New Group launched in DC. at National Press Club press conference:
The Nation
1 hour, 41 minutes ago
The Nation -- How many Americans would pledge to cast their votes in November only for candidates who want to end the war in Iraq?
According to a poll conducted for the new group Vote for Peace, 46 percent of likely voters agree with the pledge the group will be promoting in advance of the November, 2006, congressional elections: "I will not vote for or support any candidate for Congress or President who does not make a speedy end to the war in Iraq, and preventing any future war of aggression, a public position in his or her campaign."
One in every five voters surveyed expressed strong agreement, while 26 percent said they were at least somewhat in agreement with the statement.
Democrats, agreement with the pledge rises to 67 percent (33 percent strongly). Fifty-nine percent (25 percent strongly) of Independents agree, while and 26 percent (5.5 percent strongly) of Republicans are on board.
Comment by Doug McNeil
I'm involved in the formation of Voters for Peace, and I'm the cofounder and former chair of the Baltimore Libertarian Party, and former treasurer of the Maryland LP. This group is DEFINITELY open to Libertarian participation, and wants to avoid lefty antiwar arguments, and is trying to invent new antiwar symbols not associated with the left. (We're especially trying to appeal to antiwar moderates, and even conservatives.) The organizers believe that Lib participation is the key to making this group work, because we understand how those voters think, while antiwar lefties don't. We could use your help. I hope that you'll join us. -- Doug McNeil
Comment by Doug McNeil -- 2006-03-17 @ 7:36 am
Press Release announcing the press conference:
One Million pledged to set up online petition
Once again the the country divides seriously enough over a war to vote their conscience.
Will the Democrats stubbornly demand everyone fall in line and vote for a pro-war, pro-Patriot Act Kerry type candidate?
Will Democrats bolt and vote their conscience?
Will Democrats enact Instant Runoff Voting and end once and for all the "spoiler" Nader problem?
So far the track record is:
Alaska: Democrats blocked in 2002
Maryland: Old guard Democrats killed IRV legislation which would have applied to state and federal races; they wouldn't even bring it on the floor for a vote.
Vermont: Democrat loser warns against IRV while citizenry embrace it.
Democrats have the power (the majority and/or governor) to enact IRV legislation in the following states:
The states where the Democrats have both governor and legislature or veto-proof legislature are: Al, Ark, Ct, Ha, Il, La, Me, Ma, Md, Mont, NJ, NM, NC, RI, Vt, WV, Wa; and Iowa, Tenn are a couple of legislative seats away. Ca needs a Democratic governor or a few more legislative seats.