Ralph Nader is running for President again. Democrats no doubt fear Nader’s candidacy will draw significant votes from the Democratic nominee, thereby swinging the election to President Bush. This scenario is possible, but for Nader to have a significant impact on the presidential election, he will need to be on the ballot — and in some states that may be tough. Nader’s decision to run as a true independent, and forego the Green Party endorsement, means that he may have a more difficult time navigating the various state ballot access requirements (which are summarized by the Nader campaign here). On Meet The Press, Tim Russert quoted a Green Party official claiming Nader would be lucky to get on the ballot in 40 states. Whatever the effect of Nader’s campaign on the 2004 election, if it invigorates efforts to improve ballot access for third parties, it will be a plus for the nation.
UPDATE: Instapundit thinks I’m terribly observant, Professor Bainbridge disagrees.
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