Billy Wharton – Bronx County Independent Examiner

Somewhere in an office in Albany, a small bead of sweat rolled down the furrowed brow of Andrew Cuomo. He probably just brushed it aside, chalking it up to inefficient air conditioning. Howie Hawkins knows better. That small bit of perspiration was secreted just as a volunteer on the Hawkins for Governor Campaign collected the 15,000th signature to put Howie’s name on the ballot this fall. And, if Hawkins has anything to say about it, that single bead will turn into a downpour as his campaign puts the squeeze on Cuomo at the polls.

For the last three weeks, a motley crew of volunteers and campaign workers have spread out across New York State, petitions in hand, intent on placing the name Howie Hawkins – Green Party on the ballot. Restrictive ballot access laws make this a challenge. Not only does the campaign need 15,000 signatures, 25,000 to be safe, from registered voters, these have to come from one-half of the congressional districts in the state. No easy task for an underdog third party.

But the campaign has met the mark. Every Tuesday night, the Peace Pentagon in the East Village becomes the drop off point for petitioners from throughout New York City. Veteran activists, socialists, and greens make their way up the creaky stairs, petitions in hand, ready to make their contribution.

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