{news} Fw: John Kilian's letter to Don Williams.

[Clifford Thornton]

Hi Gang,

I am getting phone calls and memos from all over
the country.  This is one in our state.  Please read.
He may show up at the next state party meeting




 Cliff,



This is what I sent to Senator Don Williams, CT Sen. Pro Tempore.

Perhaps this could be developed into an joint open letter from us to whom it may concern - and perhaps it could serve as a rallying point for others to provide support during this most recent window of opportunity provided by Nader's announcement. I would think that members of the growing movement within the Obama campaign could provide a strong advocacy for changing the laws in a way that benefits third parties and the Obama bid. 



On Feb 25, 2008, john at kilian.com wrote: 

      Senator,



             We met at Wesleyan last month. You may (or may not) remember that I handed you the text of a speech I gave for the Obama campaign in Middletown.



             Watching Ralph Nader on Meet the Press should be a cause for concern for Democrats in what could be another very close race for the Presidency. Recalling Nader's impact on the race in 2000, I have to say that action to remedy the process to allow the participation of third parties without sabotaging the chances of a major party candidate is something in your party's best interest, and it is now 8 years overdue and counting.



            By simply providing a runoff, instant or otherwise, the supporters casting votes for third party candidates like Nader (and don't forget Bloomberg)  would be able to express a secondary preference in the likely event that their first choice does not finish in the top two and no candidate receives more than 50%. By allowing these third parties to play a role of constructive advocates for their position you stand to gain the support of many unmobilized voters who could provide an indispensable adjunct to your current base of support as you pursue your ambitious vision for reforming healthcare, etc... 



            Without changing the laws of the State of Connecticut to allow for a more constructive role for third parties there persists the risk that the actual will of the electorate can be subverted by a system of elections that promotes the primacy of the two parties above the will of the voters. In the process many political activists who could come to your aid in the years to come will remain dormant, and this does jeapordize your nobel ambitions to realize a vision that is beyond the reach of the current political establishment.



  Sincerely,



  John Kilian.

  (860)918-1903

  210 Ridge Road

  Middletown, CT  06457 
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