What is the likelyhood "third parties" will gain seats in the 2006 congressional elections?
479116
not likely. third parties are not even allowed in on debates
565335
Whoever the Democratic nominee is.  With the way things are going right now, there's almost NO way a Republcan will win...especially if they associate themselves with President Bush.
1041757
I have no problem voting outside the two parties, but there's really not a viable, reasonable candidate out there. (Nader doesn't count-he is a fruit loop) \n\nI keep hoping a strong third party will emerge, but there's so many who are stuck in the R v/s D rut-to alot of people, I am afraid it's more like a grudge match or a ball game with opposing teams rather than voting for the future of our nation.
715016
It's not a third-party issue.\n\nStates allocate electoral college votes, according to the rules set forth by the states. What the third-parties want is irrelevant.\n\nIn fact, the third parties are largely irrelevant given the current system, because the states so massively favor the dominant two parties that it's functionally impossible to elect a third-party candidate. The system is broken, but only those who don't support either of the two major parties seems to care.
231197
There's a problem with your suggestion. It'll allow third parties to get in the mix and win seats. Unfortunately, since Congress is controlled by Dems and Repubs, none of them will vote in favor of it. I like the idea, but it won't pass through Congress.
730551
Truth doesn't matter in this election. It is all about taking control of Congress. Pelosi represents the most far out Liberal section of our country. Look at what is legal in San Fransisco and you will see what is coming soon to you Congress
655856
Nancy Pelosi (D-CA, San Francisco).  About a year from now.\n\nDems win big in November.\nPelosi becomes Speaker of the House.\nDems and a few mod Reps impeach Bush and Cheney.\nPelosi is next in succession and takes office.\n\nThis scenario is COMPLETELY POSSIBLE.
619497
Well there are 3rd parties around, Libertarian, Green, even Constitutional.  The problem is they do not have high enough profiles to breakthrough.  Libertarians and Greens have the most press but not enough to overtake D/R's.  Mainly because of failed strategies of trying to take the Presidency without making a dent in local politics first.  \n\nAs I see it 3rd parties can have two successful strategies.  First, start locally and slowly build a base as you climb the political ladder.  That's a main reason the 2 majors are so successful they have plenty of candidates to choose from the lower political ladder.  Think baseball with their farm system.  This is slow but steady wins the race mentality.\n\nSecond, push for election change in the way we elect House members.  As it stands right now, House districts are based on population.  This dilutes 3rd party votes between several different districts and almost insures that the 2 major party candidates will never face a real opponent save one from the other major.  I think that deciding represention in the House by proportion would be a better.  My home state of Florida for exampele has 25 House seats if we went to a proportional system then 3rd parties could realistically gain 1-3 seats.  Not alot but if you consider large/bigger medium represented states then you could be talking what 20-25, and the difference today in the House is what 15?  3rd parties could realistically become the powerbrokers in the house and make the 2 majors at least pay attention to them.  It would also give them a jumping off point for bigger offices.
362558
I would LOVE to see a real opposition party. I don't think it's gonig to happen though. We'll be stuck with the same 2 choices we always have, corruption or corruption.\n\nI hope, but doubt, that the Democrats rediscover enough of their collective spine to actually put forth some workable ideas. If they do it'll be a change for a party that stands for so little these days. \n\nPeople say there are two Americas. I think there are at least three. \n\nOne is Bush's America: an combination of the extreme Christian "neo-conservatives," corporate interests, the growing national police state, and payola. \n\nAnother is the Democratic "left": lots of ideas, but not enough balls to make them happen. \n\nI suspect there's a third America: members of an increasingly radical middle that will become more obvious in the next few years, tolerant of those who are different and aware that the big problems of our times are being ignored -- or made worse -- by those in power today. \n\nThat third America needs a candidate. Or, maybe, a new party.
300179
I believe the Democrats will pick up 10 or so congressional seats and 1-2 senate seats.  Republicans will still control Congress but the Senate will be deadlocked 50 -50 making it difficult for Republicans to push their agenda through. Watch for all Republicans to distance themselves from the President who will go from lame duck to dead duck. Republicans will start harping on Iraq and Democrats will try to take the lead on fighting terrorism and the economy and will be criticizing Republicans for a record deficit, high oil prices, poor Iraqi and Iran policies, and corruption. The Presidential hopefuls will all be trying to balance themselves On the fence --- in other words, politics as usual
210061
Subtle. Let me guess. President Bush, Republican Party. Dems win the next election! Don't bet on it!
507326
The only way I see americans voting someone other than the two leading parties is if a third party were to break away from one of the major parties. It's happened before. The Republican party was started from the Whig party. I could see \nAmericans voting for a third party who had a platform of ridding the government of rampant corruption and getting us out of Iraq.
677195
Nothing, the Republicans can't get together on this issue. They are the majority in both sides of Congress, and I say they are stalling because of the election in November.
821568
If they don't lose at least one of the 2 houses I will be personally convinced that Diebold (Republican) voting machines are running the country and that democracy as we know it is dead.  We need a third party to keep the Dems and the Republicans honest and answering to the people instead of their own selfish interests.  Absolute power corrupts and I don't think it matters who is in that power seat - bring on a third party that really cares about things that matter like the environment.  We need bold, new leadership.
631040
Here are the parties I found listed as registered in Washington State:\nRepublican\nDemocrat\nCommunist\nAmerican Heritage\nConstitution\nGreen\nLibertarian\nProgressive\nReform
1018642
Not a viable one. It's been tried. The Democrats and Republicans have the game locked up.
835605
We have more than 3: heck lets see:\n\nIn no order:\n1)Green party\n2)Democratic Party\n3)Socialist Party\n4)Communist Party\n5)Libertarian Party\n6)Republican Party\n7) Federal Party\n8) Independents\n\nThat is just to name a few: in all there is about 50 parties in the USA,,\n\nThe problem comes in when the loss of vote for the 2 major parties is lost too the minor parties. BUT---this is good as it shows change in peoples attitudes in politics..At one time the Federals faced off against the Democratic-Republican Party..YES you read it right...\n\nAn interesting article asks for 4 parties\nsee below...first link is list as of 2004\nsecond is article on 4 parties