Senior Citizens March Against Mountain Top Removal

Our friend Flux Rostrum has posted this video of a rally and march against Mountain Top Removal (MTR) going on over a five day period in West Virginia. Starting at the Capitol steps, senior members of ILoveMountains, Christians for the Mountains, and others have taken to the streets.

Jesse Johnson, the Green Party's 2008 Gubernatorial candidate was on hand and has described a growing tension between the marchers and coal workers. We'll update when we get more news.

Michael Krasny, Host of KQED's Forum, Talks with Winners of the Goldman Environmentalist Prize

In the second half hour of this radio show, host Michael Krasny opens the Forum to two grassroots activists who received this year's Goldman Environmental Prize. Maria Gunnoe, a West Virginian talks about her people's battle against King Coal and mountaintop removal, and attorney Rizwana Hasan her work to regulate the dangerous ship breaking industry in Bangladesh.

Go 24 minutes into the show to reach the second segment.

West Virginia Gubernatorial Debate 2 0f 4 Held in Bedroom Community - Protesters Greet Candidates

West Virginia 2008 Gubernatorial Debate - Hedgesville from Polidoc on Vimeo.
This debate was the second of four gubernatorial debates held in West Virginia last week between incumbent Governor Joe Manchin, Senator Russ Weeks, and Mountain Party candidate for Governor Jesse Johnson.

Blocked out of the first and only statewide network televised gubernatorial debate, the balloted third party candidate Jesse Johnson shakes a few leaves off that two-party tree in this one hour debate held in Hedgesville, West Virginia. This debate was hosted by WEPM, a news/sports/talk radio station in West Virginia.

As the only candidate opposing Mountain Top Removal (MTR), Johnson provided relief to the protesting environmentalists in the crowd, many of whom had come to voice their objections to "The Path", a high-voltage power line that would carve a 10,000 acre line through private properties in order to accelerate delivery of coal-powered energy to the East Coast states. While "the Path" is a federally mandated program, many see the current Governor as complicit in the sacrifice of West Virginia for the use of energy corporations.

There are a couple of interesting points to observe in the radio station's reporting of the debate on its website, the most important of which is the exclusion of the discussion of MTR. A recent poll indicated that most West Virginians are against MTR, as well they should be given the level of contaminants dumped into the headwaters by profit-driven coal companies and the ensuing air pollution created by the burning of the coal. Instead, the station reported that the retention of teachers was the major topic discussed, which, while provocative, was not the heated point of opposition during the debate.

Hedgesburg is about a 5 hour drive from the state capitol Charleston and it sits in the upper east panhandle. It was once a sleepy rural area but has become a booming bedroom community for Washington D.C. commuters, who are transient in their commitment to West Virginia and unaware of the rest of the state's history. The state's history with coal mining has effected its politics for generations. It was a state made up of company towns in which a culture of obedience and isolation made it difficult for people to organize. This foundation of corporate control still permeates and aggravates the already dire conditions in which many live in the mid and Southern sections of the state.

One might wonder why the debate was not held in a more populated area so that the theater that held four hundred might at least be a quarter filled. Then again, it might be all too evident.

Former Republican Challenges Coal-Energy Producers to Reform Strategies for Growth

Allan Tweddle Urges Coal Industry to Reconsider Energy Investments from Polidoc on Vimeo.

Allan Tweddle, business entrepreneur, environmental activist, faced off with pro-coal energy representatives and academicians at the Coal Energy Industry Forum held at West Virginia University on October 15, 2008. His opening remarks demonstrate clearly his skepticism that his audience will be receptive to his findings or concerns. While he sits on the West Virginia Governor's Public Energy Authority, he is critical of mountain top removal and its environmental degradation of the state.

Tweddle, who calls himself a "Recovering Republican", points out that West Virginia will not be able to compete with other energy producers unless a switch to sustainable practices is made. The expense of silicone has dropped far enough that solar voltaics has become an energy solution within reach, making it more feasible to profitably build solar powered plants. In the meantime, coal-powered plants are becoming increasingly more expense to build and the resource of coal is finite. He shares how successfully other countries have adopted conversion enticements to its citizens; and cites that even South Africa, with one of the most polluting coal-burning power plant, is in the process of shifting its energy policy.

Jesse Johnson, Mountain Party candidate for Governor along with supporters attended the forum as well and offered a standing ovation to Tweddle after his presentation. In a state where coal is King, it will take many strong activists to switch this light bulb.

West Virginia Mountain Party Gubernatorial Candidate Shakes Up Two Party System

Special by Babette Hogan

updated version

The West Virginia Gubernatorial race is heating up - and it's coal powered.

Jesse Johnson, the West Virginia Mountain Party's candidate for Governor, matches up against the incumbent (d) Joe Manchin and (R)Senator Russ Weeks in this Public Broadcasting Debate.

Johnson is the only gubernatorial candidate of the three who is against the coal mining practice of Mountain Top Removal (MTR) and espouses a citizens' extraction dividend, universal health care and free education, amongst other policies deemed unfriendly to big business. He was denied entry to the West Virginia Broadcast Assn., the first and most widely broadcast statewide debate, which pre-empted programming on three network channels. The WVBA defended their choice to exclude the third party candiate on the grounds that the Republican and Democrat were having a "private news event". Published polls fail to indicate that the ballot qualified third party is even in the race, despite an overwhelming number of people being against MTR, according to a recent poll cited in the Charleston Gazette.

A discerning listener may notice that Johnson has to wait a rather long spell to be invited into the conversation between Governor Manchin, who is widely perceived as a "Dixiecrat" with several scandals floating around him, and pro-unborn life Weeks, who is willing to face up to Manchin, yet remains skeptical of progressive ideals. (Weeks likens Mountain Top Removal to an " act of Mother Nature", satisfied that eventually good things will come of MTR, like golf courses, shopping malls and developed communities.)

The first question asked of Johnson has nothing to do with policy, but reads, instead, like a third grade test of state emblems.

The host attempts a gotcha moment. "Could you name three people who you would appoint to Cabinet if you were actually to be elected Governor and why you would pick those people." Johnson's response, "I believe I probably could name three people, but if I'm not mistaken, you're not supposed to be making those decision prior to the election and it's against protocol and against the law in West Virginia."

"Let me take another tack on that. Can you name three of the state cabinet posts?" Now, the video of this "debate" is not posted, only the audio, but if you could have seen it, as I had, you would have noticed how remarkably calm and polite Johnson remained in the face of his intelligence being insulted. Curtly after, the host reengages Weeks and Manchin in a policy question.

I was in the press conference room and the two local stations reporters mouths dropped with astonishishment when they heard the obvious bias of the reporter. However, this may not be entirely the host's own prejudice. Manchin, as the self-appointed head of Public Broadcasting in West Virginia, does have some control.

Earlier in the day, while walking to a local breakfast diner past a park smattered with homeless people, I happened upon a church where a town car sat, a state trooper pacing outside. It was Sunday and service had started. I waited until the service and feast ended for the appearance of what I suspected would be Governor Manchin. Indeed, he did appear and when I approached him he set his face in a practiced friendly public performance smile. I asked him as he walked firmly to his polished coal black car, "Governor, what do you think about the recent report of vote switching in the early voting booths." He marched sternly on with a grimacing smile, "You should go inside (the Church) and try some baklava."

While I admit that addressing someone about politics after they have come out of Church might appear disrespectful, it wasn't his church; he was just polticking. So, I ask again Governor, "Those machines that you bought when you were Secretary of State, doesn't it concern you that they are apparently switching the vote?"

We had a chance to interview Manchin and Weeks after the debate, but both candidates refused. Manchin then cornered Johnson in one side of the room, keeping his back to us enforcing his view that MTR was essential. Weeks, wearing the soft silver new-born feet pin of a pro-lifer/anti-choicer, refused because of his concern that "environmentalists" misrepresent him.

Jesse Johnson Raises Symphony Hall - Puts A Call Out for Freedom

Polidoc will be releasing more videos this week. Until then, enjoy the soulful song candidate Jesse Johnson put out at the 2008 Green Party National Convention on July 12, 2008 at Chicago's Symphony Hall.

Johnson moved into electoral activism after years of absence from his home state. He was appalled at the destruction of his native blue ridge mountains by profit driven coal companies. A former Republican, Johnson represents the Libertarian Greens; in the past, he was endorsed by Mike Gravel.

Johnson continues his electoral activism in West Virginia, where the Green Party's affiliate, The Mountain Party, has nominated him to run for Governor. Johnsn is scheduled to be in two debates in October, when election season really heats up.

Polidoc Crew Prepares for Green Party Convention

We will be off the blog radar for the next week, as the producers immerse themselves in projects leading up to the Green Party Convention, July 10-13 . We will update you on the Green Party Convention on site in Chicago where the Party's Presidential and Vice-Presidential candidates will be selected.

Green Party Presidential Candidates Face Forward

When the Green Party Candidates face off for a debate, well, it's really more of a team sport, where the players know that the end goal is to lift the party image higher.

Lots of highlights in this Miller Politics show which I would like to illuminate, but I'm pressed for time as production is stealing away my blogging time.

Poignantly, it was the generous respect the candidates offered one another that leaves the impression that, though the nominating convention may be short, it will also be sweet.

Listen to the last of the 2008 Green Party Presidential forums (billed as a debate) on Blog Talk Radio's Miller on Politics show.

Green Party Presidential Candidates to Debate on Miller Politics Podcast Show

Dan Miller offers a nonpartisan political podcast show on which he interviews candidates of all stripes. He's a very mellow host who lets people explain their positions fully.

This Saturday, at 5 pm, he is hosting a debate with Green Party Presidential Candidates. http://www.blogtalkradio.com/millerpolitics.

The 1.5 hour show is recorded live and there is usually an opportunity to call in and ask questions. You can also listen to the show anytime afterwards.

West Virginia's Governor Race Should be Wild, Wonderful...

License plates in West Virginia hail the state as "Wild....Wonderful". With a scandal-tarnished incumbent GovernorManchin, this election season may indeed be wild as a Democratic challenger Mel Kessler and The Mountain Party's Jesse Johnson aim for the Governor's mansion this fall.

While running for Governor, Johnson is also campaigning for the Presidential nomination of the Green Party of the United States. According to Chicago Indymedia, if Manchin should manage to eek out a primary victory, Johnson is poised to give Manchin a run for his money. Can Johnson run for Governor and President at the same time? So far, Johnson is determined to make history with his concurrent runs. Whether or not the Greens tap Johnson for their Presidential run, look for this environmental activist and ardent Constitutionalist to be shaking up things in Charleston.

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Kent Mesplay Considers Effects of Nader's Independent Run on Green Party Convention

Kent Mesplay, campaigning for the Green Party nomination for President, suggests that Ralph Nader's Independent run for President might boost his delegate count in the second round of this summer's Green Party Convention.

Though Nader won significant popular vote in several key states, including California with the largest constituency, many state parties have successfully pushed for bylaws which require a candidate to be a signed member of the party.

"Ralph Nader is basically doing his own thing, as he always does. I think strategically, he’s making a mistake if it is his intent to be the nominee (of the Green Party). If I criticize the man it’s not because he’s running an independent candidacy. He’s saying some important things and pointing out that there’s too much money in politics. People who were drafting him allowed his name to be used, so there are many who are disappointed." He continued, "Nader has elder status in that he helped the Green Party get going. Some people just have not been able to let him go."

Mesplay contends that, as in 2004 when he ran against Nader and Cobb, Nader's delegates may be attracted to his particular platform, which emphasizes sustainability .

"Things get interesting in the second round," said Mesplay, when the number of promised delegates pledged to Nader could select one of the remaining candidates, including himself. "I intend to win the nomination."

Cynthia McKinney, former Democratic Congresswoman of Georgia who recently signed up to be a Green appears to be the frontrunner. McKinney draws into the party a much sought constituency of the black and urban communities. Her platform emphasizes social and economic justice, a much heralded but little played tune from the party's ten key values. Her record of standing up in Congress to others in office and of opening up matters that most have ignored gained her the respect of many Greens, while her public persona took a beating from fellow Democrats and the media. To date, her campaign has demonstrated the most organizational and fundraising muscle.

When asked about fellow candidate Jesse Johnson's recent vote of support from Democratic Presidential candidate Mike Gravel, Mesplay said, "I’m pleased for Jesse, because it shows that people are starting to pay attention to the Green Party. It shows how creative we can be and how creative we must be in order to attract media attention."

Mesplay hopes that in the 100 days before the convention, his additional campaign work will attract enough state delegates to offer good competition at this year's convention. This weekend, he will be a guest speaker at the Harvey Mudd College Goal 5 Conference, along with a number of other distinguished environmentalists. In late April, he intends to protest the exclusion of the Green Party at the Science Debate 2008 , a nationally sponsored debate between the Democratic and Republican candidates for President. Difficult to not see the irony that the Green Party would not be included in an event like this. It remains to be seen if Ralph Nader will be attending, either as an invited or unwelcomed guest.

To hear more of BlogTalk's interview Kent Mesplay, use the media player below, and check out other blogtalk radio shows. There are a surprising number of third party candidates voicing their opinion and it's a good thing to know there's an alternative to the corporate media out there.


For more information, go to Mesplay's campaign website.

Mike Gravel Supports Jesse Johnson's Campaign

Jesse Johnson, Green Party Presidential Candidate met with Democratic Presidential candidate, Mike Gravel in which they agreed that the two major parties block third party voices at the expense of the people and nation and that must change.

Gravel said, "If we want to end the war in Iraq, provide health care to all citizens, educate our young people, we’re going to have to start not only working together with these alternate parties: but literally working to support them. That's why I'm supporting Jesse Johnson's campaign for President."

That support plays as a bonus boost for Johnson, whose recent attainment of the West Virginia ballot line for the Green Party is earning the relatively new Green Party member some clout in the party. Johnson, who plans to do a whistlestop tour through the United States via train, will be meeting up with Gravel for public presentations from time to time throughout the campaign.

Johnson comes from a long line of police officers and grew up as a Republican, but one whose compassion was apparent through his work as an EMT, youth educator and film maker. However, as he witnessed what the Bush Administration's "Open for Business" policy meant to West Virginia's Governor Joe Manchin, he rushed into environmental activism. Just a couple of miles from his ancestral home and throughout the mountain region, coal companies began to blast off whole mountaintops with high-grade explosives in a high-speed effort to extract as much coal as quickly as possible. In the wake of these continuing explosions, the air and water has been contaminated and the socio-economic conditions have plummeted. These are the same mountains about which John Denver sang, "ripped up by greed," said Johnson. He is also concerned that in the process of mountaintop removal, no attempt is made to capitalize on the potential economic benefit of farming the lumber prior to the blows or trapping the natural gasses from within.

Recently, the Greens have seen a number of former Republicans join their ranks. The Green' strong plank on old-time Republican values such as conservation, fiscal responsibility, decentralization and local control holds interest for those who have lost faith in the Republican Party of today, according to a Green Party Political Director Brent McMillan. "Greens are the most frugal people you'll ever meet," he said. "Once people see them in office, they begin to realize that."

The Green Party has also seen a number of disenchanted Democrats join their party as well, Cynthia McKinney, former Democratic Congresswoman of Georgia, most notably. She is also running for President on the Green Party ticket and has accumulated a lot of support amongst many Greens. Members of the Green Party have tried to recruit her to run for spot for years. She now says, "I’ve come home to the Green Party."

There are also two Grassroots Green candidates, Kent Mesplay of California and Kat Swift of Texas, also running for the seat of Presidential nominee. While neither has previously held office, their party-building work is notable.

Jesse Johnson Announces his Official Entry into the Presidential Race

Gains West Virginia Ballot Access for Green Party Candidates

After more than 8 months of negotiating, cajoling and applying the necessary legal pressure to his home state, Jesse Johnson has succeeded in getting, not only his name on the West Virginia ballot, but all four Green Party Presidential candidates on the ballot.

Despite the affiliation between the West Virginia Mountain Party and the Green Party, WV lawmakers had threatened to withhold the ballot line on the basis that the names of the parties are dissimilar, leaving Johnson as the only green Presidential candidate on the state's ballot. However Johnson and his lawyer successfully argued that this decision would also call into question all past elections in which an affiliated party had a different name, e.g. the Democrat-Farmer-Labor Party of Minnesota as an affiliate of the Democrats, and many more.

Now that Johnson has opened the door to all the Green Party candidates, we expect to see some more campaigning on the East Coast. Johnson hopes to take a nationwide tour, by rail in the next two months.

"Green values are the values of American citizens," Johnson said. "I intend to gain their votes by defending our Constitution and our environment passionately, protecting the jobs and families of working-class Americans through sensible trade and health care policies, and ending not only the warin Iraq, but war as a means of foreign policy as well as the unforgivable bedrock of our economy."

Johnson has run to state level campaigns before as a candidate for Governor
of West Virginia in 2004 and U.S. Senator in 2006.

Ralph Nader Announces His Candidacy For the Presidency

Many Greens Wonder Whether He Will Pursue the Green Party Nomination or Seek a Party-Splitting Endorsement

On Sunday morning,Ralph Nader announced his Independent run for the Presidency on "Meet the Press" citing issues of civil liberties and ballot access as driving him into the race. Nader charged the Democratic candidates with taking issues such as single payer health care, labor law reform and the bloated defense department budget “off the table”.

On Thursday, February 27 he will hold his first public address in Washington, DC and announce his running mate. In the past, he has run with Winona LaDuke, Medea Benjamin and Peter Camejo.

Nader’s declaration met with mixed reactions from Democrats as well as some Green Party members. Democratic Candidate Senator Hillary Clinton stated that Nader’s candidacy is “…unfortunate” and “It’s not good for anybody, especially our country.” She cited Nader’s run with the Green Party against Al Gore saying “Nader prevented Gore from being the Greenest President we could have had.”

Senator Barak Obama commented: “Ralph Nader deserves enormous credit for the work he did as a consumer advocate. But his function as a perennial candidate is not putting food on the table of workers.” He also downplayed the impact of Nader’s candidacy, saying "I think anybody has the right to run for president if they file sufficient papers. And I think the job of the Democratic Party is to be so compelling that a few percentage of the vote going to another candidate's not going to make any difference."

This response from Obama is, at least, refreshing compared to many Democrats, who are determined to win the next election at any cost, according to Progressive Radio Talk Show Host Ed Schultz. As an example, Democratic party operators sued Nader during his 2004 run to try and keep him off the ballot in a smattering of states. Defensively, Nader is suing the DNC for infringing the rights of third parties to attain ballot access.

While many Greens are relieved and thrilled that Nader has committed to a run, others are unsure what this means for their Party as they apportion delegates. Nader has already decisively won the Green Party’s primary contest in California. If Nader runs outside the party, will he still receive a motherlode of delegates from the Green Party of California? How does this impact the other candidates vying to be on the top of the Green Party ticket, including former Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney, who has won the Green Party primaries in Washington, DC and Illinois and came in second behind "undecided" in Arakansas.

Political Director of the National Green Party (GPUS), Brent McMillan said, "Clearly, Ralph would be one of the front runners if he chooses to seek the Green Party's nomination. We currently have a great field of candidates that are campaigning aggressively for the nomination. We believe that seeking the Green Party's nomination will ultimately be of greater value than running as an independent."

Nader's camp assures that he intends to seek the nomination, but if that effort is challenged, will the independent State Green Parties ignore the national party's nomination and offer Nader a party splitting endorsement? This choice wreaked havoc within the party in 2004 and many are concerned that another split will fracture the Party while it needs to be coming together. Most Greens want a candidate who will run hard - in their name.

Green Party Presidential Candidates Kent Mesplay, Jesse Johnson and Kat Swift

Three of the four Green Party Presidential candidates met in Scottsdale, AZ this last weekend to help with a signature drive to get the Green Party on the state's ballot. Though the party gained ballot access in Arizona after the 2000 election, the Greens have to regain their ballot lines for the upcoming contest. Green Party Presidential candidates Kat Swift and Kent Mesplay pounded the pavement for signatures at a parade and festival on Saturday and Presidential candidate, Jesse Johnson helped with Sunday's efforts.

They felt that Nader's lack of commitment to run as a Green is disrupting the Party. While Nader can expect to pull many votes from Greens, many party organizers and members feel that it is time for the Green Party leader to be a party member.

“It’s frustrating," said Swift. "We (grassroots candidates) are totally excluded from consideration by members of the party because the focus is on whether or not Nader is going to run. It leaves us all up in the air and doesn’t help build cohesiveness in the party, which is why we are all running. We’re all trying to build the party and win the nomination and then get behind whomever does win the nomination, move forward and win the election.”

"Ralph Nader has been accorded special draft status," said Mesplay. "When does that end? I have a feeling the way things are going, that at the time of the Convention, he will still be, in whatever way he can maneuver, a draft status candidate and that is just not good enough. We can respect Nader for being an Independent, but if he wants our ballot lines he has to take that extra step and register as a Green."

From California to Illinois and Pennsylvania, the discussion amongst Greens is hot and diverse. After tomorrow's announcement regarding Nader's selected VP, a profoundly new stage of the Green Party Presidential campaign will have been set.

Bay Area California Green Parties Host "A Debate that Matters"

Presidential Candidates vying for the Green Party nomination will debate on Sunday, January 13 at the beautiful Herbst Theater in San Francisco, CA from 2 pm - 4 pm.

Those in attendance include:

• Jared Ball
• Jesse Johnson
• Kent Mesplay
• Cynthia McKinney
• Kat Swift

Undeclared candidate Ralph Nader, who appears on the California ballot as well, will not participate in the debate, according to the most recent agreement, but will address the audience after the debate.

The debate will be moderated by Activist Cindy Sheehan and Bay Area Green Party members and office holders Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi, School board member Mark Sanchez and former Supervisor Matt Gonzalez and On-Air personality Aimee Allison. Candidates will also address audience questions.

The debate, which was planned over this last month by Alameda and San Francisco County Green Parties, is very significant. It will be the only opportunity for these candidates to face off before Super Tuesday. Ralph Nader and Cynthia McKinney will be the major draw for the event. Greens are eager to hear the two leading candidates hammer at the issues that seem to escape the debates of the Democrats and Republicans. The Iraq War, Economic Justice and the Ecology will dominate the floor. Yet to be seen is how well will the the lesser known candidates appear against these two mighty contenders. They are each articulate and caring and informed in their own rights, but have only worked on local and state levels previously.

The short notice of the debate puts the less robustly financed candidates in a difficult position as they scramble to find a home at which to stay in the Bay Area. To not show up slices him/her out of a significant opportunity to get their message and name known on a national level. The debate will be videtaped and uploaded to YouTube and promoted on Green Party list-servs and websites.

Jared Ball of Washington D.C. returns to the Bay Area after having just campaigned in California in mid-December, despite the pressures of having a new baby at home and a professorial job. Jesse Johnson, who is challenging the West Virginia Election Board to get the Green Party on the ballot, was caught by surprise by the short notice; his delay in confirming his attendance resulted in his name not being included in on-air and print material. Kat Swift, the sixth candidate has made a sudden change as well and will be coming out.

Elaine Brown, activist and former Black Panther Party leader, removed herself from the race two weeks ago.

The video will be available several days after the debate. KPFA will be broadcasting the debate. Democracy Now and Polidoc Productions will be working together to create an archival video of the event.

Arkansas Green Party Candidates File For Presidential Primary

Cynthia McKinney, Kent Mesplay, Kat Swift and Jared Ball will appear on the Green Party ballot candidates on the Arkansas primary for President. Compare that to California or Illinois' list for an understanding of the many shades of green.

In California, in addition to the four already mentioned, Ralph Nader Elaine Brown and Jesse Johnson passed the Green radar.

In Illinois, Kat Swift and Jesse Johnson was passed over.

Delegates from other states will cast their votes during this summer's convention to be held in Chicago. Hopefully, that will give the final candidate enough time to effectively mount their final campaign for the November 2008 standoff.

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Illinois Nails Petition Deadline for Presidential Primary

The Illinois Green Party successfully gathered enough signatures for the following four candidates on the Presidential Primary Election in February.

• Jared Ball
• Howie Hawkins, stand-in for Ralph Nader
  
• Cynthia McKinney
  
• Kent Mesplay
  

It was Gubernatorial candidate Rich Whitney 's 2006 run that achieved statewide party status and significantly eased ballot access requirements for the state's new but quickly growing party. This opportunity (and challenge) to place candidates on the state's primary ballot is a symbol of success, both for the state's party but for all the Greens. Being on the primary ballot will boost the visibility of the party in the state, itself the goal of many of the candidates.

During an interview at the Annual State meeting, Whitney said that meeting the two candidates who managed to make it there made a difference for him. Californian Kent Mesplay and Washington, D.C. Jared Ball had committed their campaign pocket book to demonstrate the importance of introducing themselves to the state's party representatives. Showing up seemed to have made a difference in the case of the Illinois petition drive as signatures were not collected for other grassroots candidates.

Three grassroots candidates who were placed on the California primary ballot but did not make it onto the Illinois ballot were:

• Texas activist Kat Swift
• Georgia's Elaine Brown and
• West Virginia's Jesse Johnson, who is also considering a gubernatorial run.

Neither Howie Hawkins who is a stand-in for Ralph Nader, nor Cynthia McKinney made it to the Illinois State meeting; however their international notoriety was enough to garner the support of petitioners who collected signatures on their behalves. McKinney was in Chicago at the time and did meet with party leaders to discuss a strategy for accruing signatures, which apparently went well.

West Virginia Legislature Faces Challenges to its Ballot Access Laws

Rocky Mountain Party chairman Jesse Johnson wants to affiliate with the Green Party on the Presidential Ballot; but current West Virginia law doesn't allow it. After pointing out that if this law holds true it would also apply to the Democratic Party affiliate in WV, the Secretary of State agreed that a swift resolve could be made.

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