The number of independent candidates running for statewide office is soaring.
So far 27 people have announced their intentions to run as an independent for Congress, state Cabinet or the Governor’s Mansion. Just four years ago, only 11 people ran for statewide office with no party affiliation. As Whitney Ray reports, the surge in independent candidates may be a symptom of the growing distaste for incumbent candidates.
State qualifying began Monday, and the first two candidates through the door were running as independents.
“I don’t think at this point we should care about who is Democrat and Republican, we should care about America and American people,” said Farid Khavari, an independent running for governor.
“We shouldn’t be trying to pit one team against another,” said Miranda Rosenberg, an independent for the state Senate.
In 2006, 11 candidates ran for statewide offices with no party affiliation. So far this year 27 people are running as NPAs… Seven of them want to be governor… like Bud Chiles, son of former Democratic Gov. Lawton Chiles. He announced his departure from the Democratic Party June 3rd.
“It’s time to step outside the party and try to bring people together,” said Chiles. Continue reading here.
