[x]

There's some debate about whether the GOP really began as a third party. The Whigs had broken up and the "Opposition" which included Whigs and many who became Republicans actually became the largest party in the 1854 elections.

But pedantry aside, there's a built in bias in US politics towards a two party system. If it prevailed a third party would just step into the shoes of one of the major parties. It wouldn't change much over time (unless some radically new issue comes up).

Best to stick around with the Republicans and pick up the pieces if things go wrong.

[Bear_Slayer]

Whigs and many who became Republicans actually became the largest party in the 1854 elections.

Maybe the republicans and democrats could do the same thing.