able alternative choices. The party leaders and financiers can easily dismiss any objections the basic party members have knowing they will remain good reliable voters.
- The minor parties on the left and right have probably even less power than depicted here. But my space was limited. However, they can in some locations hold significant influence over policies. In Multnomah County the minor parties were instrumental in passing campaign finance reform. Even though Democratic voters, and many activists, supported the reforms, Democratic elected leaders oppose such reforms. But the power and organization of the Green, Progressive, Independent Party and Working Families Parties- as well as some support from Democratic activists carried the day. And they won the election with over 89% of the vote. In deeper red Districts the Constitution Party can have some influence. And minor parties are a factor in promoting new ideas that a major party may later adopt if it becomes popular.
- The Independent Party has proved that it has some growing influence. It was instrumental in helping Republican Ron Noble defeat Democrat Ken Moore in HD-24 by acting as a neutral arbiter of fair and honest electioneering by calling out Moore’s campaign on misleading hit pieces. And Independent Chris Telfer earned 9% of the vote in the race for State Treasurer where the Democrat beat the Republican by only a few percentage points.
- As I’ve said before in more detail, being a non affiliated voter in Oregon is the worst decision a voter can make. Oregon is a “strong party” State. And even when basic party members have little influence, NAV’s have even less. The Parties recognize that 99% of NAV’s will not vote for far left or far right a minor party candidate, and will basically split between the Republican and Democratic choices. This is why political operatives are so keen on “getting out their base”. Except in unusual elections or situations, NAV’s are easily dismissed and appeased with a few platitudes by a political campaign.