[From On the Wilderside ]

Green Party Governor campaigns to watch in 2010: CA, IL, MA, NV, OH & NY

Several Green candidates have launched campaigns in their states’ races for governor in 2010. The Green Party of California will have a contested primary election for the gubernatorial race, with Laura Wells and Deacon Alexander competing for the nomination, to be decided on June 8.

In recent years, gubernatorial races in some states have given Green Parties high enough percentages to achieve or maintain ballot status and determine the outcome of the election. In 2006, Rich Whitney and his fellow Greens overcame an attempt by Gov. Rod Blagojevich to keep the Green Party off the Illinois ballot. Gov. Blagojevich spent about $800,000 to block the Green Party. Mr. Whitney drew over 10% of the vote on Election Day 2006 and will be on the ballot in 2010.

IW: The only way that the Green Party can regain ballot status in NY is to get 50,000 votes for their Governor candidate in 2010. This opportunity comes only once every four years, and it only applies to the Governor’s race. Gaining ballot status will enable the Green Party to run more peace candidates, more single-payer candidates, more anti-fracking candidates, and more sustainable energy candidates. The last time that the Green Party of New York State had ballot status it set the record for running the most Green candidates of any state. The May 15, 2010 State convention will choose the Green Party Governor candidate. Long Island Green Party members can meet the potential candidates at the May 5, 2010 Babylon Green party gathering at 7pmat the Unitarian Universalist Society of South Suffolk, 28 Brentwood Road, Bay Shore, Long Island, NY 11706.

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