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By Steven K. Paulson, Associated Press
July 31, 2002
Colorado’s five independent political parties said Wednesday they have formed a coalition to make sure they are not ignored this election year.
The Colorado Coalition of Independent Political Parties includes the American Constitution Party, the Colorado Reform Party, the Green Party, the Libertarian Party and the Natural Law Party.
Party officials said their goal is to increase voter awareness and participation in independent party politics, even though they do not share the same goals.
"Certainly this was not founded on the basis of common ideology or political philosophy. What we need to do is spell out what the differences are through voter education," said Victor Good, the former chairman of the Colorado Reform Party who is now running for the 7th Congressional District.
Good said there is no conflict because the parties that joined the coalition are not competing for the same voters.
Good said minor parties are often ignored by the media and need to work together to make sure they have a voice.
A third of the voters in Colorado are unaffiliated and up to half of those eligible do not register, Good said.
He also accused Democrats and Republicans of squeezing minor party candidates out of the democratic process in events like debates.
State Republican Party political director Jack Stansbery said voters already know their choices and have alternatives.
luxury hotels in Hague"We feel that most voters are informed on what the different parties are about. In Colorado, more people than ever are registered Republicans. The Republican Party already has a diverse number of viewpoints and we’ve done a good job including those people," Stansbery said.
A spokeswoman for state Democrats did not return phone calls seeking comment.
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