By Afroxander
How did you come to decide to run for governor of California?
Green Party activists in the San Fernando Valley have been asking me to run for political office for some time. It’s about having new and strong voices in the political process. The two-party system has failed. I’ve run for U.S. vice-president during the 2012 national elections under the Justice Party with Rocky Anderson for president. At age 22, I ran for Los Angeles school board. I’ve been involved in other campaigns, including for former Mayor Harold Washington in Chicago and in union representation elections at the University of California system. It’s time for us to rally a new movement for political empowerment, deep economic change, and a clean and green environment for all.
What lessons did you learn about politics and the political process during your time with Anderson & the Justice Party?
For one that this country is not a true democracy. Big money makes elections, makes candidates, forces all the issues. When you only have two parties, you are limited in your choices, especially parties that are beholden to corporate sponsors and making deals. The Justice Party, like the Green Party and others, was one of many alternative voices that had no major media attention nor allowed into the major political debates. The American people deserve better. We need transparent public financing of elections so that big private donors don’t control the process.
Read the full article here.
I may be sorry I’m saying this in writing, but many of us are quite concerned about a Republican influence on the upcoming CA LP convention in March. I’m afraid to say that many involved in the state are still “Rootified”.
“I thought it still needs to be voted on?”
There will indeed be a referendum to get rid of it, but there’s also a bill in the legislature to get rid of it. See here: http://www.ballot-access.org/2014/01/arizona-bill-to-repeal-ballot-access-restriction-advances-in-legislature/
I thought it still needs to be voted on?
@Jose C.
Sorry to hear about your state LP not feeling the need to run candidates. It’s very unfortunate as they are submitting to the powers behind Top Two and giving them exactly what they want.
If you, or anyone in CA, should decide to step up to the plate, please post here. I would gladly kick in a few dollars to help someone willing to fight against Top Two and the system in general.
I am very happy we kicked Top Two in the teeth here in AZ. Now we have to contend with the GOP trying to rig the system in other ways.
Well, since they can’t stop you, screw them and just do it.
Jill:
I was thinking of running for Secretary of State. We probably have a candidate for Attorney General.
Paulie:
The state Party is just not doing anything to help or recruit candidates.
Good point, Jed.
The way top two is structured, I don’t think the party can do anything to stop someone from running as a Libertarian. So, run. Get on the ballot. You have until March 7 to pay the filing fee.
Is the state party actively trying to prevent Libertarians from running or just not doing anything to help or recruit candidates?
We really should try to get someone to run in Waxman’s district, also.
Jose, maybe we should have an emergency meeting of region chairs to talk about it? And yes, you could run for governor.
You could run, Jose.
Great job for the Green Party and for Remezcla on his candidacy. It is unfortunate the Libertarian Party will not have a candidate for governor. This is the first time the Party will not have a candidate for governor in Party history (since 1978 when Ed Clark was our candidate). The Party (The Chair and others in the Executive Committee) feel we should not have any state wide candidates. I disagree with this viewpoint. To many have struggled and paid a price getting us ballet access and struggled and paid a price keeping ballet access for the Libertarian Party. Because some of us disagree with the view point of the Executive Committee I and others in California are trying to get some candidates for state wide office. Sadly it does not look like we will get a candidate for governor.
If any one knows a Libertarian who would run as a candidate for governor in California let me know.
I will report next week which candidates we have that are running for a state wide office in California.
“We have the potential of billion of dollars with a fair taxation policy—taxing the wealthy for doing business in the state, including an oil severance tax.”
Bye, bye wealthy & business in California. The old saying goes “the road to hell is paved with good intentions”. I really have to wonder sometimes if people like Rodriguez actually believe what they say.
I too wish the LP would put forward a candidate, but I’m glad the Green Party and Peace and Freedom Party have each put forward a strong candidate. I doubt either one makes it out of top two, though, which is a damn shame.
“Jill Pyeatt January 30, 2014 at 2:12 am
The LP needs to have someone run for governor in CA. I haven’t heard anyone’s name mentioned in our entire state. I hope someone comes forward.”
Nice to try, but they’ll get knocked out in the primary because of Top Two.
The LP needs to have someone run for governor in CA. I haven’t heard anyone’s name mentioned in our entire state. I hope someone comes forward.