Candidates woo the Independent party

Democrats, Republicans, Greens and others line up for new party’s blessing in online vote

By Christian Gaston

The Forest Grove News-Times, Jul 14, 2010, Updated Jul 14, 2010

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Bruce Starr and Chuck Riley don’t have much in common.

Starr, the Republican State Sen. from Hillsboro, and Riley, his Democratic challenger in the November election are on opposite sides of the political aisle.

But both are seeking to win in the fall with a little help from their friends.

Their friends in the Independent party.

Note the capital I in independent. These aren’t voters unaffiliated with any party, they’re members of Oregon’s fastest growing political persuasion.

But unlike the GOP or the D’s, the I’s have few restrictions on who can get the party’s nomination.

party’s nomination.

“We don't have litmus tests on social issues,” said Sal Peralta, Independent Party Secretary. “Our party’s major purpose is encouraging cooperation among the major parties.”

And candidates from all across the political spectrum are trying to cash in, netting the party’s nomination through a novel online voting system.

The party is spending about $20,000 to conduct a secure online balloting process on its website, www.indparty.com.

The voting, open to any member of the Independent Party, started July 8 and will run through July 30, when the results will be unlocked from their encrypted online ballot box at 5 p.m.

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