--they have less numbers than the Libertarians and as has been mentioned, they probably pick up some votes that are for an "Independent".
In the '98 senatorial election, the margin of victory for Harry "Clinton" Reid was about 400 votes statewide--The Libertarian got about that many, the American Independent got about the same and about 400 votes were "spoiled" and unretrievable in the Reno area. If any of these groups of votes had gone to John Ensign, Reid would have lost--
Even more tragic because Ensign is no RHINO.
Good point and many people who would have voted for ensign voted against him because he softened his pro gun, anti abortion platform and ran more as a moderate.