Well, well. Here’s the first surprise of the filing deadline: Progressive Anthony Pollina is now Independent Anthony Pollina. That’s right, Pollina will be on the ballot for Governor as an Independent. So what’s up with that?
Possibilities:
1. This was the plan all along, but it was kept quiet so as not to invite the likes of Michael Colby to fill the Progressive Party ballot line without a fight? Interesting, if true, but questionable strategically. Not the running as an independent part – not only does it potentially broaden his appeal, but he’s no longer running against the two-party system in the same institutional way he was before, which could give him room to “opt in” the way Bernie has, but still be positioned as a reformer. There can be a lot of value to those sorts of campaigns, precisely because they critique and press the two party system without doing so quixotically.
But on the other hand, coming out with this now, if this was indeed the plan from the beginning, is somewhat an exercise in closing the barn door after the cows have escaped. The opportunity to garner support – especially Democratic support – from such a move was largely many months back, when he was campaigning full steam ahead and Symington hadn’t committed. Also, this will inevitably piss off a lot of Prog-sorts committed to the counter-institutional nature of a third party. To them it will be seen as a sell-out – a frustration that, again, would’ve been easier to absorb and move on from months back when fewer people were watching. Finally – it would’ve made a cleaner, easier answer to all those urging him to run as a Dem. With this news, he could further cast himself as anti-Democrat, by looking willing to consider any left-label except Democrat.
So is it a smart move, but bad timing? Problem with this theory is that he was collecting sigs for the Progressive ballot… that would be some lengths to go to just to be sneaky.
2. Desperation? Could be. The rollout of his credit card rewards program to save the state (VermontCard) got me scratching my head, and many others felt similarly. Is that move, and this Indy shingle, a sign that his internal poll numbers are in the crapper, and they’re looking for some way to reinvent the whole effort?
If no other Prog turns in signatures for a statewide ballot today, the good money’s on this theory, though – as it would mean they would lose their hard-earned major party status next year without a better-than-negligible showing on a statewide race. Hard to believe they’d let that happen unless they were desperate.
3. Not enough signatures? The deadline to turn in signatures as an Independent is not today, but September 12th. That’s a little extra time.
I don’t believe for a minute that’s what’s going on, but if he doesn’t turn in papers today, he may invite the question (or even speculation that he’s considering withdrawing – also something I wouldn’t believe for a minute).
The big question of the day? How could Pollina’s move – he being the last person most political watchers would expect to follow Bernie down the indy path – NOT send a message that the Progressive Party as an institution has hit the ceiling in Vermont, and that there’s nowhere to go with that political brand beyond the handful of State House seats the Progs currently hold?
Update: Pollina’s email to supporters on th ematter is below the fold…
Dear XX,
I want to share some exciting information about our campaign. Today, surrounded by a broad coalition of Vermonters representing democrats, progressives, independents, and even republicans, including educators, labor leaders, students, business people and more, I announced that I would appear on the November ballot as an Independent.
Since my campaign began, I have stressed the urgency to build a coalition strong enough to defeat the incumbent Governor. Over the last 7 months I have talked with many of you and Vermonters in every corner and from every county at more than 150 meetings across our state. I have asked Vermonters to tell me what is important to them. I have made a real effort to reach out to grassroots democrats, republicans and independents. Although the state democratic committee was unwilling to meet with me, I have found most Vermonters to be extremely open and interested in this election for Governor of Vermont. Regardless of background or affiliation, the Vermonters I have talked with and listened to share similar concerns. They are tired of old politics. And are deeply worried about paying their bills during the cold winter ahead.
The 2008 election – for good reason – comes down to very basic issues. The old solutions are not working. Doing nothing is no longer an option. New vision, leadership and ideas are needed in these serious, troubling times. And it will take a new kind of coalition to make it happen. Across the state, Vermonters have talked about how to open the door to all who want to participate in and support our efforts. They have encouraged us to build a unified coalition beyond the Democratic and Republican parties. I am very much impressed by the willingness of so many to step outside their own comfort zone and think outside of the box. This is exactly how real change occurs. At their urging, I have decided to lead this coalition as an Independent on the November ballot. Let me clearly state: this decision in no way compromises my priorities or positions. I am a Progressive in practice and principle.
Building a strong coalition is critical to the success of this campaign and so is raising money. The first campaign finance report is due in only 10 days. Please join our coalition and support Vermont’s future by contributing today.
This campaign continues our commitment to building a coalition of Vermonters that can deliver good jobs, lower health care costs, a safe energy future, support for public schools and a clean environment. I believe in this commitment because it is being made by a growing number of independent minded Vermonters ready to work together to build a better Vermont. Vermonters who look around and see that when we work together we can do better…much better.
I look forward to continuing to work with and for you. If you have questions or suggestions please email them to the campaign.