Preparations Underway for 2004 Convention
Green Party Optimistic, Despite
Nader's Decision Not to Run
Ralph Nader's announcement in the latter part of December, 2003 that he would not seek the Presidential nomination of the Green Party of the United States (GPUS) has disappointed many Greens, though Wisconsin Green Party leadership remains committed to supporting a candidate in the 2004 election.
In 1996, Nader ran as a Green and received more than 28,000 votes in Wisconsin. Four years later, a well-organized campaign based on grassroots principles more than tripled that number, to just under 94,000. Those numbers continued to grow as State Treasurer candidate Paul Aschenbrenner received 115,000 votes in 2002.
While many Greens were looking forward to the opportunity to support another Nader candidacy, Co-Spokesperson Jill Bussiere views Nader's decision with optimism. "Over the last 8 years, Ralph Nader and the Green Party worked well together to bring a necessary vision before the people of the United States. He has done much to help us build the Green Party, and to bring disenfranchised voters back to the polls." Bussiere went on to add, "I greatly admire him, and wish him well as he continues to speak for issues and values that we have in common. Although he has chosen not to be a Green Party candidate, we will continue to work together for a future focused on the well-bring of people, rather than the well-being of corporations."
Jeff Peterson, the 2002 Green candidate for Lieutenant Governor, echoed Bussiere's sentiments, "Was this news a little disappointing? Sure. But people outside the party are now starting to understand what active members have known for a long time: the Green Party is much, much bigger than Nader. There are more than 200 elected Greens in the US, and we're expecting even more local, state, and federal candidates in the next election cycle."
In the upcoming months, each state will choose its delegates to send to the National Nominating Conference, to be held June 23 - 27, 2004 in Milwaukee. Wisconsin will send 33 delegates -- including at least two from each Congressional District -- and hundreds more Wisconsin Greens plan to attend. "This is an exciting time for the Greens, and Nader's decision gives us the opportunity to support a candidate who's willing to both be a member of the Green Party, and to push our issues in the debates and on the campaign trail,” said Bussiere.
So far, six candidates are seeking the Green's presidential nomination. Lorna Salzman of New York, Carol Miller of New Mexico, Kent Mesplay of California, Paul Glover of New York, Peter Camejo of California and David Cobb of Texas have all thrown their hats in the ring. Former Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney is also considering a run for the nomination. More information about these candidates is available at http://www.gp.org/convention/process.html
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