Public Media from Michigan State University

In bid for relevance, third party candidates come to Lansing

Your browser doesn’t support HTML5 audio

File photo
Kevin Lavery

In an election year, third party presidential candidates seldom get much attention. We talk about what third parties add to the national political discussion with Bill Mohr, chairman of the U.S. Taxpayers Party of Michigan.

Trump, Sanders, Cruz, Clinton and Kasich. There are now five mainstream presidential candidates still standing after key primaries this week in five states, including the battlegrounds of Ohio and Florida.

Here are a few more names for you: Briggs, Diamond, Hoefling and  Matkin. Chances are you haven’t followe their campaigns. They are candidates from the U.S. Taxpayers Party, also known as the Constitution Party. They’ll be in Lansing on Saturday to hold their own presidential debate at a local restaurant.

Third parties generally don’t attract much attention in American politics, but that does not deter them from getting their issues in front of voters.

Current State talks with Bill Mohr, chairman of the U.S. Taxpayers Party of Michigan.

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Email
Kevin Lavery served as a general assignment reporter and occasional local host for Morning Edition and All Things Considered before retiring in 2023.