Graham for Senate
Post Office Box 1
Watertown, NY 13601

June 20, 2000

Dear Independence Party Members:

First, let me thank the broad coalition of State Committee members who selected me as party designee for US Senate at the recent convention in Albany.

This is an exciting year for the IP.

A grassroots democracy movement has resulted in a new slate of officers committed to advancing the notion of local control. Only recently, newly formed "Interim County Committees" were making endorsement decisions in concert with local party members.

This is far different from the previous system of topdown management in which endorsement decisions were made at the state level, very much similar to how other alternative parties operate.

The Independence Party is now becoming a different type of political party. More work is needed, but the last few months have been productive. Further, the party decided at the recent convention that a third party should offer a third choice. My nomination, and the decision by another party member to force a primary are healthy signs.

The alternative is a cynical system of multiple parties, all carrying the same major party candidates on their lines.

With our organizational growing pains under control, we can now focus on spreading a reform message.

The Senate race is a wonderful forum.

It is the highest profile race in the nation, and at $20million per candidate, the most egregious example of why we need political reform. I am eager to represent this party in the fall campaign.

As an original member of the IP, I have been active in both state and county affairs.

As a former (two term, eight year) mayor of the City of Watertown, I have the knowledge of public policy and procedure to compete against Mrs. Clinton and Mr. Lazio.

And finally, as a career broadcaster (former news anchor, currently a talk show host), I have the verbal and communication skills to represent this party well, without have to rely solely on paid advertising.

This is a pivotal year in the IP. We need to show what we can do by sending a qualified candidate against the major parties.

I have the range of experience in government, politics and media to make our case to voters and break through the two-party roadblock that so often hinders third party candidates.

This is a step forward for third party politics. We are not running a wealthy person capable of giving us a fancy campaign with no effort. This year, party members will have to step forward in support of our party and its candidates.

I look forward to working with IP members in the coming months and would greatly appreciate your support September 12 in the primary.

Respectfully,

Jeffrey E. Graham
US Senate Designee
Independence Party of New York

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