Half of CD8 Voters Open to Third Choice
Half of CD8 Voters Open to Third Choice
Results from Tuesday's primary election indicate that approximately half of the voters in the 8th Congressional District are not enthusiastic about either Republican Randy Graf or Democrat Gabrielle Giffords. And Libertarian candidate David Nolan has plans to win them over with a two-pronged campaign message aimed at reaching what he calls "a vast unserved constituency."
Registration in the 8th District is approximately 39% Republican, 34% Democrat and 26% "other" , meaning independents, Libertarians and Greens. Nolan is willing to concede that "virtually all" of the Democrats will unite behind Giffords, but points out that this gives her only about one third of the electorate.
The situation is far worse for Graf and the Republicans, Nolan states. "Randy Graf's support is concentrated and dedicated," he notes, "but his showing of 43% in the Republican primary indicates that only about one-sixth of the voters support his agenda. 43% of the Republican 39% is only 17% of the total electorate. Graf supports an unpopular war, and his stands on many social issues are far too conservative for most voters in the 8th District."
"Giffords and Graf's support bases combined add up to barely half of the electorate," Nolan continued. "There are a huge number of independents and unhappy Republicans who are open to a third alternative and we intend to reach those voters with a two-pronged message that appeals to anyone who wants smaller government and opposes the war in Iraq."
"My two main campaign issues are ending the war as fast as we can do so without endangering the lives and safety of America troops, and cutting back Federal spending to 20% below its level at the end of the Clinton administration. These are popular positions with broad support."
"We are getting several hundred hits a day on our campaign website (www.nolan2006.org) that originate from antiwar sites. This is the number-one issue for many voters, perhaps a majority, and I am the only antiwar candidate in this race. Graf is pro-war and Giffords waffles. She doesn't take a firm antiwar stand, even though the great majority of Democrats and independents oppose the war."
"On the issue of Federal spending, I strongly support the proposed Liberty Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. This amendment would limit the Federal government to only those functions specified in the U. S. Constitution, and would repeal Federal personal income taxes. The Liberty Amendment was endorsed by the Arizona Legislature some years back, and Arizona Congressman Jeff Flake is a co-sponsor of the Liberty Amendment Resolution in Congress."
"With roughly half the voters uncommitted to either Giffords or Graf, I believe I can win over a substantial percentage if my message gets out. In fact, if every single voter who wants to end the war in Iraq votes for me, I can win. It's that simple."
http://www.nolan2006.org/