EDITORIAL: Third-party votes are wasted

The Washington Times ^ | October 31, 2-12 | Editorial

[jazusamo]

Alternative candidates can’t solve America’s ills

It feels good to take a stand on principle. Knowing you’ve done the right thing for the right reason brings a feeling of satisfaction; third-party advocates thrive on this emotional response. The problem is, voting for an alternative candidate is rarely the right thing to do.

Supporters believe the Libertarian Party’s Gary Johnson would, if elected, be better equipped to restrain Washington spending. The front page of Mr. Johnson’s own website acknowledges that’s not something that will happen. He only seeks enough votes to make a protest statement. “Five percent of the vote ends the two-party abuse and allows Libertarian candidates equal ballot access and federal funding,” wrote Mr. Johnson.

That’s right, the Libertarian candidate wants your vote so he can get a handout from Uncle Sam: matching funds that neither Mitt Romney nor Barack Obama have sought this year.

Mr. Johnson’s complaint about ballot access rings especially hollow considering he had a fair shot at winning the Republican nomination. The former governor of New Mexico could have showcased his excellent record during the GOP primary debates, but his performance failed to excite conservatives.

[WalterSkinner]

.. Romney is riding in on a perfect storm and there has been no mass conversion to the left of center by Tea Party conservatives

The GOP E had better understand that...