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The Daily OrangeAfter expected loss, third-party candidate Hawkins preaches progress
By Andy McCullough
Posted: 11/5/08, 6:16 AM EST Section: News
-A version of this story originally appeared on democracywise.syr.edu-
For the 14th time, Howie Hawkins' bid for public office bit the dust.
Hawkins, the Green Populist for Congress in New York's 25th U.S. Congressional District, received about 4 percent of the vote, winning 7,922 of 188,167 votes cast for the district. Democrat Dan Maffei was declared the winner at 10:50 p.m., leading with 54 percent of the vote. Republican Dale Sweetland held 43 percent, with Hawkins taking up the rear.
Hawkins continues to battle the third party stigma.
"There's perception that since I can't win, I'm a wasted vote," Hawkins said Tuesday night. He held a small party at the Onondaga County Green Party office on South Salina Street in Syracuse. "My argument is: If you don't vote for what you want, you wasted your vote."
Maffei nearly defeated two-decade Republican incumbent Jim Walsh in the 2006 U.S. Congressional race. With Walsh retiring, Maffei was the favorite for most of the race. The 25th District contains all of Onondaga and Wayne counties, and parts of Cayuga and Monroe counties.
For Hawkins, this election was another chance to push the Green Party agenda. He got the night off from his graveyard-shift job at UPS to hold a gathering at the Green Party's office. About a dozen supporters came by to talk and eat falafel and wraps.
The conversation flowed from French novelist Victor Hugo to conservative radio host Alex Jones to the San Francisco Giants.
Conversation stopped as people leaned forward in their metal folding chairs and squinted at a small television in the corner. Hawkins joined in, hunching over with his hands on his hips.
On the screen, good news blared for the Democrats: Dan Maffei was in the lead, as was Barack Obama.
"Well, the Democrats have no excuse now," Hawkins said. "There's no Republicans to stop them."
The atmosphere wasn't gloomy, despite the lack of votes for Hawkins. The result wasn't a surprise.
For the 14th time, Howie Hawkins' bid for public office bit the dust.
Hawkins, the Green Populist for Congress in New York's 25th U.S. Congressional District, received about 4 percent of the vote, winning 7,922 of 188,167 votes cast for the district. Democrat Dan Maffei was declared the winner at 10:50 p.m., leading with 54 percent of the vote. Republican Dale Sweetland held 43 percent, with Hawkins taking up the rear.
Hawkins continues to battle the third party stigma.
"There's perception that since I can't win, I'm a wasted vote," Hawkins said Tuesday night. He held a small party at the Onondaga County Green Party office on South Salina Street in Syracuse. "My argument is: If you don't vote for what you want, you wasted your vote."
Maffei nearly defeated two-decade Republican incumbent Jim Walsh in the 2006 U.S. Congressional race. With Walsh retiring, Maffei was the favorite for most of the race. The 25th District contains all of Onondaga and Wayne counties, and parts of Cayuga and Monroe counties.
For Hawkins, this election was another chance to push the Green Party agenda. He got the night off from his graveyard-shift job at UPS to hold a gathering at the Green Party's office. About a dozen supporters came by to talk and eat falafel and wraps.
The conversation flowed from French novelist Victor Hugo to conservative radio host Alex Jones to the San Francisco Giants.
Conversation stopped as people leaned forward in their metal folding chairs and squinted at a small television in the corner. Hawkins joined in, hunching over with his hands on his hips.
On the screen, good news blared for the Democrats: Dan Maffei was in the lead, as was Barack Obama.
"Well, the Democrats have no excuse now," Hawkins said. "There's no Republicans to stop them."
The atmosphere wasn't gloomy, despite the lack of votes for Hawkins. The result wasn't a surprise.
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