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Nader moving ahead on ballot access

Posted by Foon Rhee, deputy national political editor August 4, 2008 01:38 PM

Ralph Nader's presidential campaign plans to turn in petitions this week to get on the November ballots of seven states, including Connecticut and New Hampshire, as part of its biggest ballot access week.

That would bring Nader's ballot presence to 30 states, including Massachusetts, his campaign told supporters today. It plans to reach 45 states by Sept. 20.

That could make Nader a factor in the fall in some key states. In a CNN poll released last week, Nader registered at 6 percent nationally, well behind Democrat Barack Obama at 46 percent and Republican John McCain at 42 percent.

Nader's campaign, in an appeal for donations, told supporters that if he gets on the ballot in 45 states and can build his poll standing, he could press to be included in presidential debates. Now, there are three scheduled, with only Obama and McCain invited.

"As we move toward November, and as Obama reveals himself to be the corporate candidate that he is, a significant portion of the American electorate will demand an alternative," the Nader camp said. "That's why it is so important to put Nader/Gonzalez on the ballot in as many states as possible. And that is the important ground work we are completing now. Come September, we will be in a position to demand open debates. And present the American people with a viable candidacy that will shift the power from the corporations back into the hands of the American people."

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Lets not forget the Other third party candidates, www.BarrPaul08.com GO BARR / PAUL

Posted by Ron August 4, 08 01:58 PM
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We need Ralph Nader / Matt Gonzalez to be in the debates and Nader supporters deserve to have him on the debates after all our efforts to overcome media and money obstacles to get Nader on the ballot.

He's the only candidate left that will end the war on terror that both Obama and McCain want to expand in what is suppossed to be a turning point election.
It has cose thousnads of lives of troops, civilians in occupied countries and civilians in the NATO countries whose national security s undermined aswell by being dragged into these wars.

Nader/ Gonzalez support:

1 ending the Iraq war AND ocupation in Iraq within a 6 month timetanle
2 were against the Afghanistan war and hopefully will end it (certainly won't increase it) thta has reslted in more Afghan civilian deaths than 9/11 and has therefore increased violence in resistance to foreign military occuption
3 no war in Pakistan
4 no war in Iran
5 cutting overbloated military budgt already taking >50% of gov. spending when US is in debt and has underfunded infrastruce, healthcare, etc.
6 no giving US tax payers money annually to fund Isreal's military that is occupying Palestine illegally, just to pander for AIPAC votes
7 will invest in renewable energy (not nuclear)
8 single payer universal healthcare ( no commeralised "pay or die " system)
9 supports Ni4D

Vote Issues. Vote Independent.
Vote Nader/ Gonzalez 2008

Posted by Student Nader Raider August 4, 08 02:16 PM
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I'm thrilled that the people of my home state of Massachusetts will have the option of voting for legendary consumer advocate/civic lawyer Ralph Nader and his running mate, former San Francisco Board of Supervisors President Matt Gonzalez.

They are 100% dedicated to the American people, because only private citizens (not PAC's, not big business companies, etc.) can make pecuniary contributions to their campaign. As a result, they are only beholden to the needs and demands of the people--not the few, the rich, the elite, like McCain or Obama.

I think MA residents will finally hit their breaking point with Obama's flip-flopping with his recent reversal on off-shore drilling. Enough is enough--there's no "hope" with him, he's just another dirty Washington politician with glitzy smoke and mirrors.

Vote for the Real Deal; vote for peace; vote for social justice; vote for Nader/Gonzalez: www.VoteNader.org

Best,
Nigel
Worcester, MA resident

Posted by Nigel T. Gully August 4, 08 02:43 PM
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I like Nader, although a registered Republican. I think anyone who has heard him speak can tell he's a good man. I'd vote for him.

What I don't get is why ALL presidential candidates are not allowed in the debates. Anything less seems unfair and dishonest... an abuse of power of the worst sorts. Sort of sinister/government conspiracy type. Besides, the debates as they are are predictable and BORING. I can't believe no one has caught on that 'US', the american people, we really like 'reality' shows... A LOT! Having the third parties involved in the debates would be a CASH COW! What we have now are sound bites. It's all a little too dishonest for my liking. I'd like to see these guys & gal in the debates... if only to make them more entertaining and at best to get some REAL discussion going.

I hope Nader shakes things up a bit. Good for him! Success to him and his supports. I can't believe it! Things in AMERICA should not be this hard. What happened to our 'Land-o-Liberty'? It's more like 'sham-a-rama' some days, especially politics over the past few decades.

Posted by Eric Hardison August 4, 08 11:22 PM
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My view on politics has always been to vote not for the party - but for the candidates who's political platform most resembles my own. I consider myself a liberal-leaning independent and, quite frankly, my problem with Obama is that I don't believe he's as progressive as he's made out to be, as progressive as I'd like a president to be. I feel a disconnect between the progressive persona his displays and his actual political agenda. And the closer he gets to the presidential nomination, the more I see him compromising his values that got him the buzz in the first place, the more I see him playing "politics as usual".

It's problematic because I definitely wouldn't want a candidate like McCain in office. And realistically speaking, a vote that is neither for Obama nor McCain makes a another Republican administration more of a possibility. But at the end of the day I remember that you have to stick to your principles. Nader is the candidate that decade after decade does just that. I believe the phrase, "not your typical Washington politician" rightful goes to Nader. When I read and re-read his political agenda, I truly believe HE is the change I can believe in.

To all voters for true social progression: Nader/Gonzales 08

Posted by Monica, CA August 5, 08 08:06 AM
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Nader is still the most qualified, accomplished, and trustworthy of all the candidates. Obama seems like an empty suite opportunist to me. But, I really don't think this country can survive four more years of radical right-wing rule. So, my plan is to vote for Obama if poles show he is close to McCain here in my homestate. If, on the other hand, Obama is far ahead of McCain in the poles, then I will vote for Ralph Nader. Why vote third party? Well, it sends a message to the Dems that I am unsatisfied with them, and hopefully convinces them to change.

Posted by Anthony Fox August 5, 08 03:50 PM
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All candidates should be allowed to debate.

Debates should not be hosted, sponsored or held by big business, main stream media or any other for profit group.


Its time to give Americans a real choice for President.

www.pafundi.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Number of Operations Iraq Freedom and Enduring Freedom casualties as confirmed by U.S. Central Command: 4674


Posted by Ted August 5, 08 06:46 PM
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Agreed with the above, all candidates should be included - Americans need choices, it is the foundation of our democracy!

Posted by Anil August 6, 08 08:47 AM
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