Local Green Party leader joins Democrats to back Kerry

[wyldwolf]

So why did Terebesi, one of 77,357 Oregonians who supported Ralph Nader in the 2000 presidential election, recently register as a Democrat and pledge to support Sen. John Kerry, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee?

"Basic needs; not spiking trees," Terebesi said. "I mean for real, you can quote me there."

Since Al Gore beat George W. Bush by only 6,765 votes in Oregon in 2000, that raises the prospect that Democrats have an opportunity to mine left-leaning voters in the fight for the White House.

And it begs the question: Could an army of Amy Terebesis help Kerry win?

For Democrats, many who feel that Nader robbed Gore of a victory over Bush in 2000, Green defections represent an opportunity to rescue the country from irresponsible tax cuts, a failing war effort in Iraq and an environmental policy that has set back conservation efforts by decades.

"I would think if you hit people with a two-by-four it gets their attention," said Mickey Hiland, a Democrat from Crooked River Ranch, of Bush's policies. "What I fear is that another four years and it will be our old growth trees."

http://www.bendbulletin.com/news/story.cfm?story_no=13467

[nborders]

1. I was a green party member

I was green. 2000 taught me my lesson.

Don't stray from the flock, or you'll get bit. Good thing Gore won Oregon anyway.

~n

[freetobegay]

2. This is good news.