Welcome to the independent movement!!!!
The Oregon Independent Party is on! Hankster readers should visit their new site, and don't be shy! (Now on The Hankster sidebar...) Here's what's happening:
Oregon has a proud history of independent politics. We are one of 3 states to elect an independent as Governor. Wayne Morse served as an independent in the United States Senate.
Unfortunately, it is now all but impossible to run for public office as an independent candidate in Oregon. In 2005, the Oregon State Legislature enacted House Bill 2614, a law intended to keep independent candidates off of the Oregon ballot by disqualifying all Republicans and Democrats who vote (on anything) in the primary election from signing any petition for a candidate seeking to qualify for the general election.
In response to this new law, citizen activists collected 26,000 signatures during 2006 to form the Independent Party of Oregon. The party was officially recognized by the Oregon Secretary of State in January 2007.
The Independent Party of Oregon seeks to enfranchise the 30 percent of Oregon voters who are not members of a political party and to provide a common sense alternative for voters and political candidates who have grown frustrated with partisan division and special interest control of our elections and government decisions.
The IPO does not adhere to rigid ideology that characterizes many "3rd party" movements in Oregon and America and is not affiliated with any other party on any level (international, national, state). Instead, we seek to recruit members and promote candidates who believe in the importance of good government and who are committed to restoring citizen control over our government processes. We are open to collaborating with members of other political parties in pursuit of these goals and encourage all people of good conscience to join us in that effort....
4 comments:
I've been registered Independent since I could vote and I'm wondering what's the point. Best of luck to Oregon Independents, but our efforts seem futile. We need to make our presence felt in every venue possible. Yet we're not even on the radar, even in progressive-minded sites like the Huffington Post or Unity08.com.
Americans are tired of the "divide and anger" policies of the two ruling parties. You'd think by now everybody would be registered Independent out of disillusionment. The fact that they are not is largely our own fault. Independents need to reinvigorate our agenda with voters. While GOP and Dems squabble over semantics in debates, we need to get in the media's face and reconnect with voters.
Dear Anonymous: Do not despair! I have been at this for 20-25 years and I have never seen such a stellar year or two for independents! Yes, I have been "acused" of not being cynical, but the upshot is that independent voters are making a difference. We're not organized as much as we need to be, and there are many viewpoints on the reasons for that, but I would agree that it's "largely our own fault..."
At the same time, there are many brave and stalwart independents who are getting in front of the media and the candidates with a reform agenda. What's the point? Well, we have something to say that might make a difference in our sad sad culture of destructive winner-take-all horse-race (or dogfight) culture of politics in this country.
Check out independentvoting.org, and keep in touch with the Hankster for developments! And you can call me at 646-567-6641 to chat!
Hang in there!
Nancy
"The times they are a changing..."
Hey Nancy, thanks for linking to the Independent Party web site. Oregonians have a long and proud tradition -- carried on by the Independent Party -- of supporting independent candidates and thinker.
I believe that if the party pursues a rational eletion strategy, we can not only change the terms of the dbate, but also elect some candidates to public office.
Keep up the good work! And let's stay in touch. Let me know breaking news from IPO and I'll be happy to post it on The Hankster. Also, when you have video -- use HanksterTube!!!
Let's have a great independent year, and beyond!
Nancy
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