How did the Libertarian Party, Other independent candidates do?

by Clifford F. Thies

This was not a good year for third parties, except perhaps for the progressive Liberty Union of Vermont. The once significant Independence and Reform parties have shriveled to near nothing status. The Libertarian Party continues at about 1 or 2 percent of the vote in statewide races. And, the Green Party continues to flounder as a nationwide organization, with only scattered displays of existence.

Georgia LP fails to gain "Balance of Power"

Minor parties attained the balance of power in only three Congressional races. These were NY23, where the Conservative Party candidate drew 6 percent of the vote and threw the election to the Democrat. CA11, assuming the razor thin margin of the current frontrunner holds up, where the American Independent Party got 5 percent of the vote and succeeded in re-electing the Democrat. And, IL8, where the Green Party candidate got 3 percent of the vote and enabled the Republican to turn the Democrat out of office.

If you noticed that, in all three instances, the minor party helped the opposite major party, this is what minor parties do. Hopefully, not too often. Just enough so that the major party doesn't get too comfortable moving toward the center of the political spectrum.

One somewhat bright spot for the Libertarian Party Scott Kohlhass, our Libertarian buddy in Alaska, who agree to "caucus" with the GOP if elected, scored 30 percent of the vote in his attempt to be elected to the lower house of his state's legislature. It was certainly dissapointing he didn't get elected though. Another downer for the LP, their best shot to pick up a state house seat in New Hampshire with Brenden Kelly was unsuccessful. He placed 5th in a field of 8, (first 4 won seats).

In Georgia, the Libertarian candidate for Governor looked as though he might keep the Republican below 50 percent and force a run-off between the Republican and the Democrat. However, the voters of that state decided that they had had enough of politics for one year, and put Nathan Deal over the 50 percent mark.

Even Libertarian Party website describes mediocre results

The Libertarian Party website describes an "about average" election year. Their candidates for US House received approximately the same percentages as usual. One decent showing; Edward Gonzalez running for Congress in a San Francisco Bay area, with only a nominal write-in option for the GOP on the ballot. Gonzalez polled over 7% as a Libertarian.

No significant offices were won by the LP. A handful of minor offices were won. From LP.org:

Kathy Woolsey for Charleston County (SC) Soil and Water Commission - 53%
Jim Culberson for Sebastian Inlet Tax District (FL) - 62%
Ron Skrutski for Lee County (FL) Soil and Water Conservation District - unopposed
Tom Clark for Lee County (FL) Soil and Water Conservation District - unopposed
Kim Hawk for Lee County (FL) Soil and Water Conservation District - unopposed

In Wayne County, Indiana, Cheryl Heacox was elected to the Clay Township Board. (It was a partisan "vote for 3" election, and she was one of the three candidates elected.)

In Arizona, Scott Stewart was re-elected to the Pima Community College Board for a six-year term. (Non-partisan race.)

Typically, the Libertarian Party elects at least 10 to 15 of its members to local offices each election cycle. So, this is a bit of a drop.

The buxom blonde Madam in NYC

In New York, our buxom buddy Kristin Davis, first with the Libertarian Party, later with the Anti-Prohibition Party, only pulled 20,000 votes, about one-half of 1 percent. And, this was in an election in which the Republican candidate was discombobulating.

We will also mention that in Colorado, the Republican candidate for Governor got 11 percent of the vote and, so, preserved ballot status for the Grand Old Party in that state. We presume the guy will now return to deep undercover status with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. Of course, Tancredo got 38% of the vote for Colorado Gov. under the American Constitution ticket.

As to why the third parties did not play a more significant role, we can cite the decision by the Tea Party movement to act within the Republican Party, challenging the party establishment, infusing the party with new candidates, enthusiasm, volunteers and money. This strategy enabled the Republicans to make a dramatic comeback, although it also presented the party with a few rough edges.

In 2012, I think we can look to a strong Green Party or other progressive-socialist party attempt to discipline the Democrats for "selling them out" during the two years they had hegemonic control over Washington. Just be sure to sign their petitions when you are asked.

Thies is a former Libertarian National Committee member, fmr. LP National Treasurer fmr. Maryland LP State Chair and fmr. LP candidate for US House - Montana. Dondero contributed to this article.