In the next few days, it is probable that Gary Johnson will be offered and accept the Libertarian Party of New Mexico’s invitation to run for US Senate for the General Election in November. Unlike his previous Presidential bids, Mr. Johnson will face far fewer obstacles and have much more in his favor. The Libertarian Party is a major party in New Mexico and he is a popular, former two-term Governor of the State. He would be running against an incumbent who has a low approval rating and a first-timer for political candidacy who lacks the experience and charisma of Mr. Johnson. Lastly, the ability to mobilize the necessary machinery to win a race including fundraising and volunteer support is readily available and already on-call.
So, what does this have to do with the rest of the United States? A lot! Since the US Senate only has 100 members, it only takes a few members to act as a fulcrum of power to sway closely called issues one way or another. More specifically, a third-party candidate has the power to vote according to the merits of an issue and not worry about voting according to party lines. I imagine that the politically machinery in Washington is watching the developments in New Mexico with bated breath and readying their own machinery to try an influence the outcome of this race and maintain the duopoly that has corrupted the political system.
The founding fathers foresaw the dangers of a two-party system and unfortunately, we find ourselves in 2018 firmly entrenched and often paralyzed by issues such as immigration, healthcare, social security, and more. Politicians vote to keep their constituents happy and themselves in office, not to resolve issues for the long-term good of the nation. Gary Johnson has already demonstrated the leadership and political courage to say “no” when needed, and in the Senate will have the ability to help turn the tide from political favoritism and cronyism to one of public service. And for the chorus that constantly repeats that voting for a third-party is a wasted vote, I counter by saying that voting for someone as a “lesser of evils” is a wasted vote. In the final analysis, isn’t this what America truly needs? Voters to exercise their choice to vote and change a system that has ignored them time and again.