I think it’s beyond dispute that no one is happy with the Democratic or Republican candidates for Governor. Rod Blagojevich is beset by scandal. Judy Barr Topinka is “Republican” in name only. Many are looking for an alternative candidate, and I’m no exception.
The obvious choice, some say, is Green Party candidate Rich Whitney, who’s actually on the ballot with Blagojevich and Topinka, even if they won’t let him debate them. I’ve checked out his platform and he does have some positions that I find attractive (for instance, he’s pro-rail, anti-gambling, and supports a moratorium on genetically-modified foods in his ag policy). However, most of his positions are what one could call “left of center.”
In fact, that’s my major problem with the governor’s race overall. It looks more like a Democratic primary than a general election. This is especially pronounced when it comes to so-called “family values” issues. All three candidates on the ballot agree: they’re all pro-choice and anti-marriage-amendment.
So, I find myself looking around and thinking, who else? Am I really going to have to hold my nose and vote for the least offensive candidate instead of someone I can genuinely support?
As it turns out, there is another choice: Randy Stufflebeam. He’s a write-in candidate for governor on the Constitution Party ticket. Randy was born in Chicago, but raised downstate in Canton, Illinois. He served in the United States Marine Corp for over 22 years, retiring in 2003.
Some may be tempted to pigeonhole Randy as a typical evangelical Republican candidate. While he does support some traditionally Republican stances (pro-life, pro-family, pro-school-choice), you may be surprised to learn that he’s also against NAFTA, CAFTA, and other such agreements because he believes they ultimately hurt U.S. workers — Illinois farmers, to name just one example. That’s a predominantly Democratic position, and one with which I agree.
On an issue that perhaps strikes a little closer to home, Randy supports tort reform to protect doctors from frivolous lawsuits; if doctors’ exposure to liability can be reduced, insurance rates would be lowered as a result, making health-care more affordable for everyone. To combat Illinois’ well-earned reputation for political corruption, Randy also has vowed not to take money from those doing business with the state of Illinois, and would eliminate no-bid contracts.
Do I agree with Stufflebeam’s stance on every issue? No. For example, I think his education plan doesn’t adequately address funding equity across affluent and poor communities. But do I agree with him on more issues than I agree with Blagojevich, Topinka, and Whitney? You bet. And really, who’s ever going to find a candidate with whom you’re in 100% agreement, unless you run for office yourself?
Some may view a vote for Stufflebeam as “throwing your vote away.” In one sense, that’s a fair criticism. I’m under no illusion that Stufflebeam — or any write-in candidate for that matter — is going to get much of a showing in this race. But on the other hand, if we all keep voting for one of the two major parties even when we think the candidates stink, I would contend that those votes are just as wasted. In both cases, you don’t get who you really want in office.
I’m not going to throw my vote away by voting for someone I can’t endorse. Thus, my endorsement goes to Randy Stufflebeam for Governor. He’s someone I can vote for.
