Virtually Unknown Presidential Candidates: The Independents

If you have been watching the news lately you may think there are only 5 or 6 candidates running in the 2008 presidential election. Most of us are aware of Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, Mitt Romney, Fred Thompson, and John Edwards. Contrary to popular belief, there are political parties represented other than Republican or Democratic, and there are currently over 100 announced presidential candidates representing several political parties or running independent (not affiliated with any particular party).

Although the media doesn't give many of these other candidates attention, I think it is time Americans know they have many choices when it comes time to vote. Having a lot of campaign money does not mean a candidate will be a better president, and there are many who are tired of choosing the lesser evil.

Your vote does count, and you do have choices, so here I will highlight some virtually unknown presidential candidates. Please note, I am not endorsing any specific candidate or political party, only providing more information so you can make an informed choice when voting.

Perhaps we will someday call one of these Independent candidates Mr (or Mrs!) President:

Steve Adams- an American president, elected by and serving you, the American voters, not the political parties or special interest groups.

Donald K. Allen- I am serious about running for President. I bring with me the conviction of a sincere heart. Not a politician by profession, I will speak directly to an issue and not around it. Perhaps not being a politician is a good thing today.

Blake Ashby- I am disgusted with the direction of the Republican Party and not that happy in general with how the two party system addresses the issues facing our country. So I am running for President as a cranky Independent.

John Blyth- The primary goal of the Blyth America Independent Party is to unite all Americans. To end or minimize the polarizations that exists in our country today.

Earnest Lee Easton, Esq.- This candidate does not currently have a website, but the link will take you to his Project Vote Smart page. In order to gather information for this article, I spoke with Mr. Easton by telephone.

Major issues he is concerned about include taking care of our Veterans by providing medical care regardless of where they live and not taxing disabled veteran benefits, making changes in our education system to ensure a complete education focusing on competence in literacy, math, and science. When asked his position on The Patriot Act, he stated "If you can't do the job within the constitution, you shouldn't have [the job].

Pete Grasso- Our nation is losing its way, and we can only emerge from the darkness by returning to the basic tenets used to create this great nation.

Jon Greenspon- First, I'd like to do something completely un-politician in style. I am going to tell you up front what I'm not going to do during this campaign. I'm not going to promise to cut taxes, or anything that CANNOT be accomplished by the President himself. I'll be happy to work with Congress, but ultimately it's their show.

Daniel Imperto- Is running Independent though appears to be affiliated with the Libertarian Party.

David A. Koch- It's time for something new; it's time for someone different. Someone outside the current system. Someone with fresh and good ideas. Someone not corrupted by the power, someone who is not part of the machine. It's time for the people to take back the way this country is run. And it's time for some straight talk from the people you elect.

Brad Lord-Leutwyler- We will: Restore trust in the U.S. Government at home and abroad, Secure our borders absolutely, Gain energy independence within the decade, Make education reforms that work, Have universal health care without bankrupting the nation or socializing medicine, End the war in Iraq without surrendering the region.

Joe Martyniuk- Joe's an inventor and entrepreneur. He's short and dumpy. He stutters and stammers. The bad things you hear about him are true. But there are 300 million of you who can help him get the job done. He's pro-birth control, conceal carry, stem cell research, unions, separation of church and state, open internet, balanced budget, import brain power, and extended unemployment benefits. God bless and defend our troops.

James McCall- It is way past time for reasonable people to take reasonable steps to improve, strengthen, and unify America. Let's HALT the runaway train.

Gary Ruff- We had Presidents that were Pro Lawyer, Doctor, Businessman, Actor, and they all were mainly rich. Why not get a man in the office that is Pro Worker? Pro Union? Pro Constitution? Pro Musician? Middle Class Worker? It is time.

The information provided for each candidate is a short blurb taken either from the candidate's website or provided during an interview with the candidate. It is meant to give you a brief synopsis of the candidate's platform or position. Happy Voting!

Sources:

http://vote-smart.org