From the AP
NY Gov. Paterson says he’ll seek full term in 2010
The AP story is short and sweet and gives out Governor David Paterson’s new campaign web-site:
http://www.PatersonforNY.com
KW: As a third party activist, the information about Governor Paterson’s decision is uniquely important to me. In New York, ballot access for independent political bodies and third parties is entirely defined by the Governor’s race every four years.
As it stands, in order to keep “enrollees” at the Board of Election, and the status of independent political body, a party such as the Green Party must place a Governor candidate (their own or cross endorsing someone else’s) on the ballot. That means collecting 15,000 signatures statewide – not an easy task. In order to become a “political party” with enrollees and clear rights to ballot status every election (which helps with local races) a group must get 50,000 votes for Governor (an even harder task.)
So, Governor David A. Paterson’s decision has set the political world in NY in motion for 2010. Organizations like the Green Party, the Libertarian Party, and even new issues groups, will have to make decisions: Should they run their own, independent candidate? Should they cross-endorse a major party candidate? Should they make the huge and weighty decision to stay out of the Governor’s race – losing a once-every-four-year-opportunity to organize?
We do not know what the Green Party as a whole will do. Though, the choice the last several cycles has been to run an independent candidate for Governor. And, we can guess that it what happens next. But, Ian and I are committed to starting to think about this Governor’s campaign now, and to start working on it as of November 5th.
If you are interested in running for Governor of NY on the Green Party line, or helping in the effort, get in touch with your local greens, or with the state party. Or, feel free to call us. We are putting ourselves in motion: Kimberly and Ian Wilder (631) 422-4702. votewilder at yahoo dot com.
Filed under: election, elections, Governor Paterson, green, Green Party Websites, local, New York State Politics, News, Political Websites, progressive politics, third party Tagged: | David Paterson, Election 2010, Governor, Governor Paterson, GPNYS, Green Party Websites
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