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Third parties play vital roles in elections

By Nate Bloomquist
Apache Editor

Talk of third party candidates usually conjures up images of a pie chart pushing, fast-talking Ross Perot. And while Perot has chosen to stay out of this year’s election, the Reform party, the ticket under which he ran in 1992, has a definite presence in this year’s election.

Although third party candidates rarely make a major impact on the turnout at the polls (Perot had only 19 percent of the popular vote in `92 with no electoral votes), they can play in important role in each election. These candidates have been able to bring important issues to the forefront of previous elections. This year’s election is no different.

One such third party candidate on the ballot this year is Patrick Buchanan. The former CNN news analyst is running under the Reform Party ticket. Among others, the party’s platforms include: the repealing of the Federal Elections Commission, a withdrawal from the World Trade Organization (WTO), and from the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Buchanan’s Vice Presidential nominee is conservative activist Ezola Foster.

Ralph Nader and Winona LaDuke represent the Green Party ticket. The Green Party is also for withdrawing from NAFTA and the WTO, in addition to universal health care and tougher laws for protection of the environment. Nader, 66, is the author of the 1965 book Unsafe at Any Speed, which attacked the safety of automobiles.

Harry Browne, with running mate Art Olivier, are on the ballot for the Libertarian Party. The party stands for smaller government with limited taxing powers. The party is also in favor of repealing gun control laws. The party is against censorship, and seeks an open immigration policy.

Dr. John Hagelin, PhD represents the Natural Law party. His running mate is Nat Goldhaber. The party believes in a ‘prevention-oriented government’ and in streamlining the federal government. The party supports improvements in various areas through science.

Members of third parties shed light on a variety of different issues and have ideas that aren’t available in mainstream politics. For more information, each party has it’s own website.

Presidential Candidates

Non-Partisan Information Web Sites

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