Bi-Partisan National Political Success

As an Independent candidate for Governor of Maine in 2006, I was fortunate to publish 30 Op-Ed articles across Maine’s largest newspapers exploring bi-partisan solutions across policy areas. The same fighting that has been seen at the national level had been intruding in a similar manner in our traditionally more politically civil state of Maine. The prior state budget, for example, had been passed very narrowly and acrimoniously across strict party lines amid recriminations, name-calling and a lot of twists and turns.

National Electorate Concerns

Nationally, the 2006 mid-term elections sent a message, perhaps somewhat received, of the public’s dire frustration in regard to partisan maneuvering and fighting.

This type of dissatisfaction with the political process is nothing new. Nationally, there has been talk or action regarding impeachment of 3 out of our last 7 Presidents (Democrat and Republicans). This is kind of scary when you think about it and all the moreso that that during this time period there have been additional serious Administrative scandals beyond those rising to talk or action of impeachment and also specific crises of confidence in regard to widely perceived ineffective Presidential behavior as well.

As Goes Maine

I certainly don’t believe, as a whole, in denouncing either of the two major political parties. Certainly in our nation’s history, in the past and also in recent times, we have had esteemed leaders from both the Republican and Democratic parties. As an example, my small state of Maine has recently (continuing to the present in two of the names) had on the national political stage: George Mitchell, Olympia Snowe, Ed Muskie, Bill Cohen, Susan Collins and Margaret Chase Smith. All highly regarded and respected, and a nice mix between Democrats and Republicans.

Maine has also had two Independent Governors. The nation’s first Independent Governor, James Longley (1975-1979), and recently Angus King, who served two terms, from 1995-2003.

Independent Nation

Over 200 years ago we put forth a Declaration of Independence in regard to self-determination of our own future as a United States incorporating certain unalienable rights.

As an Independent politically, I’d of course like to see more Independents elected nationwide. Although I don’t remember the exact percentages, from memory I believe that the number of Independent identified voters nationally approaches or surpasses the number of either Democrats or Republicans. This is rather staggering when you stop to think about it. And it begs the simple yet profound question: Why, with the huge number of Independent identified voters are there not more Independents elected in the United States?

Political Evolution Needed

Some of the answer to this question in regard to the lack of independent public officials that one might expect to find to match the electorate is guesswork, but clearly it is easy to identify some important factors:

1) Our political process is not set up for Independents to get on the ballot. It is exceedingly difficult in many cases. And it is exceedingly difficult outside of the two party system to raise money as well. Fortunately, Maine and a small but growing number of states do lead the nation in regard to that issue, via public financing of elections. However, such financing is under regular attack by established and special interests.

The hold that the two major parties have on the political process in our country - some would call it a stranglehold - is staggering. Certainly, we as a nation would be better off with more choices. And the minor recognized parties also experience these same difficulties.

2) Some individuals who identify themselves as Independent may actually consider themselves swing voters rather than being outside the two party system. That is, they’ll vote for either Democrats or Republicans, based upon their preference in a given case. While certainly some Independents fall here, I believe some are forced into this (or even not voting) due to a lack of viable alternatives beyond the two parties. By viable I mean an alternative with the resources and public perception that he or she can be elected.

The press, driven by ever increasing time and competition pressures that encourage pack and rote mentality as opposed to innovative thinking, often ignores or disparages candidates of promise and potential not as well established.

But There is Hope

No disrespect to President Clinton, but Hope also exists outside of Arkansas. In Maine, each of those two elected Independent Governors were huge upsets, who kept climbing and climbing and climbing until they squeaked in (Angus King won re-election in a landslide). Maine is certainly not the only politically innovative state, but in the 2006 race for Governor in Maine Independent and Third Party candidates again performed very strongly, amassing over 30% of the total vote.

Alex Hammer

In my case, I was in a major accident the month after declaring my candidacy for Governor. Hit by a pick-up truck while a pedestrian, I spent 29 in the hospital and 10 months on crutches. Although I still received significant media coverage, the accident prevented me from being able to mobilize to receive the public financing that would be necessary to more fully inform the public of our campaign and win.

So Where Do We Go From Here

Are you an individual that is interested in the promotion of greater bi-partisan solutions in this country? In Part II of this examination I will look at the growing and leading organizations of like-minded interests in the United States, and how political success in 2008 and beyond is increasingly becoming dependent upon Web 2.0 and other capabilities.

Politics 2.0 includes nationally recognized Independent contributors. I’ve also recently begun PoliticsSpace (http://politics20.ning.com) a social and multimedia political network in which you can make political friends, watch (and if you choose upload) leading political videos as well as photos, get political feeds, participate in political forum discussions and more. You can also very easily email your favorite videos to your friends outside the network to let them know what you are watching and most interested in.

In Part II I’ll also look at a host of new technologies impacting the 2008 Presidential race.

One thing is clear. We live in not only exciting but fast changing political times. Those who participate in and stay abreast of the latest political forums and opportunities will see their reach and influence exponentially expanded.

Thank you.

Alex Hammer

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