As both Republicans and Democrats in the Arizona Legislature are failing miserably at agreeing on a state budget, three new political parties are emerging on our state's political landscape.
The American Independent Party, the Constitution Party, and the Modern Whig Party are fighting to get on the Arizona ballot in time to have candidates run in the 2010 election cycle. They each need 20,449 validated signatures from registered Arizona voters.
Like always with new parties, officials say they aim to offer a buffet-style ballot box for voters frustrated with the two-party system.
"People realize that they have been hoodwinked by the major parties," Frank Fluckiger, western states manager for the Constitution Party, tells the Arizona Guardian. "I think ultimately we're going to replace the Republican Party, especially out west."
Right.
The parties all say they hope to appeal to independent voters, who make up nearly a third of registered voters in Arizona.
The Constitution Party says it aims to align government with biblical foundations, while the New American Independent Party seems even further right than the Conservative Party.
Not much of a way to appeal to centrists, who make up a sizable portion of independents.
The Modern Whig Party's basically a hybrid of traditional GOP and Democratic Party values, and hopes to draw voters who jump back and forth between the two major parties -- especially on issues like fiscal responsibility, strong national defense, and "social progression."
