The problem is that the current state of political play makes it virtually impossible to mount a successful third-party challenge. There may come a time in the future when this ceases to be the reality, but for now, we have a two-party system that is badly broken, with little light at the end of that discouraging tunnel.
For the conservative/centrist (or centrist/conservative) majority of the voters in America to find meaningful, effective expression in our deeply desired need for change in the overall direction of the country, we need for Congress to make one small change in the way that our elected representatives do business.
When a candidate makes promises about the things he/she will do once elected, and when our believing those those promises propels that candidate into office, that candidate must be held accountable to do those things promised. If they fail to fulfill on those promises, they should be removed from office immediately.
One way to accomplish this is to instuitute a "two-winner" system. One is the guy who gets elected and goes to do the job. The other is his/her primary runner-up, who sits like an understudy in the wings; goes back to their regular job after the election, like a "National Guard Reservist," but who is ready to be called up if needed.
When the newly-elected official does what he/she said they would, they serve their full term. The first time they turn on their constituents, they get "the hook," and the "understudy" is sent in from the sidelines to take the ball. It is only the threat of immediate replacement that will keep these Beltway-challenged amoebae from shape-shifting once the polls are closed.
Scott Brown joining Snowe and Collins in stabbing conservatives in the back, jumping ship and backing the O'Bunga "Financial Reform" is a perfect example. Had Brown held his ground, that abortion never would have gone to a vote. Scott Brown raped his constituents right up the backside, and there should be an immediate consequence when these scum pull this crap.
Now, I know that the liklihood of such "Immediate Substitution" legislation getting passed is about as realistic as is the chance of a Third Party coming to national success in 2010 or 2012, but without such a change in the way we control our elected representatives, they will continue to operate outside of any control by those whom they would, in a perfect world, actually represent.
Congress' refusal to pass such lagislation would be tantamount to an admission that they reserve the right to break any and all election promises that they so choose. It would at least be useful to get them on record making such a statement. In fact, it might be the piece of the puzzle that eventually gives Americans the impetus needed to create and support, all the way to winning on election day, a "third party" with some teeth.
The "Old Party" to which you alluded is actually the Dem-Rep Cabal that has held this nation hostage for decades. Any new "third party" would, in truth, be our "second" party. So very sad.
;-/
Another requirement is that people pay attention.
Scott Brown was NEVER a conservative, he was simply a Massachusetts RINO who rode the crest of the wave to take Kennedy's seat from the dims. His voting record since then should not be a surprise to anyone.