New political parties are needed

Joel Rector, North Las Vegas

Friday, March 12, 2010 | 2:04 a.m.

I’ve been reading about the concerns of Republicans regarding the Senate campaign of Jon Scott Ashjian under the Nevada Tea Party banner. Their concerns seem to be based on the prospect of splitting votes from the mainstream GOP candidate, thereby handing Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid a re-election victory.

Campaigns are similar to selling products. It’s all about marketing. If the GOP has a substantive, quality candidate, with ideas that resonate with the electorate, why fear any competitor? If the Republican candidate cannot convince voters that he or she is the best person for the job, why should that candidate be elected?

It’s about time for new blood to be infused into our political process. Many have commented that all incumbents should be thrown out; but what good is replacing old politicians with new ones from the same parties who are beholden to the same power structures?

What we have now is simply more of the same. The prospect of new parties, both conservative and liberal, just might provide opportunity for new ideas to be presented, discussed and either accepted or rejected by voters.