Of Riley, Baxley, and Nall

What is it that leads most people to decide to vote for one candidate over another? Unfortunately, sometimes it is nothing more than voting for the proverbial 'lesser of two evils,' that is, assuming there are only two viable candidates. Even then, however, there is yet another dynamic at work that is even more important, and that is the dynamic of 'differentiation.' In other words, one candidate has stood out over another in the voter's mind. The candidate has thus 'differentiated' himself/herself from the pack, showing the voter that they are indeed different and better.

At no time in the history of our nation has differentiation been more important. Republicans and Democrats typically fall all over themselves attempting to show how they are different and better. Yet there is an alarming homogeny and monotony to it all that gives one pause to consider whether or not a vote for one or the other is truly based upon differentiation.

Take, for example, the Alabama Governor's race.

The two major parties have made their choices. Republican Governor Bob Riley is running for a second term. His Democrat opponent is Lt. Governor Lucy Baxley. In what way can one truly differentiate one from the other in terms of basic ideology? Are there major differences in their views on public education? On taxes? On illegal immigration? What about an education lottery? How do they view the war in Iraq?

The fact of the matter is that the differences between the two major candidates are negligible. Only one choice remains for those who are truly interested in a candidate who has demonstrated that they are different and better. Loretta Nall is certainly not your average, run-of-the-mill candidate. But the standard-bearer for the Libertarian Party has certainly differentiated herself with fresh ideas. The fact that she failed to garner enough petition signatures to be placed on the ballot is an unfortunate tragedy in Alabama politics. As a write-in candidate she has an uphill battle. But writing in her name on the ballot is an act of voting FOR fresh and innovative ideas as opposed to continuing with business as usual.

Nall believes that public education has failed our children, and thus, she has a plan that bolsters private and homeschool education even among the most economically disadvantaged. She believes that private enterprise is to be preferred over government control, and thus, should a lottery ever be approved by the voters Nall would contract with private enterprise to manage it. She believes that it is ludicrous, unfair, and unreasonable to have nonviolent drug offenders occupying upwards of 60% of prison space when a program of decriminalization would result in a massive easing of prison overcrowding, saving the taxpayers millions, not to mention that such a program would keep violent criminals behind bars as opposed to the present policy of early release due to prison overcrowding. Nall believes in the Jeffersonian ideal of small government that is manageable and responsible to the people. She believes that the place of government is not to control or to bully or to be the 'grand guardian' over the private lives of citizens. And thus, public policy should be developed accordingly.

Admittedly, some of Nall's views are difficult for the people of Alabama to stomach. She is against the war in Iraq and would call for the return home of all of Alabama's National Guard. However, one must remember that Nall's campaign is for Governor and not for national office. Her views on Iraq have very little consequence outside of how the war impacts the state. And thus, a vote for Nall is not necessarily one of voting against the war in Iraq. A vote for Nall is a vote for fresh ideas that are based upon our commonly accepted and sacred rule of law in this country--The U.S. Constitution.

The choice therefore is clear. There IS differentiation in this campaign. On one side is Riley and Baxley. On the other is Loretta Nall.