June 22, 2004
Nader taps Pete Camejo for VP slot
Ralph has named Pete Camejo as his running mate for the 2004 elections. This pretty much guarantees that Ralph will get the Green party endorsement even though he’s running as an independent. Camejo was the Green Party candidate for Governor in California during last years recall, and is the most high profile Green on the national scene.
I think this is a win for the Greens, as they will now have a higher profile in this election than they would have otherwise. I think it's ultimately a negative for Kerry, as Nader will draw more liberal votes away from Kerry than he will conservative votes from Bush (assuming you buy his argument that he appeals to conservatives as much as he does liberals). I think Camejo is a powerful speaker for the Greens and will represent us well in his role.
The real question, of course, is which states will Nader and Camejo focus their efforts? As an independent, Ralph can of course campaign anywhere he wants, but will be most effective in campaigning in states where he has an organization behind him. The Green Party has ballot access in Alaska, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Utah, Vermont, Wisconsin and Washington, D.C. Of those states, Florida, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, and Wisconson are all battlefield states. If Nader focuses his efforts in those states, it will have an impact on the outcome of the election. Perhaps not as much as he would like (or the Dems would fear), but certainly a measurable impact.
I can vote for Nader as a write in here in Missouri, but that seems fairly pointless as he won't get enough votes here for it to make any sort of impact.
Posted by rev_matt_y at June 22, 2004 01:55 PMDidn’t Camejo run for President on the Socialist Party ticket in 1976? I recall the Recall debates and he doesn’t seem to have changed too much.
I’d sign a petition to demand inclusion of Nader and Camejo in any debates.
Posted by: Eric Simonson at June 23, 2004 02:03 AMEric, yes, Camejo did run on the socialist party ticket back in the 1970’s. Millions of Americans back in the 20’s and 30’s were also affiliated, interested in, or supported the socialist party. What does that make our WWII veterans born and raised as young adults in that era?
Fact is, social programs are mainstream in America and the majority of Americans support socialized programs like military defense, public education, Department of Interior, National Parks, the Interstate Highway system, etc. etc. etc. Not to mention the more debateable programs like Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, tax supports for corporations, handicapped, and now under Bush, marriage promotion.
So, does Camejo’s ancient past pose a problem for you?
If you are serious about supporting Nader and Camejo’s participation in the debates, please go to OpenDebates.com and sign their petition which will attempt to open the door to their inclusion in the debates.
Posted by: David R. Remer at June 23, 2004 03:07 AMI am serious. I can only expect that Nader and Camejo are pulling voters from the far left, away from Kerry.
Posted by: Eric Simonson at June 23, 2004 10:42 AMIn response to Eric Simonson: I’m left, perhaps even far left.
I am also disappointed with the left, far or not. As for Nader drawing voters from the left, he is correct when he reports that his core support are those who wouldn’t be involved otherwise. It applied in my case.
Eric, then by all means, sign the petition.
Posted by: David R .Remer at June 24, 2004 11:58 AM
