Michael Moore says, “Vote Green!”
Sometimes when the Democrats suck, they really, really suck. And sometimes, you gotta teach ‘em a lesson. And hey, it’s not like the Republicans would be overjoyed either. We can crack the two party system.
***
Here are some elections where the Democrats have all but surrendered to their opponents or are equally conservative, leaving you the option of voting your conscience without feeling guilty.
HOUSE of REPRESENTATIVES
California, District 12
Republican Mike Garza is running against incumbent Tom Lantos, a Democratic war hawk who helps blur the line between the two major parties. He’s angered his constituency by voting and behaving like a Republican, leaving no clear choice for voters in the area. That’s where the Green Party’s Patricia Gray comes in. A former teacher, artist, and social activist, she has organized for issues like universal health care, energy deregulation, and public funding of political campaigns. She stands a decent shot at winning, too, as part of San Francisco is included in her district, and there is a strong anti-Lantos movement. So we’ve got an experienced Green running for office in a highly progressive area with no real Democratic candidate? Sounds like her election could be pretty achievable. So, for all you Democrats out in District 12, give a little back. You want help from non-Democrat lefties across the country in the Presidential election? Then why don’t you take one for the team and vote for Pat Gray.
Colorado, District 4
Republican Representative Marilyn Musgrave is running for re-election. You may remember her proposed constitutional ban on gay marriage that was so absurd, even her home county GOP voted against it. She’s extremely conservative, even for a Republican, and it’s just about time to show her the door.
In the absence of a Democratic candidate, the Green Party began campaigning for their candidate, Bob Kinsey, who earned the endorsement of the local Democratic Party. Unfortunately, the Dems just recently pulled it together and chose a candidate, Stan Matsunaka, who may not be the best choice, considering he lost to Musgrave in 2002 by 25,000 votes.
With no strong Democrat ready to put up the necessary fight, it looks like Musgrave will have little trouble securing her re-election. Unless Bob Kinsey can put a stop to that. He could potentially attract middle of the line voters, who are fed up with Musgrave’s ultra conservative agenda and see little potential in unpopular Matsunaka. And he is a true progressive, so your conscience can rest easy.
RESOURCES
Heres a list of every Green running for office, both on a local and national scale. There will be a more coordinated Congressional campaign kicking off soon.
