In 2006, the Green Party completed 15 statewide petitions to place itself, or its statewide nominees, on the ballot successfully. Six of them overcame hurdles of 10,000 or more signatures: Missouri, Arkansas, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, and Virginia. Although the Independent Green Party of Virginia is not affiliated with the national Green Party, it is the only party with “Green” in its name that has been on the ballot in Virginia for the past 4 years, so it is included in this list.

The Libertarian Party successfully completed 7 statewide petitions to place itself, or its statewide nominees, on the ballot this year, and only one of them was in a state that required 10,000 or more signatures (that was New York).

The Constitution Party successfully completed 3 statewide petitions to place itself, or its statewide nominees, on the ballot this year, as did the Socialist Workers Party and the Working Families Party.

In last week’s election, the Constitution Party nominee for U.S. House, 3rd district, outpolled the Democratic nominee in two counties, Millard and Sanpete Counties. The Utah 3rd district is represented by Republican Chris Cannon. The Constitution Party nominee, Jim Noorlander, had defected from the Republican Party earlier this year to become the Constitution Party nominee.

The Congressional Directory is a book published by the staff of the United States Congress, every two years. The new version is being prepared for printing. Employees of the Congressional Directory recently asked Senator Joseph Lieberman how they should list him, Independent or Democrat? His answer, revealed by the Senator himself on “Meet the Press” on November 12, is “Independent Democrat.” Therefore, the Directory tally for the new Senate will be 49 Democrats, 49 Republicans, 1 Independent, and 1 Independent Democrat.

Lieberman reiterated his pledge to vote to organize the Senate with Democratic Party leadership.