On October 29, Eliot Cutler, independent candidate for Governor of Maine, called a press conference. Speculation was that he would drop out. However, he said at his conference that he is not dropping out, although he acknowledged that he is unlikely to win, and he seemed to suggest that he would understand if his supporters don’t vote for him. See this story.
Ballot Access News
Edited By Richard Winger
Too bad Cutler didn’t win 4 years ago.
If Shawn Moody and the 1 or 2 other Independents had not been on the ballot, Cutler might have won in 2010. Who knows?
But like the partisans, Independents too have got to develop some type of mutual respect of one another, when it comes to which candidate is or has the greatest chance to win. If one Independent recognizes that another Independent has the best chance to win – especially when there is little philosophical difference – then the weaker Independent should step aside or seek another office.
It would be nice if the states would provide a “INDEPENDENT PRIMARY” and allow Independents to compete for public office nomination, just like the partisans do, buy qualifying with a filing fee or a small number of signatures in lieu of filing fee. And, if a Independent did not want to participate in such INDEPENDENT PRIMARY, he or she could still get on General Election Ballot with a larger number of signatures – but not over 1% of the vote cast in the previous General Election for a statewide office.
But we can dream on. Don’t see such happening – at least in Alabama. However, Independents do have the power to join and cooperate together when necessary, and learn the cold facts of politics, and one of those rules is, when another Independent is running for the same office you are, who shares your philosophy, and he or she has the best chance for winning, get out of the race and not divide the vote!
Tragically dumb thing to do. Tell voters you are a loser and that you understand if they don’t vote for you. Exceedingly dumb.