Forward Independence

We have some thoughts on last night's election. First, we're disappointed. We had hoped Jay Reeves would receive at least 8% of the vote in the State Auditor race and help Forward Independence earn major-party status in Minnesota. That didn't happen, and it's a tough result for everyone who worked so hard to give Minnesota voters another political option. Especially Jay, who campaigned with incredible integrity and brought the same dedication to his campaign that he demonstrated throughout his military service. One thing we heard repeatedly throughout this election was people telling us they were voting DFL up and down the ballot as a vote against Donald Trump. We also heard from people voting Republican up and down the ballot because of their concerns about fraud in Minnesota. These are just conversations we had, not scientific polling, but they reinforced something we've been concerned about for a long time. Too often, elections become more about voting against the party you dislike than voting for the individual candidates you believe in. That's a difficult environment for independent and third-party candidates, especially when they have to compete without the public campaign subsidies available to major-party candidates. We believe Minnesota deserves more than two political options. We believe candidates should be judged on their qualifications, ideas, and character, not just the letter next to their name. We're disappointed, but we're not going anywhere. Thank you to Jay Reeves, all of our candidates, volunteers, and everyone who supported our efforts this year. There's still a lot of work to do, and we're going to keep doing it. Not Left. Not Right. Forward.

Vote Jay Reeves! Scarlett is asking the adults to step up. If Jay Reeves gets at least 8% of the vote in the State Auditor race, Forward Independence becomes a Major Party in Minnesota and there will be a third political option when she's old enough to vote. Let's give the next generation more choices!

Let’s make a statement tomorrow! If Jay Reeves gets 8% of the vote, Forward Independence becomes a major party in Minnesota. That means all those uncompetitive legislative races across the state could have a Forward candidate stepping up as the leading challenger to a Republican or Democratic incumbent. This is about more than one race. It’s about creating a real alternative and changing the political landscape in Minnesota. Let’s make 8% happen!

Overturn Citizens United.

Not every candidate starts on a level playing field. To get on the ballot for Minnesota State Auditor, Jay Reeves had to collect 2,000 signatures. Candidates from the two major parties got on automatically. The Major-party candidates in the race also qualify for $150,000 of public campaign subsidies that aren't available to minor-party candidates like Jay. Jay is a massive underdog but he's the best candidate in the race and if he wins or just gets 8% of the vote, Forward Independence becomes a major-party and our candidates would be on a level playing field going forward. Vote Jay Reeves to dramatically change politics in Minnesota.

This is insane! Our election process is broken badly.

"One size fits all politics is destructive" Forward Independence and DFL endorsed candidate Trent Dilks is right, and we need to start electing people like him. Dilks is running in Minnesota Senate District 13.