According to this story, Minnesota Independence Party leaders would rather not run anyone for U.S. Senate in 2012, and instead concentrate on recruiting strong candidates for the state legislature. Fortunately for the party, it successfully lobbied a few years ago for a change in the definition of “political party”. If a qualified party polls 5% for any statewide race, then it gets the next two elections, not just one election. Therefore, the party won’t jeopardize its status in 2014, even if it skips the statewide races in 2012.
The only statewide races in Minnesota in 2012 are President and U.S. Senate. Ever since the Minnesota Independence Party disaffiliated from the national Reform Party, it has never had a presidential nominee. Thanks to Bill Van Allen for the link.
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However it’s the two races that get the most media notice.
This is brilliant. They could become Minnesota’s equivalent of the Vermont Progressive Party.
I think this could be smart for the IP; ditto on the Vermont Progressives comparison.
As for making a showing the top of the ticket, this is surely risky. However, the IP can target Al Franken in 2014 much more easily than the exceptionally popular Amy Klobuchar in 2012.