Nader Makes Play For Illinois Ballot

By Marcus Gilmer in News on Jun 23, 2008 4:56PM

In an election year, you can depend on three things: a Democrat, a Republican, and Ralph Nader. Activist and perpetual presidential candidate Ralph Nader will file his candidacy petition today with the Illinois Board of Elections to earn a place on Illinois's 2008 presidential ballot. According to his campaign, he has over 50,000 signatures, more than twice the required number.

In spite of his role in the controversial 2000 presidential election, Nader had little impact in Illinois that year. As the official Green Party candidate in 2000, Nader received over 103,000 votes in the state but did not affect the race between Gore and Bush (Gore took Illinois by over half a million votes). In 2004, running as an independent write-in endorsed by the Reform Party, Nader received a little more than 3,500 votes. This year, Nader figures to again make little or no electoral impact on Illinois as Obama is such a heavy favorite to take the state, it's doubtful even McCain will make much of a play. However, if he becomes the official candidate of a third party, Nader could try a run at getting enough votes to qualify that party for federal funding for the 2012 election, a goal he fell short of in 2000 with the Green Party. Nader is currently running as an independent but has been involved with Green Party candidate activities this year. Coincidentally, the Green Party's convention happens July 10 through 13 right here in Chicago.

Photo courtesy of MatthewBradley