Ken Lindell was a Republican member of the Maine State House during the 2005-2007 term. While he was in office, he tried to pass a bill that would have substantially eased the definition of “political party”. His bill would have let a party be recognized if it had a state organization. His bill did not pass. A somewhat similar bill in that session, sponsored by Green Party legislator John Eder, also failed to pass. Also, a somewhat similar bill also failed to pass in the 2007-2008 session.

Lindell was defeated for re-election in November 2006. However, he won a 3-person Republican primary last month for the same seat, the 41st State House district. The incumbent Democrat is not running for re-election. Lindell was once a member of the Libertarian Party, and it seems likely that if he is elected this year, he will work for a better definition of “political party” in 2009. Maine requires a party to poll 5% for either Governor, or President, at either of the last two elections, to remain on the ballot. The median vote test in the 50 states is 2%.

On July 16, the Federal Election Commission approved $411,187.85 in primary season matching funds for Ralph Nader. Primary season matching funds are only for candidates who are seeking the nomination of a political party. Nader is seeking the nomination of many political parties that are qualified in just a single state. Also, one can say he is seeking the nomination of the Independent Party, which he created this year and which is ballot-qualified in New Mexico and Hawaii. Here is a link to the FEC press release. Thanks to Bob Marston for this news.