Ralph Nader’s presidential run is giving a big boost to efforts to establish the Green Party around the nation. With Nader’s campaign getting national news coverage, and pundits publicly speculating about whether he may draw votes away from Al Gore, the Green Party now has a higher profile than ever before. More than 300 Green candidates are running for offices across the country, up from 120 in 1998, according to the Association of State Green Parties. If Nader wins at least 5 percent of the vote in November, the Green Party will qualify for federal election funding and a ballot line in most states in future elections. Most Green candidates know they aren’t likely to win, but they’re focused on building the strength of the party.
