Independent Ralph Nader wins Reform Party endorsement

KATU (AP) ^ | May 12, 2004 | Sam Hananel

[EllaMinnow]

WASHINGTON - Independent presidential candidate Ralph Nader has been endorsed by the national Reform Party, giving him ballot access in seven states, including Florida and Michigan, party leaders announced Wednesday.

Nader spokesman Kevin Zeese said Nader welcomes the support but plans to continue running as an independent. He said Nader would decide on a case-by-case basis whether to accept the ballot lines in each state.

"This shows that Nader can garner support from across the political spectrum, including conservatives who supported Bush in 2000," Zeese said. "The naysayers who said Nader could only get liberal votes are being proven wrong. Conservatives are upset with Bush and looking for an alternative."

Zeese said Nader spoke to Reform Party leaders via conference call Monday night and asked for their support.

Other states in which the Reform Party has already secured ballot access for its nominee include Colorado, Kansas, Mississippi, Montana and South Carolina. Nader is not yet on the ballot in any state.

"Ralph Nader has stood up for the rights of American citizens his entire life," Reform Party USA Chairman Shawn O'Hara said in a statement posted on the party's Web site. "He is a man of peace, and with the help of every citizen who did not vote in the primaries, he can win the November presidential election."

The Reform Party USA said it has more than 1 million active supporters, who Zeese said Nader will use to help him gain ballot access in other states.

Reform Party founder Ross Perot received more than 19 million votes when he ran for president in 1992 and more than 8 million votes in 1996. The party endorsed maverick conservative Pat Buchanan in the 2000 election.

[EllaMinnow]

I searched for it after seeing your post - thanks!

[Tigercap]

Run, Ralph, run!!!

[ChadGore]

Does this mean he gets on the ballot in all 50 states ?

[EllaMinnow]

He's on the Florida ballot now - YAY!

[EllaMinnow]

No, just 7 states - but there are some biggies, like Florida and Michigan.

[Steven W.]

this is hilarious - now the deformed party is really living up to its expectations.

[rocky88]

thanks for posting this - I really needed some good news today

[COBOL2Java]

Wow. The Little General's Party has come a long way. Where are "the volunteers?" hehe.

They're Coming To Take Me Away aka The Little General's theme song, brought to you by Paul Shanklin.

[EllaMinnow]

LoL. Nader running in Perot's paty...this is funny.

[Lunatic Fringe]

Nader is not yet on the ballot in any state.

And until he is, I have as much of a chance swinging the election as Nader does...

[EllaMinnow]

He has ballot access now, which is more than he had yesterday.

[Mr. Lucky]

If you're only on the fringe of lunacy, I'd say you actually have a better chance of getting elected than Ralph.

[CWOJackson]

Go Ralph Go. At least the reform party isn't picking a complete loser this time.

[Dog Gone]

"This shows that Nader can garner support from across the political spectrum, including conservatives who supported Bush in 2000,"

I fail to follow the logic. Reform Party voters in 2000 didn't support Bush.

[johnfrink]

"The Reform Party: We'll nominate a necrophiliac goat if it'll win us matching funds!"

[no dems]

You're welcome. Thanks for posting.

[no dems]

And the Kerry camp must be sick at heart about now.

[PhiKapMom]

Thanks for the link -- that is one of my favorites! Everytime I hear the name Perot, the song about Little Big Ears runs through my mind!

[boxsmith13]

This is HUGE!!!!

This could be the kiss of death for Kerry.

it is likely he will be able to get signatures much more easily now.