Posted on 07/08/2004 6:04:32 AM PDT by Jacquerie
Ralph Nader could make the difference in Florida again this year - if he gets on the ballot.
It's clear Democrats don't want him there as John Kerry tries to defeat President Bush in a state that could go either way. Now Republicans are launching political attacks on Democrats for their desire to keep Nader from being a factor.
When Nader first got in the race in February, Florida Democratic Party Chairman Scott Maddox said he would be watching carefully Nader's efforts to get on the ballot and mount a challenge if he doesn't precisely follow Florida law.
After reiterating those thoughts this week, his counterpoint at the Republican Party of Florida issued a press release titled "Let Ralph Run!"
"In their desperation, the Democrats want to limit the choices of Florida voters in the November election and, ironically, disenfranchise the very voters that they are unsuccessfully attempting to win over," state Republican Chairwoman Carole Jean Jordan said in the release.
Maddox fired back Thursday, saying Republicans only defend election laws when it benefits them.
"We should not be surprised that once again the Republican Party is advocating not adhering to our election laws," Maddox said. "As long as (Nader) follows the law, then we won't quarrel with his right to be on the ballot, but we are going to require that he dots his i's and crosses his t's and follows the law, and I don't think that's unreasonable."
Jordan said it's not that Republicans want Nader on the ballot, but rather the matter should be handled by Florida's Division of Elections and not political parties.
"That's their job and I think they do it extremely well," Jordan said Thursday, adding that Democrats "should spend their resources propping up their abysmal, flip-flopping candidate."
A recent poll of likely Florida voters showed Bush and Kerry had the backing of 43 percent apiece in a three-way matchup with Nader, who had the support of 5 percent. Without the consumer advocate on the ballot, Kerry had 46 percent and Bush 44 percent.
Maddox said point-blank he doesn't want Nader on the ballot.
"Of course not. Ralph Nader is going to act simply as a spoiler, and he does not have a legitimate shot at winning the presidency," Maddox said.
A Nader spokesman didn't immediately return calls.
Run, Ralph, Run!
Want to ensure Ralph Nader gets on the ballot in your state? Go to:
http://www.votenader.org/
Check out the upper left hand corner of the page.
Help them with their petition drive in your state if applicable. At the very least sign their petition. Really want to have some fun, circulate a petition around among friends and family.
Let’s support democracy. Get Ralph on the ballot in as many states as possible.
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