Posted on 07/11/2010 1:39:55 PM PDT by Fred
An unusual number of Democratic candidates running this cycle are basing their victory scenarios on the existence of Independent or third-party candidates in their races. Are their hopes reasonable or are they merely grasping at straws?
Certainly there are examples of third-party candidates who had no chance of winning siphoning off enough votes from one major-party nominee to alter the outcome of an election.
Last cycle, in Ohio’s 15th district, anti-abortion conservative Don Eckhart drew almost 13,000 votes, the majority of which might well have gone to GOP nominee Steve Stivers. That almost certainly cost the Republican the election, as Democrat Mary Jo Kilroy won by less than 1 point.
But more often than not, Independents and third-party candidates see their support evaporate as Election Day approaches, as voters realize that a vote for an also-ran is a wasted vote.
At least 10 Democratic hopefuls now seem to be counting on Independent candidates attracting enough votes to allow the Democrats to win with less than 50 percent of the total vote. The list includes Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada, Florida Rep. Alan Grayson , Colorado Rep. Betsy Markey , Michigan Rep. Mark Schauer , Nevada Rep. Dina Titus , Ohio Rep. Zack Space , Virginia Reps. Tom Perriello and Glenn Nye , Ohio’s Kilroy, and Pennsylvania 15th district challenger John Callahan. Click here to learn more!Click here to learn more!Click here to learn more!
In Nevada, even Democrats acknowledge that it will be difficult for Reid to reach 50 percent in November. But they note that the state’s “none of the above” option for voters, combined with a number of Independent candidates, enhance Reid’s chances by dividing the anti-Reid vote.
Most of the attention has gone to Tea Party nominee Scott Ashjian, but Independent American Party nominee Tim
(Excerpt) Read more at cqpolitics.com ...
I expect that both “major” parties will disappear within 10 years, perhaps less.
Right now, the contest for which one goes first is close, with a slight advantage to the stupid party.
2010 is a FABULOUS year to run as an independent.
Ah NO!
I’m here in Michigan’s 7th district and am unaware of a 3rd party candidate running. Mark Schauer is fundraising everywhere but the district to pad his retirement fund before being tossed out in November.
The “Establishment” needs to know that we AMERICANS HATE to Dem-o-crat “Party” with a WHITE-HOT hate BUT we merely dislike RINOs and the RNC.
the
“2010 is a FABULOUS year to run as an independent.”
Maybe so, but running isn’t winning and 2010 won’t see many independents elected.
And don’t forget in Mass where knucklehead Tim Cahill is now running as an indie in the gov race which pretty much guarantees a 2nd term for Coupe Deval Patrick — who’ll sneak in with about 38% of the vote.
So MA does not have a run off for the gov race? Run offs would make all the difference.
Dunno but seems to be paying off for idiot-ridden, RINO Crist .... in Florida..... =.=
If the Tea Party becomes bigger then D and R they will rule.
Yep, well said... I not only agree but think that if the current situation continues (ie. voter fraud without consequences), we will see changes sooner than expected.
A couple of instances in which that is not the case.
1. If the person is actually part of a real effort to build a new and real political party
2. If the person is voting on principle.
“I expect that both “major” parties will disappear within 10 years, perhaps less.”
My bet is in 10 years you will have three major parties; Social Democrat, Conservative and Moderate.
No runoffs. Winner takes it
Tim Cahill is the current Treasurer and lifelong Dem, suddenly turned Indie.
He’ll suck away enough votes from RINO Repub Charlie Baker to put the very unpopular Deval Patrick back into office.
It’s basically Patrick 38%, Baker 33% Cahill 19%
as usual the headline does not match the article.
the writer seems to dismiss each of the DNC so called hopes that there is a strong third party option.
most of these third party people appear to be poorly disguised Dems or disgrunted nutters like that crack pot in the Texas Gov race.
The Senate race in Louisiana will now feature an Independent candidate who just quit the Republican Party. Ernest Wooton is a State Representative who entered the race and quit the Republican Party on Friday.
He claims he entered the race due to his frustration over Gulf of Mexico oil spill repsonse by the Federal and State Governments.
Anyone who votes third party should just avoid the hassle and vote Dim
“2010 is a FABULOUS year to run as an independent.”
Maybe so, but running isn’t winning and 2010 won’t see many independents elected.
Who will they caucus with if elected? The only problem with the two party system is the scoundrels that run for office and get elected time after time
Not sure about Deval winning a second term, his lead is down to 7 points in the latest two polls on RCP.
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