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Independents Rule!
A scene from the first tea party held in Las Cruces on April 15. (Photo by Heath Haussamen)
Politicos, beware of the independent dog in this fight – and get your act together soon
The independents have landed in Massachusetts and are coming to a local election near you in November 2010. As my warning order stated after the elections in Albuquerque, Virginia and New Jersey – politicos be warned or be scorned in 2010.
The newfound responsive demeanor of the politico incumbent is a direct reflection of the independent movement serving up a big slice of humble pie in Massachusetts. But fear not fat and happy politico, there are plenty of slices of humble pie to go around, and the only question that remains is who will get the biggest slice.
I am sure we all have our opinions and theories on the final outcome of the general elections in November, but the Massachusetts model has provided one sure thing for those gamblers in the audience. The independent-minded voter will have a big say in who will represent New Mexico at all levels of government, and the odds are in favor of those candidates who truly believe in the pursuit of good government beyond partisan politics.
Scott Brown’s victory seems to epitomize the mood of independent voters, and his entrance into the Senate is our version of Willis Reed taking the floor for the New York Knicks in game 7 of the 1970 NBA finals. Like Willis Reed, Brown’s presence in the Senate may inspire a victory for non-partisan, good government on behalf of all Americans.
Despite this unprecedented victory, there are still many stubborn politicos who refuse to “get it” and stubbornly cling to the idea that their party does not stink. I am here to say that both parties equally stink and many people around the country are just beginning to get a whiff of this stench.
Johnny F. Luévano Jr.
So I believe this is just the beginning of an independent movement around the country, including the tea party, that values good, responsive government above all else. This is not a fad, or as former Gov. Johnson stated, “a real disgust with those in office, or to get whoever’s in there out,” but I do agree that this isn’t a Republican mandate or a shift to blindly support the GOP.
The independent movement is a policy- and issue-driven mandate with no regard to either party or incumbency.
No loyalty to any party
So, politicos, take heed and read this free tidbit of advice: The unique independent voting bloc is a well informed and idea-oriented voter with no loyalty to any one party. More accessible and faster media coverage has enabled the independent voter to thrive through vast research on the issues and candidates. The independent-thinking voter is smart on the issues, and the typical wedge rhetoric will not work.
Independents are fundamentally in favor of fiscal responsibility, limited and smart, efficient government, individual rights, fair and transparent government, responsiveness and old-fashioned patriotic Americanism.
In other words, we are open to debate policy ideas, if you have any, and most importantly we believe in keeping your word to the American people. If you break a campaign promise, we will hold you and your party accountable, moving your candidates into the category of one-hit wonders, or one and done. As the Massachusetts model proves, independents to do not play favorites and we are capable of quickly shifting support in favor of commonsense policy ideas.
Once again, politicos beware of the independent dog in this fight, and get your act together soon, or the independent will be making a special delivery of humble pie to a hometown near you.
Luévano, a registered independent, is a Marine Corps officer with 18 years of active-duty service and an Artesia native. He graduated from the University of New Mexico in 2001 with a bachelor’s in political science and economics and from the University of Kansas in 2008 with a master’s in public administration. The views expressed are those of the individual only and not those of the Department of Defense. You can reach him at jfluevano@gmail.com.
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Guys with out shirts who don’t want to pay taxes? At least dress like you know the issues.
Actually, I think there are a lot of disaffected voters. Many listen to hate radio and base all of their positions on only what affects them. It is understandable when you are out of work. But, the constant we are against everything mantra shows a real lack of understanding of the value of the common good. That is why things are going terribly wrong with the partisan ship and the rebellious ‘independents’. They don’t recognize the common good requires listening to other ideas and giving them a chance.
‘Independents’ who believe they’ve been lied to, misused, mislead, and betrayed by both major parties. It is a HUGE number. In NM, while their registration is certainly a statement of political discontent, they have previously been ineffective in getting their message through because the major parties control the message … and if you want to have a voice, you need to have a seat at the table to help determine – in the primaries – who the candidates are. The Richardson / Denish administration effectively killed off minor political parties, so the Greens would not dilute the D base. Having said all that – there is now righteous indignation among independents, Rs and Ds and they are presenting themselves through the Tea Parties and independent movements that will affect the primaries (which will work outside of NM, but not in). Having said that – this segment of the voting population is going to be vocal, they are going to show up at the polls, and they will remain involved … for a while. The thing we all need to remember is that, in elections – you get want you want, you get what is available. To help ensure that the very best is available – in NM – you need to jump into a party and exert influence to affect the outcomes.
Good hunting.
It’s well documented, and has been for decades, that most voters who self-identify as “independents” are as blatantly partisan as everybody else. In fact, only about 10% of independents are actually “independent”:
http://www.themonkeycage.org/2009/12/three_myths_about_political_in.html
Brown has yet to prove that he is anything but a “business as usual” Republican. I hope Johnny will keep track of his performance and write a followup in September or so.
Remember Jesse Ventura.
The writing is on the wall and now is the time to press the fight and hold our elected officials accountable. Times have changed and this is an opportunity for real change. Well said Johnny!
I can help but think of the character in the movie network, this election year will bring that memorable quote to the forefront “I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take it any more!” Take heed everyone this will be the year of the independents.