The conservatives' choice

Shenandoah Valley conservatives are caught in a tight spot. They instinctively know that John McCain does not represent them or their views. They do not trust John McCain whose "maverick" reputation means to them he'll be kissing up to conservatives one day and stabbing them in the back the next. Sarah Palin energized the most conservative folks in the GOP during the weeks following the convention, but as her lack of qualifications and knowledge have been exposed, her ethical lapse documented, and the realization that she'd be a heartbeat away sunk in Palin has paled. She is now a drag on the McCain campaign.

For conservatives there are better and more principled choices for president who have qualified for the Virginia ballot.

Yesterday Bob Barr, the nominee of the Libertarian Party, campaigned in Virginia with stops at Liberty University and a meet-and-greet at Corned Beef and Company in Roanoke. At the Roanoke event, one Barr supporter summed up his vote this way:

"Both parties have lost it, what our forefathers intended for us to become," he said. "I believe in this movement. I am done voting for the lesser of two evils."

Others talked of Barr's strong libertarian ideas on the economy, health care, and welfare. Many in the crowd expressed a fear that McCain would pose the greatest threat to civil liberties.

Another candidate who should appeal to social and Christian conservatives is Chuck Baldwin. Mr. Baldwin, a minister, is the nominee of the Constitution Party, but is on the Virginia ballot under the banner of the Independent Green Party since the Constitution Party failed to get enough signatures. Baldwin is anti-abortion, supports school prayer, and believes Social Security is unconstitutional welfare. A few Baldwin signs have been popping up in the Shenandoah Valley, probably distributed through churches aligned with his beliefs.

If you are a principled conservative, there are other voting options for you on November 4. Candidates that speak to your concerns and issues. Candidates who, unlike John McCain, can be trusted to live up to their campaign promises.

Green eggs and ham

Who is the Independent Green Party of Virginia? Even after knowing, I'm not sure I know.

Also known as the Indy Green Party, it broke away from the Green Party in 2003. In 2008 they became loosely affiliated with the Independence Party of America. Their key issue seems to be fiscal conservatism (I wonder how they are reacting to today's socialization of the debt of big companies) and rail. They call themselves a "values conservative party" with the slogan "Fiscally Conservative, Socially Responsible" and "More Trains, Less Traffic." They also advocate "more candidates, less apathy" which apparently means they'll work with almost any minor party and independent candidates

It seems their guiding light is Glenda Gail "for rail" Parker, their 2008 nominee for U.S. Senate. Ms. Parker's central issue (one I might find some agreement with) is increasing rail opportunities for moving people and goods. 

The Indy Greens nominated (kind of a loose term because they'll apparently "nominate" about anyone opposed to one of the major parties) a number of candidates for the House of Delegates. Most received very few votes although one or two topped 30%. An Indy Green endorsed, not nominated, candidate for the Loudoun Co. Board of Supervisors won in 2007.

In 2008, the Virginia Indy Greens launched a petition drive to put Michael Bloomberg on the ballot for president (Ron Paul was VP). They got more signatures than needed but Bloomberg declared he was not a candidate. They flirted with the idea of nominating T. Boone Pickens as a way to promote his wind power/natural gas energy plan (which has some interesting aspects). When Pickens shunned them, the party turned to Chuck Baldwin of the Constitution Party as their nominee.

The Virginia Indy Greens have endorsed five candidates for House of Representatives, including Janice Lee Allen in the 6th district. As noted above, this probably means little since the Indy Greens apparently endorse almost any minor party or independent candidate who talks about fiscal conservatism. Allen is highlighted on the Indy Green website, but I didn't see any indication that she claims them on hers.

On a side note, a veteran Shenandoah Valley political reported told this old bird that talking to Ms. Allen is a frustrating hoot. She apparently jumps around with little focus, talking about an issue and shifting suddenly into some religious jargon, or relating it to something in her past. This particular reporter would just as soon not interview her again. Good luck!