Over the next month, close watchers of the presidential race will have at least one eye on the Ralph Nader campaign. During that period of time, they’ll know in which states Ralph Nader’s name will appear on the November ballot. The process of getting on the ballot is straightforward if tedious one for the independent candidate…it requires thousands and thousands of signatures. As the deadline to submit those signatures approaches, New Hampshire Public Radio’s Rebecca Kaufman checked in with Nader’s effort in the Granite State.
On a recent Saturday afternoon, Ralph Nader’s running mate Peter Camejo, brought the Nader ‘04 message to New Hampshire.
Track 3 :34 what we are representing now, millions of Americans, 25% of people are no longer registered democrat or republican, millions of people in the polls are saying they will vote Ralph Nader b/c they have the said the line has been drawn in the sand, we will stop voting for parties that don’t represent us, that don’t look out for us, that are pro-war, against our constitution, and that don’t even want free elections in America
Camejo did not draw a crowd.
But the first priority for the Nader-Camejo campaign is not winning over voters. It’s to make sure people can vote for the ticket in the first place.
Aaron Rizzio is the petition drive coordinator for the Ralph Nader campaign in New Hampshire.
Since late June, a few times a week, he’s been walking main streets and attending summer festivals, asking for signatures.
Track 2 :00 Aaron: I’m gathering signatures for a nominating petition to get Ralph Nader’s name on the ballot for the November election, would you be interested in signing?
Woman: I don’t like him, I don’t like democrats, I don’t like republicans, I don’t know who I’m voting for
It’s not an easy task.
He and several other volunteers around the state must collect 3000 signatures from registered voters…1500 from each congressional district.
Track 22: sound of farmers markets
At the Farmers Market in Concord on a recent Saturday afternoon, response to Rizzio’s requests was mixed.
Carlene Rusenberg said she would cast her vote for John Kerry, but signed anyways.
Track 11 1:34 I personally feel Nader spoiled the election, I was disappointed with how things turned out, especially in Florida, I suspect he won’t have the kind of impact that he had four years ago, that’s why I signed, he has a right to get on the ballot, he has a right to run, that’s what this country is about, but im not going to vote for him
Many who signed the petition said they supported Nader’s effort, but they didn’t know if they would vote for him.
A few others, like Rick Broussard, had different motives. He voted for Bush in 2000 and plans to do so again.
Track 10 I like Ralph I’ve met him I’ve talked to him, but I’ll be honest I hope he puts a dent in Kerry, I’m a Bush supporter, so I have mixed motives but their both sincere…
Others like Rainie were less diplomatic.
Track 8 :35 (laughs) I signed because I hope it takes away votes from….Kerry
It’s a tactic being employed by many Republicans in several swing states. In Michigan, Republicans reportedly submitted 50,000 signatures on Nader’s behalf.
But Bruce Keough, vice chairman of Bush-Cheney ’04 in New Hampshire, says the campaign has more important things to focus on.
2:20 I’m not surprised that there are republicans throughout the country that look back on the election four years ago and think that the nader factors going to be significant, I can tell you the campaign doesn’t see it that way
However, a recent Granite State poll suggests that there could be a Nader effect….it showed him with 4% support, slightly above the national polls.
Still, Bill Shahen, the New Hampshire Chairman for the Kerry-Edwards team, said he doesn’t expect 2004 to be a repeat of 2000.
1:00 I don’t worry about things I can’t change, do I like it no, I think if Nader hadn’t been in the race in 2000 NH would have voted gore, made up the 6000 difference, we would have gore not bush, we would not be in the mess we’re in today, do I like it no, am I worried about it, you can’t worry about thing you can’t change.
Shaheen predicts that many people who voted for Nader in 2000 won’t this fall.
Back on the streets of Concord, petition organizer Aaron Rizzio found that to be the case.
Aaron: anyone interested in signing…
Lenore: Nope actually I did vote for him…can’t do it, want bush gone, kerry in, can’t do it…
Once a Nader supporter, Lenore Boehm says she’s upset he chose to run again.
Track 7 1:20 Lenore Boehm
I was disenchanted with the democratic back them upset with Clinton gave them a message I’m regretting that decision, its definitely a vote to get bush out, but Im also a little upset with Ralph and his actions, so it’s a vote for kerry
Aaron Rizzio says he’s doesn’t know how the close the Nader petition drive is to meeting the required 3000 signatures.
He will have an idea starting next Wednesday. That’s the day all the names must be submitted to the towns.
For NHPR news, I’m RK
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