Third party games distort our politics

Conservative outside groups have launched surprising ads for a Libertarian nominee in North Carolina’s tight Senate race—with the Republican Thom Tillis challenging incumbent Kay Hagan.

“More Weed, Less War,” say new commercials for pizza delivery man Sean Haugh, who favors legalized marijuana and big defense cuts. According to the conservative PAC who created the ads, they could serve two purposes for Republicans:

First, they may encourage some liberals to desert Democratic Senator Kay Hagan by throwing votes away on the Libertarian, and:

Second, the ads remind wavering conservatives that Republican nominee Thom Tillis exemplifies right-wing ideas far better than a pro-pot, anti-defense Losertarian with no chance of victory.

For the country at large, it is just one more reminder of how third party candidates can play the spoiler role in close elections.

Make sure you vote on Election Day and support candidates who have a real chance to advance your values—by actually winning elections and changing the course of government.