Independence Party of Minnesota makes major change…

Independence Party of Minnesota makes major change to its endorsement process. The party ended its experiment with cross-endorsement. Eric Black writes in MinnPost.com, “The party has gone back and forth on this issue over the years… but the 2008 experience with cross-endorsement was very negative and [Party Chairman Jack] Uldrich said he thinks the party will be firm in the new policy."

It’s a move to protect the independence of the Independence Party brand. Black continued to write, “The most immediate impact of the change is that Dr. Maureen Reed, who was seeking the endorsement of both the DFL and IP in her race for Congress in the 6th District, will completely focus on the DFL process.” Reed is running against Republican incumbent Representative Michelle Bachmann.

In 2008 the party did endorse two DFL (Minnesota’s Democrats) congressional candidates, both candidates lost. Party Chair Uldrich said the dual endorsements “didn't provide any tangible benefit” to the Independence Party.

SOURCE:

http://www.minnpost.com/ericblack/2009/11/24/13752/ip_bans_cross-endorsement_with_implications_for_bachmann_race

Minnesota’s major third party getting close to candidate for Governor…

Minnesota’s major third party getting close to finding a candidate for the 2010 Gubernatorial election. Tim Pugmire writes in an article posted on Minnesota.PublicRadio.org, “(Jack Uldrich, chairman of the Independence Party of Minnesota said) there are two leading candidates for the Independence Party endorsement, but he won't name names. He said neither person is ready to go public, and Ulrich will only say that both have government experience and are currently working in the private sector.”

There currently is one person that has filed to run for the office under the Independence Party ticket, Rahn Workcuff of Minneapolis. According to the article, “Workcuff has run previously for the Legislature, school board and soil and water board.”

SOURCE:

http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2009/10/19/independence-party-2010/

Minnesota’s major third party thinking about making two big changes…

Minnesota’s major third party may make two big changes at their November state delegate meeting.

The Minnesota Independence party will be discussing if the party should allow the state organization and candidates to accept PAC money. Governor Pawlenty eliminated the Minnesota Political Contribution Refund and Independence Party leaders believe that will make it more difficult to raise money.

The party may also end the practice of cross-endorsing candidates from other political parties.

SOURCE:

EMAIL

States are the solution to health care problems…

States are the solution to health care problems argues Peter Tharaldson on the Independence Party of Minnesota’s website. Tharaldson argues that Canada is trying to decentralize it health care to the provinces and the European Union is keeping health care run by the individual countries.

Tharadlson says, “I believe that the federal government should stay out of it. The primary reason is the 10th amendment...but the reason for the 10th amendment is that there are things the states can do better than the federal government.“

SOURCE:

http://www.independenceminnesota.org/blog/posts/286-10th-amendment-solution-to-healthcare-crisis

Two thirds parties could have a major impact…

Two thirds parties could have a major impact… in the 2010 Minnesota Gubernatorial race.

A column written by Blois Olson on Minnpost.com points out “Third-party influence” in the race for governor. The column of course points to the 1998 election of Jesse Ventura on the Independence Party ticket.

Olson says, “DFLers (Minnesota’s version of Democrats) grumble that the IP candidates' vote totals were a major factor in their nominees losing those races.” In the two gubernatorial elections since Ventura’s one term in office Independence Party candidates pulled in 16.1% and 6.4% of the vote.

That number could even be higher in 2010 for an Independent Party ticket. In the hotly contested Senatorial race between Senator Norm Coleman and Al Franken, former Senator Dean Barkley won about 15% of the vote.

Olson’s commentary does not end with Minnesota’s own Independence Party. He writes the Green Party and the Libertarian Party could play factors.

Olson believes the Libertarian Party has the chance to play a large factor if, “(the Republican) Ron Paul faction is dissatisfied with the way it's treated by Republicans or is unhappy with the GOP-endorsed candidate.”

http://www.minnpost.com/bloisolson/2009/06/11/9472/in_minnesotas_governors_race_history_tells_us_to_expect_the_unexpected