AUGUST 2, 2010
PRESS RELEASE: LIBERTARIAN PARTY OF COLORADO WELCOMES TANCREDO TO GOVERNOR’S RACE
Following the official entry of former Congressman Tom Tancredo as a third party candidate into the Colorado gubernatorial race, the Libertarian Party of Colorado is expressing enthusiasm for an increased level of competition in this year’s gubernatorial field, which includes not only Libertarian candidates, but also Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper and either Republican Scott McInnis or Dan Maes.
“Unlike the state Republican Party, we welcome competition,” said David K. Williams, Jr., Chair of the Libertarian Party of Colorado. “If competition is good for public schools – and it is – competition among political parties is even better,” Williams said.
Dick Wadhams, State GOP chairman, has called Tancredo’s entry into the race “reprehensible.”
“What is really reprehensible is a two party system that gives the citizens of Colorado two horrible choices for governor,” Williams said.
The Libertarian Party of Colorado has an August Primary in the gubernatorial race between Jaimes Brown and Dan “Kilo” Sallis. “The level of competition within our own party makes us stronger, and the race between Scott McInnis, Dan Maes and Tom Tancredo is no different,” said Williams.
“Republicans and Democrats make the election rules,” added Williams. “It is entirely disingenuous for them to complain when third parties play by those rules. The claim that any third party candidate ‘steals’ votes from the two party duopoly is arrogance at its worst. Citizens own their votes, political parties do not.”
“The only wasted vote is a vote for more of the same,” said Williams. “If you vote your conscience your vote is never wasted. Voting for someone you do not approve of just because of their political affiliation is group-think at its worst. Coloradans should reject the herd mentality and think for themselves.”
LIBERTARIANS SUPPORT APPROVAL VOTING
A voting system exists that makes the alleged third party “spoiler” problem moot. If the Democrats and Republicans don’t want their elections “spoiled,” they can legislate away the problem by allowing Approval Voting.
Approval Voting allows each voter to decide on the merits of each candidate independently of the other candidates and place multiple votes. If a voter approved of McInnis, he could also approve of Tancredo.
“The Republicans have created their own problem,” said Williams. “They should take responsibility and quit blaming third parties for their own incompetence.”
The LPCO encourages all Colorado voters to vote their conscience, regardless of party affiliation.
