Indy Me This

As a candidate for the United States Senate, I am often asked why I chose to be an independent well over a decade ago. My journey towards political party independence, the challenges I faced, and the reasons behind my decision are a testament to the power of individual choice in shaping our political lives. I hope my experience resonates with you or someone you know who is considering a similar path.

Delving into the days of the American Revolution, we find the very essence of independence that many of us in this nation today hold dear. This rich historical thread not only connects us to our roots but also enlightens us about the present political landscape. Our shared values of independence, deeply rooted in our political heritage, not only enrich our perspective but also unite us and empower us to make informed decisions.?

In his Farewell Address to the Nation in September 1796, George Washington issued a stark warning against the dangers of political parties. His foresight that political parties would lead to factionalism and division within the nation, distracting the government from its primary purposes and creating avenues for foreign influence and corruption, is a lesson we must heed today. His words, "The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge, natural to party dissension ... is itself a frightful despotism," remain as cautionary and sobering as ever.

Thomas Jefferson initially expressed concerns about political parties, believing they could lead to unnecessary divisions and conflicts. However, our third president and the author of the American Declaration of Independence later became a leading figure in the Democratic-Republican Party, opposing the Federalist Party led by Alexander Hamilton. Despite this, Jefferson hoped for a country where parties would not be necessary.

James Madison, the father of the United States Constitution and our fourth president, discussed the dangers of factions in Federalist No. 10 but believed that a diverse republic could control their effects. Madison later became a key player with Jefferson in the Democratic-Republican Party. Madison understood that parties could help organize political debate and offer voters clear choices, though he remained wary of their divisive potential.

It’s not an exaggeration; it’s a fundamental truth that we Americans who cherish democracy and our Constitutional Republic stand united in rejecting divisiveness. We also reject a single sovereign, be it a king, an autocrat, a dictator, or even a political party leader. This collective rejection is not just a stance; it's a potent empowerment that makes us part of a democratic movement.

Celebrating names like Washington, Adams, Jefferson, Madison, Franklin, and Hamilton makes sense when you consider the gift they gave the United States when they founded our nation, even though they differed somewhat on the degree of independence politicians should have from political parties.

If you look at today’s voter registration by party, you will see that there are essentially an equal number of Democrats, Independents, and Republicans scattered across our land.? But suppose you ask American voters what they consider themselves to be despite party registration, as Gallup did in March 2023. In that case, you will learn that approximately one-quarter of Americans think of themselves as Democrats, while another quarter answer Republicans, and the remaining half respond as Independents.

Extremism is not virtuous if you are an independent voter. Obstructionism is not an acceptable option.? Parochialism is abhorrent. Self-aggrandizement is to be discouraged.? Selfishness should be shunned. Name-calling is juvenile. Hate speech is appalling.

Being fiercely independent is an American trait when it benefits the common good. Public service for the public good is laudable. But what truly sets us apart is our value for compassion. We bring this empathy and care to the table, making collaboration and compromise not dirty words but essential elements of good government.

If you are considering being independent, there are several reasons to be independent, in my opinion:

• Strategic Voting: Independents hold a unique position in elections, often serving as swing voters. This strategic role can compel candidates from both major parties to adopt more moderate positions, thereby reducing the influence of extreme views on the political spectrum.
• Dissatisfaction:? Many voters today will say they are very dissatisfied with both major parties and their candidates regarding performance and behavior.? People who are dissatisfied with the Democrats or the Republicans feel that their elected officials and candidates are nothing more than party proxies who do little to nothing to fix the many political crises facing our nation.
• Political Ideological Extremism: Many voters feel that neither major party appropriately represents their views and is no longer willing to align with a specific party.
• Flexibility:? Having flexibility on who to support or oppose as candidates from any party is preferable to simply spouting the party line or showing unquestioning loyalty to any party.
• More Moderate Partisanship: Focusing on the issues rather than party politics offers more moderate partisanship to engage the political community. This can avoid destructive divisiveness that is often associated with party affiliation.
• Greater Personal Autonomy: Decision-making is much easier when deciding whom to support or oppose than towing a party line that might not match one's philosophy or opinion.

While our nation’s Founding Fathers generally expressed concerns about the potential negative impacts of political parties, such as factionalism and division, they also recognized the practical realities of political organization, as do I today.

As the new nation developed, political parties emerged naturally to organize and promote different visions for the country's future.

Thus, being an independent voter - not a member of either major political party - has many attractive attributes.

Your role in shaping our political landscape is crucial, and your decisions matter. Are you ready to join Main Street America in what we believe and who we are willing to support?

Use what the Founding Fathers gave us wisely.? After all, it is your America!