Pubdate: Fri, 12 Aug 2005
Source: Tampa Tribune (FL)
Copyright: 2005, The Tribune Co.
Contact:  http://www.tampatrib.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/446
Author: Anthony Lorenzo
Note: Limit LTEs to 150 words

INSTANT RUNOFF VOTING

Regarding ``Florida's `Cracker Messiah' '' (BayLife, Aug. 7):

Thank you to the Tribune for showing the effects of instant runoff
voting in the Florida governor's race of Sydney Johnston Catts in
1916. It was the only election in history where someone other than a
Democrat or Republican won the governor's seat.

While I can't say I would ever vote for a Prohibition candidate
myself, such folks surely have the right to vote for a choice that
represents their ideology. Today, many people feel they have no choice
at the ballot box. Just look at our last presidential election, where
there was no difference between Kerry and Bush on the Patriot Act, the
invasion of Iraq, the war on drugs, NAFTA and CAFTA.

We need more diversity, less negative campaigning and majority winners
- - all demonstrated effects of IRV. Readers who agree can get involved
at http://www.cirv.org.

Anthony Lorenzo

Sarasota
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin