Green Party experiences less popularity with recent elections

The Green Party of the United States, the nation’s most prominent third party, has selected former congresswoman Cynthia McKinney as its presidential nominee, but it remains to be seen if she will receive enough support to qualify for federal campaign funding.

To receive federal campaign funds, a candidate must raise $100,000 with at least 20 states donating $5,000 or more. According to McKinney’s Web site, she has only raised the required amount in 10 states, including Michigan.

“There is a diminished interest in such third parties by people who know that elections count and elections have been close recently,” said Kenneth Waltzer, a professor in MSU’s James Madison College. “The Green Party is going to play a very limited role in the election.”

McKinney, a former Democratic U.S. Representative from Georgia, joined the Green Party in 2007 after losing a run for re-election. She is known for demanding an investigation into the government’s actions following the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and introducing a motion to impeach President Bush in 2006.

Rosa Clemente, a hip-hop journalist from New York City, was nominated as McKinney’s running mate.

“What (McKinney) stands for is pretty much in harmony with what the Green Party stands for,” said Scott McLarty, a spokesperson for the party. “What she hopes to achieve is the progress of the party on movement toward becoming a real political force.”

But Waltzer said the party has very little chance of having a significant impact on this presidential election.

The Green Party has a history of supporting progressive environmental policies. But because “green issues” are already gaining attention in mainstream politics, voters have no reason to vote for a Green Party candidate, Waltzer said.

“Third parties often serve as a catalyst, but right now I don’t think there’s a catalyst to take up,” he said.

McLarty said the party’s goal is to win at least five percent of votes to qualify for federal matching funds. In the 2004 election, Green Party candidate David Cobb received less than 1 percent of votes, which he said was a result of voters pushing to get George W. Bush out of office.

MSU journalism professor Bonnie Bucqueroux, who ran for the U.S. House of Representatives on the Green Party ticket in 2000, said McKinney’s lack of name recognition could also keep her from winning votes.

“Sadly, in our culture, if you don’t have a celebrity candidate, you’re pretty much completely (unelectable),” she said. “(Ralph) Nader can command a voice without the Green Party, but the Green Party can’t command a voice without Nader.”

State party spokesperson Fred Vitale said Michigan has just under 1,000 party members.