There are many, many historical markers from tonight’s election. One that must not be forgotten is this: major parties that disrespect voters by trying to eliminate minor party and independent candidates, live to regret it.
In 2004, the Democratic National Committee spent millions of dollars to prevent voters from voting for Ralph Nader. Democrats lost the presidential election of 2004.
In 2008, the Pennsylvania Republican Party spent lavishly to prevent voters in Pennsylvania from voting for Bob Barr. Republicans lost the presidential election in Pennsylvania and nationally.
Also in 2008, the Maine Democratic Party became the one state Democratic Party in the country that acted to eliminate competition in a U.S. Senate race. Maine Democratic Party officials challenged the ballot position of Herb Hoffman, an anti-war independent. But the voters of Maine then re-elected Republican Susan Collins with a stunning 59% of the vote against Democratic nominee Thomas Allen.
As reposted on changeformissouri and reformtalk
—Donald Raymond Lake
Well, I am not sure that is going to convince more Democrats and Republicans to support fair and equitable ballot access laws.
For example, it looks like Democrat Al Franken just lost a very, very, very close US Senate race to Norm Coleman (GOP) with the Independence Party candidate probably making the difference between the two.
I suspect that this will probably hurt my efforts to extend the time period that a MN petition may be circulated.
Looks like the Libertarians reclaimed Monor Party status in PA – based on statewide row offices, NOT presidential candidates. Next year’s statewide signature requirement will most likely be on the top side of 65,000. We need the Voters choice Act! State Senator Folmer is still committed to re-introducing it in the 2009 session. (he was not up for election in this cycle)