If someone intially joins a party and raises money to run for president can the individual?

Question

Lets say an individual intially joins a party and raises money to run for president. If the individual isn't nominated for the party, can the individual switch to no party affiliation and run as an independent individual with the money raised?

The reason I'm asking this is that someone would be able to show how rediculous the party system is and that its nothing more than a tool to acquire press.

Potentially if this is the candidate's stance the whole time in the party then it would not hurt the candidate's image but make the candidate that much more widely known.

"Yes, in fact, that is what people are asking of Ron Paul. If he doesn't win the presidential bid, he should run as an independent. Which he will not do, and for good reason.

If you are going to run as an independent, or any other party, you would never be able to correctly run the country unless you can get enough independents in the house or senate to support you."

I agree, but it could get the ball rolling for people to run for seats in the government as independent individuals.

Answer 1

Yes, in fact, that is what people are asking of Ron Paul. If he doesn't win the presidential bid, he should run as an independent. Which he will not do, and for good reason.

If you are going to run as an independent, or any other party, you would never be able to correctly run the country unless you can get enough independents in the house or senate to support you.

Answer 2

Yes its possible to run as an independent if the bid to win your parties nomination fails. However, this is widely criticized because you end up taking away votes from your parties main candidate. Since third parties historically have a dubious record in general elections (third parties get usually get under 10% of the vote) its seen as divisive and can effectively ruin your parties chances of winning the election. Ron Paul should take this into consideration, so as not to hand the presidency to a Clinton or Obama by taking away votes from the Republican base.

Answer 3

He would need to have enough of an organization to acquire and certify the required amount of valid signatures of registered voters in each of the fifty states and District of Columbia to have his name appear on the ballot in each state. It is not likely that there is time enough to achieve this in time for the 2008 election.

However, there are many political parties that already have a presence on all state ballots. If a candidate with funding could convince one of them to select him as their candidate, then he could run as a third party. A quick web search for political parties in America will produce an extensive list.


Merry Christmas!

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Answer 4

If that money was not going into parties account the word would spread fast and not much would be collected. Politics is very large business. A candidate can use money they raised if not on campaign for other campaigns or give it to charity.

Answer 5

anyone can run for president as long as you fall into what is required by the constitution (over 35, American citizen, etc..) but you must get your name on the ballot which requires money and signatures.

Steven Colbert tried to get on primary in South Carolina and for the Republican party it was like a 13,000 fee and for Democrats it was like 300, and that was just for 1 primary.

Answer 6

u could but u wouldn't be liked much u should give to front runner in your chosen party

Answer 7

YES they are passionate about their stance and candidate and you don't need to give

Answer 8

There is nothing to prohibit that, but I dont think you will win.