Bloomberg backers seek support of Minnesota IP

Organizers of the Independence Party of America have been traveling across the country trying to band together several state organizations. Frank MacKay, chairman of the New York-based party, said he made his pitch to Minnesota independents during a visit three months ago.

"What we're really looking to do is set a foundation to run another major candidate and establish another major political party in this country," he said. "And Minnesota we hope will be a partner of ours."

Mackay is specifically hoping for a chance to back Bloomberg as a presidential candidate. Bloomberg has reportedly been considering a bid for the White House as an independent. But publicly he insists he's not running.

Still, Mackay wants to be ready. He describes Bloomberg as the ideal candidate for the Independence Party of America.

"By no means can we speak for the mayor, or pretend to speak for the mayor," he said. "But we believe if he does decide to run, he will be on the ballot in all 50 states, and that this is a winnable election for someone of his stature."

Bloomberg has admirers in Minnesota too. But within the Independence Party of Minnesota, opinions vary on how best to support his potential candidacy.

State IP Chairman Craig Swaggert said delegates are deeply divided over the invitation to join a national organization.

"There's a group that feels very strongly that a national affiliation would strengthen the state party," he said. "And then there are other people who feel that it would take the focus away from the activities that we need to do in the state."

Affiliation supporters include Mike Burger of Mankato, the IP chairman in the 1st Congressional District. Burger said he's heard from many Minnesotans who want a national platform to tackle issues like health care and federal spending. He said an Independence Party of America is needed with or without a presidential candidate.

"Whether we run a candidate this year or in four years, when the party is a little stronger," he said. "That's my goal, to get the national party going."

Minnesota independents have been down this road before. In 2000, presidential candidate Pat Buchanan mounted a takeover of the Reform Party USA. The resulting chaos led to Minnesota's chapter, led by then-Gov. Jesse Ventura, to break away and form the Independence Party.

Burger said that history is why some Minnesota IP members are now resisting Frank MacKay and his national party plan.

Former DFL Congressman Tim Penny, who ran as an IP candidate for governor in 2002, is also resisting the move. He wants the party's energy focused on Minnesota candidates, not building a national party. Penny, who supports Republican Sen. John McCain for president, said he doesn't think Bloomberg will get in the race.

"At the moment, it doesn't look like we're at a point where there is a national candidate to unite these parties around," he said. "And that makes our affiliation with other party units I think less salable, less useful."

An academic observer of third party politics is also cautioning against national affiliation. Paula O'Laughlin, an associate professor of political science at the University of Minnesota-Morris, said an unsuccessful national candidate could harm the brand name independents have developed in Minnesota.

"I think there are some real strengths in the Independence Party of Minnesota in terms of its ability to run good candidates in selected races," she said. "They don't want to be made fools of, let's put it that way."

Independence Party of Minnesota delegates will meet Jan. 26 in Bloomington to vote on the proposed national affiliation.

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