March 26, 2005
For several years, one of the main goals of the Constitution Party has been ballot-access reform. Tennessee is a very conservative-minded state; but, the voters have not had routine access to the conservative-minded candidates of the Constitution Party. So, it is quite interesting to note that the State House is now considering a ballot-access bill. The committee reviewing the bill, like the House itself, is controlled by the Democrats.
The Democratic Party recently lost control of the State Senate for the first time in 140 years. And, they lost considerable traction in the State House. The only reason they still have as much power as they do in the General Assembly is because of the defection of two State Senators that belong to the less-liberal Republican Party.
But, there is the rub. For many “average” voters, the Republican Party has been viewed as the party of conservatives. But, as various events have proven, this is no longer true – especially at the national level. And, the growing influence of the Constitution Party is reflected by the fact that even the major TV networks covered events by presidential candidate Michael Peroutka. This was a first for the Constitution Party at the national level. It happened precisely because a growing number of former Republicans nationwide now view that party as merely “Democrat-lite”.
All voters of Tennessee need to realize that ballot access for smaller political parties is the norm in the United States. (There are actually over 400 parties in this country.) But, until now, neither of the Big Two thought it was important. Despite the “interesting timing” of this measure, it is one that should be supported vigorously – by voters from across the political spectrum. And, those conservatives that still remain in the Republican Party need to realize that ignoring the Constitution Party will not make us go away. Refusing to build coalitions with more-conservative parties will only cost the Republicans in the long run. And, like the suffering grass, the conservative voters will be the ones that lose if this measure — and the political coalitions that must surely follow — are not vigorously supported.
I encourage every voter — regardless of your political leanings — to call your State Senator and State Representative to demand a fair recognition of all political parties in Tennessee.
