Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein participated at a student event at Western Illinois University billed as “the nation’s largest mock election.” From the McDonough Voice:
As red, white and blue balloons dropped from the ceiling and the Western Illinois University Marching Band played, President Barack Obama was re-elected for a second term Monday night at “The Road to the White House Starts at Western Illinois University” mock election.
The mock election began on Oct. 25 with mock state caucuses and primaries. Following mock national conventions for Republicans, Democrats and viable third parties, the event billed as the nation’s largest mock election concluded Monday night at WIU’s Western Hall.
With Secretary of State Hillary Clinton running as his vice president, Obama swept past former governor of Massachusetts Mitt Romney and Green Party candidate Jill Stein, who spoke at the event. The Republican ticket included Wisconsin Congressman Paul Ryan as Romney’s running mate and Stein ran with Kent Mesplay.
The article notes that Stein’s presence at the event — she was the only candidate in attendance — helped her cause significantly:
While the Obama/Clinton ticket won the mock election, it was a close battle. Stein, who made an appearance at the event and spoke to students, garnered almost 50 percent of the votes in some states.
Dr. Jill Stein of Green Party is off to a great start.
This Green Party candidate for President is so popular, she is already pulling more people to Green Party state meetings.
Dr. Stein may well be the best politician the Green Party has had running for President.
A Harvard medical school Grad. Dr. Stein has been elected to local office. The Green Party leader was also re-elected.
Dr. Stein as run as Green Party candidate for state legislature. Her valuable political experience includes two statewide races also.
Many of us are very excited about the positive energy Dr. Jill Stein brings as a Green Party candidate for president.
Her Green New Deal platform, calling for sensible fiscal conservatism is exactly what the U.S. needs.
Thanks for covering the Green Party candidate.
How do you know that Michael? I’m really interested!
According to the article, it wasn’t just a ballot — it involved caucuses, party conventions, a campaign, and an election, all of which took place over several weeks. That’s the reason the Republicans had Romney and Paul Ryan as their ticket, and the Greens had Stein and Mesplay as their ticket (Mesplay hasn’t said anything about wanting to run for VP). I don’t know whether other parties were given an opportunity to organize, but my guess would be that the students got to choose which parties they wanted to form. Of course, Stein influenced the outcome by appearing at the event. But I think it was a smart move by her — a great way to get some motivated college students organized in her favor long before the actual election.
How many candidates were on the student ballot? If they were only Obama, Romney, and Stein, that’s not a fair ballot.
Mr Lake
There is one. A credible one even.
Rocky Anderson, former Mayor of Salt Lake City is preparing to challenge president Oily-Bomber.
Remember kiddies. You heard it here first.
As a former Aint Louis resident, I am speachless.
I hate Obama, my Yokohoma Moma, and have since 2008. But a challenger besides Nader or Hillary ??????????
Please point them out ……….