Third Party Options

Sorry for the vanity, but, due to the unpleasant situation in which Mitt Romney is the favorite for the Republican Party nomination for President, I thought that exploring other options might be an appropriate topic. While Newt Gingrich is still in the running for the Republican nod, his chances do not appear to be good. Although not giving up entirely on him at this point, I thought that exploring third party options might be helpful as a fallback plan. (Caveat: I am not an expert on the parties discussed.)

There are at least 53 political parties in the United States. Apart from the Democrat and Republican parties, there are three others with occasional minor national significance: the Constitution Party, the Libertarian Party, and the Green Party. Of the remaining 48 parties, there are five that are national parties that have a conservative foundation. For the purpose of this post, I will not look at the libertarian parties, nor will I consider those that are moderate or more left-wing in their views.

Apart from the Constitution Party, the five national conservative parties are the following:

Of these five, the America First Party, the Christian Liberty Party, and the American Party appear to be either inactive or so miniscule in activity and efforts that they might be considered inactive for all practical purposes. The Independent American Party and America’s Party appear to be the most active. However, I could not find any source indicating that the Independent American Party intends to have a nominee for President in 2012.

This leaves the Constitution Party and America’s Party as the conservative third party options.

The Constitution Party holds its nominating convention this coming Wednesday through Saturday in Nashville. The favorite for the nomination at this point appears to be Virgil Goode, former congressman from Virginia, although there is a good bit of controversy and dissension regarding his nomination.

America’s Party has chosen Tom Hoefling as its nominee. Tom posts on FreeRepublic as Eternal Vigilance. (Note: I have been a long-time fan of Tom’s posts.)

We should have a better grasp of the Constitution Party after their convention in a few days. If they nominate a suitable conservative who can unite their party, their stock should rise. If they fail, whether this provides an opening for an improved status for America’s Party this year remains to be seen.

I am not suggesting that either the Constitution Party or America’s Party will nominate the next President of the United States. However, as an ardent social conservative, I believe that neither the Republicans or Democrats have left social conservatives with a real option this year (assuming that Romney is the Republican nominee instead of Newt). Consider voting for a third party a protest vote if you will. Criticize it if you will. Each of us must do what we think is right and best. I'm not trying to create controversy with this post. I'm just trying to present information to those who might be interested.

Thanks for the post. At this point, everyone and their neighbor should vote for Newt in the primaries and pray for divine intervention. So vote and pray...

However, once it is officially (it ain’t yet!) Romney vs. Obama, here is my position:

IMHO we need a third option. Romney will not win anyway. But more importantly, it is a matter of principle. I stand before God, my family and my country when I vote, and if the 2 party candidates are but a moving the country closer to the precipice (one in 5th gear, the other in 3rd gear), then there is an obligation not to go with the flow. A third party vote is not a wasted vote - voting for Obama or Romney is.

I think of Judas Machabees (in the Septuagint 2 Machabees 3:58-59) when it became clear that defeat was imminent. He said, “Gird yourselves, and be valiant men, and be ready against the morning, that you may fight with these nations that are assembled against us to destroy us and our sanctuary. For it is better for us to die in battle, than to see the evils of our nation, and of the holies.”

It is better to battle for God, family and our country then cave in. Is anyone out there able to get this message clear to the Tea Party? We cannot endorse compromise without compromising. I refuse to ignore my consience, “hold my nose” and vote for Romney/compromise. If other people vote for Obama or Romney, that’s their business. I have a vote and will cast it accordingly.

Blessings to you!

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