Independent and third-party candidates have always held a larger than life image, with Ross Perot and Ralph Nader being perfect recent examples. Independents are consistently at a disadvantage compared to their Republican and Democratic peers - from a financial, organizational and captive voter base perspective.
Despite the fact that they have never mounted a credible challenge to candidates from the two major parties, their presence have the potential to affect the outcome of an election, as can be observed in the 2000 presidential election won by former President George W. Bush. Democrats contend that Ralph Nader's presence took away some crucial votes from their candidate, Al Gore.
While there have been no notable national-level performances from any independent or third party candidates for as long as we care to remember, it bears reminding that our very first president, and one of our founding fathers, George Washington, ran on an independent ticket - and won!
Former Independent/ Third Party President/s: George Washington (April 30, 1789 - March 4, 1797)
In terms of hedging your bets, the 59-year old former radio talk show host has it down pat and probably created a little bit of history for himself in the process. Alexander has declared his candidacy for the Oval Office seat with two different political parties; the Socialist Party and the Peace and Freedom Party. This will be Alexander’s first attempt for the office after a failed Vice-Presidential bid in 2008.
After being away from politics for the last two decades, former Louisiana Governor Buddy Roemer announced in March last year the launch of his presidential exploratory committee. The 69-year old Democrat turned Republican has cited campaign finance reforms as one of the bulwarks of his platform and has imposed a $100 limit on individual contributions for his potential run. At a Tea Party rally in May 2011, he described the current national political system as disastrous and dysfunctional.
Danny Earl Woodring, a 63-year-old Vietnam vet (DAV) and recipient of the Purple Heart, has joined the race for the presidency as a write-in independent conservative. The telco consultant is running his campaign exclusively from the internet and welcomes assistance from volunteers. The father of five and grandfather of eight currently resides in Palm Bay, Florida, with wife Ina.
Empire State Building. Carnegie Hall. Central Park. Metropolitan Museum of Art. New York Stock Exchange. St. Patrick's Cathedral. Statue of Liberty. Rockefeller Center. Times Square.
Wait. Make that Times Square AND The Naked Cowboy.
Such is the popularity of Robert John Burck, a.k.a The Naked Cowboy, it would be remiss to exclude him from a must-see list for tourists visiting New York City. More so now, after Burck announced his candidacy in September 2010. To date, Burck has still not officially registered his candidacy with the Federal Election Commission.
Potential 2012 Independent Presidential Candidate
Former Governor of Florida
Charlie Crist
Crist single term as Governor of Florida is chiefly remembered for his stewardship of the largest tax cut in the state’s history, and the now- derided 'Cover Florida' healthcare proposal.
His decision not to seek reelection and instead contest for the Senate seat spectacularly backfired when he was defeated by fresh-faced Marco Rubio in the Republican primaries. It forced him to run as an independent, which he saw him again losing to Rubio.
Potential 2012 Independent Presidential Candidate
Retired Middle Class American
Charles Harvey
A non-traditionalist would perhaps be the perfect term to describe Charles Harvey. Throughout his life, the Navy Vet has repeatedly overcome the odds by choosing the road less traveled.
He believes that his wealth of experience and grasp of the prevailing sentiments of the man on the street, gives him a unique advantage in hauling America back to a sensible path and in the process, regain the respect and goodwill we’ve lost to the world.
Despite being politically unaffiliated, Becky Rusher feels compelled to dive into the 2012 presidential election as she believes that the elected members of Congress have forgotten their fundamental tasks as the representatives of the American people.
She finds the political culture of the country as incredibly damaging, and aims to address the deep-seated malaise afflicting the political establishment using simple common sense.
Romney Captures Oregon and Nebraska
