with the Republican candidate or the Democratic candidate, then you’re going to see a spurt in third-party candidates, so they can definitely affect outcomes,” said Senator John Cornyn, Republican of Texas.

To mitigate the impact of Libertarian candidates in North Carolina and other states, Republicans are enlisting Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky to appeal to Libertarian-leaning voters. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce last week recorded commercials featuring Mr. Paul, which will air in closely contested states.

[KarlInOhio]

To mitigate the impact of Libertarian candidates in North Carolina and other states, Republicans are enlisting Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky to appeal to Libertarian-leaning voters. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce last week recorded commercials featuring Mr. Paul, which will air in closely contested states.

[12th_Monkey]

Libertarians put democrats into office...

[tanknetter]

Thats why, even though he’s diminished himself as a national/Presidential candidate, Rand Paul is good to have around.

[Trapped Behind Enemy Lines]

Exactly. Three things elect Democrats:

1) Voting Democrat
2) Voting Third Party
3) Not voting.

[pfflier]

Although I agree, particularly with #3, you also might want to add:

4) Mysteriously found ballots on recounts

[SeekAndFind]

RE: Libertarians put democrats into office.

Yep. See Virginia, November 2013.

[pabianice]

Translation: The Old Grey Lady is cranking-up the reasons for a likely Dem defeat next month.

[MrB]

Yeah, libertarian spoilers rarely take any votes away from the democrat.

[tacticalogic]

Exactly. Three things elect Democrats:

1) Voting Democrat
2) Voting Third Party
3) Not voting.

Nobody will notice that that's actually three things that don't elect Republicans.

[Trapped Behind Enemy Lines]

I have been voting since 1982. I have never missed a single election since then. I have observed the following:

1) In not one single instance was the Democrat candidate superior to the GOP candidate.

2) In not one single instance did a third party candidate have any impact other than siphoning off votes from the major party candidate.

3) In not one single instance would it have been preferable to stay at home and not vote at all.

Call me a partisan if you like, but I do believe the observations are all correct and I have never had any regrets about it.

[who_would_fardels_bear]

I have no regrets never having voted for W.

[12th_Monkey]

Yep. Hate to say it, but I’m torn on what to do. I know the establishment Reps are going to put up a crappy candidate and I really don’t want to vote for him/her.

[Trapped Behind Enemy Lines]

In 1984 I voted for RR over Mondale. No regrets.

In 1988 I voted for Bush Sr. over Dukakis. No regrets.

In 1992 I voted for Bush Sr. over Clinton. No regrets.

In 1996 I voted for Dole over Clinton. No regrets.

In 2000 I voted for GWB over Algore. No regrets.

In 2004 I voted for GWB over Kerry. No regrets.

In 2008 I voted for McCain over BHO. No regrets.

In 2012 I voted for MR over BHO. No regrets.

[12th_Monkey]

Don’t think there is a well established left wing party that can pull votes away from Dems.

[tacticalogic]

Okay, you're a partisan.

And the observation about your arguments still stands.

[Trapped Behind Enemy Lines]

It is ALWAYS difficult to unseat entrenched incumbent politicians. Always has been always will be.

Our preferred candidates don’t always win in the primaries. But in my mind that is no excuse to....

1) Vote for Democrat.
2) Waste a vote on a third party candidate.
3) Sit at home on election day.

Both #2 and # 3 are effectively voting Democrat IMHO.

[zeugma]

Yeah, it's all the libertarian's fault. The GOPe has nothing whatsoever to do with it. </sarcasm>

[X-spurt]

You speak the truth and some here will not like being exposed.

[RightOnTheBorder]

I would say that Republicans having nothing to offer small government advocates put Democrats into office. I do not demand the perfect candidate but I refuse to vote for unpalletable ones simlply because they are “better” than the rat. I would like republicans to believe they will never win without a true small government candidate. Until then we will keep getting the McCains and Romneys of the world who will lead us to the same end as the rats, albiet more slowly.