Maryland Senate Debate will include third party candidate?

[CollegeDUer]

From Kevin Zeese's website:

" Zeese Accepts Invitation for Three-Way For Historic Debate PDF | Print | E-mail
Wednesday, 23 August 2006
URGES ALL DEBATES INCLUDE BALLOT-APPROVED CANDIDATES
Montgomery County: U.S. Senate candidate Kevin B. Zeese today accepted the invitation of the NAACP to participate in a three-way debate on October 28, 2006 in Baltimore. In a letter to Marvin L. 'Doc' Cheatham of the NAACP, Zeese noted "You have set the standard that all debates in Maryland should follow."

In the letter Zeese made the case for inclusive debates saying "inclusive debates are consistent with the traditions of free speech and the marketplace of ideas on which our country was founded. Elections are the time for full discussion of the issues facing our Nation – if we do not have open discussion during an election when will we?"

Zeese has been endorsed by the Populist, Green, and Libertarian Party. I know I'm going to take a lot of heat for this, but I say: good. Voters deserve a real choice and democracy, and that includes fair debates (hear that Hilary?).

I'm not in Maryland but do think that Mfume is a good candidate for Senate. I'd be happy with a win of him in the primary and general elections. However, I think Zeese challenging whoever wins the Dem. primary and the Republican Governor in the debates if nothing else will force the Dem to be more progressive to face off a populist tide. I think overall it's a good thing.

http://kevinzeese.com/content/view/189/47/

[eyesroll]

1. I think anyone who has any chance of winning should be included.

I don't know a good standard for determining that in a state or local race (although in a state or local race, you're usually talking about only a few parties, so it's not a huge deal).

But for president -- if you're on the ballot in enough states to win the electoral vote, I think you should get invited to the debate. In '04, I think that would have included Bush (R), Kerry (D), Badnarik (L), Cobb (G), Nader (I), and Peroutka (C). That's pretty manageable -- it covers a good amount of ground without involving people who can't win, numerically.

[CollegeDUer]

2. I can tell you I'm very upset about Hilary

She only has a single opponent, which wouldn't be too much hassle in one debate -- and she won't do it.

I think it shows her utter lack of character. All absorbed in herself.

[CollegeDUer]

3. kick for more opinions

[CollegeDUer]

4. KICK