Political science professor Michael McDonald has this short article posted at pollster.com. He finds a relationship between periods when the major parties are ideologically cohesive, and periods of relative minor party success. Then he notes that we are in a period when the Democratic and Republican Parties are quite cohesive. Ergo, he predicts a good year for minor parties (and, presumably, independent candidates, although he doesn’t mention them specifically).
Ballot Access News
Edited By Richard Winger
From what I read I would have to say “good” (as in minor parties having a good year) is certainly a relative term. It may well be true that some independent candidates will do very well and perhaps even win (a la Charlie Crist) but most of those are just major party retreads who could not win their own party’s nomination for one reason or another. I remain unconvinced that any meaningful change is in the works. I sure hope I am wrong.
It especially will be good for the Nevada IAP
It’s going to be a good year for the Libertarian Party of Ohio…they already have candidates for almost every office.
But ‘good’ is a relative term. They have a few races that are one on one with one of the major parties. With some hard campaigning and some well placed campaign contributions it would be possible to win.
I wish both posters above the best of luck. Please report back after election day with your victories. I am fairly certain there will be none in either Nevada or Ohio.
I would hope that good does not mean getting 7% vs 3% of the vote. I can see some libertarians getting elected this year in a state legislature if those candidates do the work.
I SEE NO REAL GAONS FOR MINOR PARTIES BUT LETS WAIT UNTIL AFTER THE NOVEMBER ELECTION.