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CHANGES, CHANGES, CHANGES ...
FRANKEN-BARELY?
COLEMAN v FRANKEN?
The counting continues in Minnesota, as does the fighting. The “Minneapolis Star-Tribune” reports Norm Coleman holds a 221-vote lead over the comedian turned senate hopeful. The Republican’s advantage figures to further narrow following a judge’s decision Saturday to count 32 late arriving absentee ballots from Minneapolis. Elections officials maintain the ballots had been kept sealed and could not be delivered because some polling places had shut down for the day.
An official recount is pending. Franken has closed the gap since Election Day thanks to various instances of human error. One such case saw 128 votes inadvertently marked as 28 by a precinct captain.
I’m warming up to the idea of instant runoff. For one … it saves money by eliminating the need for second elections. Voters specify a second choice, which is used in the event no candidate reaches a majority. Third party candidates win in that voters who feel compelled to settle the horserace can first register their choice. This can only lead to the elimination of the “wasted vote” argument. I believe it probably puts manufactured spoilers out of business as well.
LOWERING THE BARR …
This just in … Bob Barr’s presidential campaign was officially pitiful. The Republican turned Libertarian managed less than a half-percent of the national popular vote, in a year when much more should have been possible. Barr finishes fourth behind Obama, McCain, and Nader.
He has a right to be angry. Third party candidates shouldn’t have to spend all of their time fighting for ballot access. They also should be included in the presidential debates, so long as they have a mathematical chance to win. Both Nader and Barr fit that requirement.
BARR VOTES?
I cast my ballot for Barr in Maryland. I know several others who did as well. We didn’t know that we’d need a microscope to see our votes in the final tally. Was it a wasted vote? No more than one for McCain in Maryland. But, it was quite disheartening to see the two-party stranglehold on power continue … unchecked and un-dented. It’s increasingly obvious that the only third party candidate to have a chance will be a celebrity. Jesse Ventura in 2012 anyone?
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Tags: Al Franken, Bob Barr, Election 2008, Frankenberry, instant runoff, Norm Coleman, politics, spoiler
