Let’s be civil. The Flathead Beacon encourages vigorous discussion and lively debate, but we will delete comments that attack other readers, make accusations we can’t verify, stray too far off topic, criticize local businesses (call them if you have a problem), convict someone of a crime, use profanity or are simply judged to be in bad taste. We don’t always have someone moderating comments, so we ask for your help: If you see a comment that violates these ground rules, or you simply deem it offensive, please e-mail editor [at] flatheadbeacon.com. The views expressed in the comments section do not reflect those of the Beacon.
By Eric Sundwall on 03-15-08
The idea that third party candidates are considered ‘spoilers’ implies that the major party candidates are somehow entitled to the electorate’s vote.
Every vote that Stan Jones gets is earned and presumably a direct result of the dissatisfaction of the ‘main’ parties. Other than single plurality districts (and favorable SCOTUS rulings) there is nothing that entitles a major party candidates to the vote of the voter.
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By Jack on 03-15-08
It is perfectly OK to have third party candidates run for office. What the state of Montana should do is have a law that states the winner of any state-wide election must get over 50% of the vote to be elected. In 2006, Tester won the race with less than 50% of the vote, so the majority of Montana voters selected someone else. There has been other races like this, too.
If the winner receives under 50% of the vote, then a run-off election should be held between the top two vote getters a couple of weeks after the general election. That way Montanans would be sure to have an elected official that was elected by a majority of voters.
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By Roark on 03-15-08
Roy Brown is a moderate Republican.-the type which has sold true limited government and conservative values down the river. Montana needs a defender of liberty and Stan Jones will do just that. Individuals and business in Montana can NEVER hope to achieve freedom under either Brown and Schweitzer. Stan Jones has my vote.
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By Brent McMillan on 03-16-08
Ralph Nader is not the 2008 Green Party candidate for President. There are currently four recognized candidates seeking the Green Party’s Presidential Nomination which will take place in Chicago the weekend of July 12-14. They include: Jesse Johnson (WV), former Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney, Kent Mesplay (CA) and Kat Swift (TX).
Sincerely:
Brent McMillan, Political Director
Green Party of the United States
202-319-7191
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By Dave Skinner on 03-16-08
Cynthia McKinney? Now THAT’S mainstream!
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By steve on 03-17-08
How about Dave Skinner and Roark on a ticket? They could call thier party: wingnuts on the dole.
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Comments on: Stan Jones: Montana’s Ralph Nader
Let’s be civil. The Flathead Beacon encourages vigorous discussion and lively debate, but we will delete comments that attack other readers, make accusations we can’t verify, stray too far off topic, criticize local businesses (call them if you have a problem), convict someone of a crime, use profanity or are simply judged to be in bad taste. We don’t always have someone moderating comments, so we ask for your help: If you see a comment that violates these ground rules, or you simply deem it offensive, please e-mail editor [at] flatheadbeacon.com. The views expressed in the comments section do not reflect those of the Beacon.
By Eric Sundwall on 03-15-08
The idea that third party candidates are considered ‘spoilers’ implies that the major party candidates are somehow entitled to the electorate’s vote.
Every vote that Stan Jones gets is earned and presumably a direct result of the dissatisfaction of the ‘main’ parties. Other than single plurality districts (and favorable SCOTUS rulings) there is nothing that entitles a major party candidates to the vote of the voter.
By Jack on 03-15-08
It is perfectly OK to have third party candidates run for office. What the state of Montana should do is have a law that states the winner of any state-wide election must get over 50% of the vote to be elected. In 2006, Tester won the race with less than 50% of the vote, so the majority of Montana voters selected someone else. There has been other races like this, too.
If the winner receives under 50% of the vote, then a run-off election should be held between the top two vote getters a couple of weeks after the general election. That way Montanans would be sure to have an elected official that was elected by a majority of voters.
By Roark on 03-15-08
Roy Brown is a moderate Republican.-the type which has sold true limited government and conservative values down the river. Montana needs a defender of liberty and Stan Jones will do just that. Individuals and business in Montana can NEVER hope to achieve freedom under either Brown and Schweitzer. Stan Jones has my vote.
By Brent McMillan on 03-16-08
Ralph Nader is not the 2008 Green Party candidate for President. There are currently four recognized candidates seeking the Green Party’s Presidential Nomination which will take place in Chicago the weekend of July 12-14. They include: Jesse Johnson (WV), former Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney, Kent Mesplay (CA) and Kat Swift (TX).
Sincerely:
Brent McMillan, Political Director
Green Party of the United States
202-319-7191
By Dave Skinner on 03-16-08
Cynthia McKinney? Now THAT’S mainstream!
By steve on 03-17-08
How about Dave Skinner and Roark on a ticket? They could call thier party: wingnuts on the dole.