Why I Won't Support Bud Chiles

I have thoughts about Bud Chiles announcing he will run for Governor as a NPA candidate. Chiles has a right to run and activists have a right to work for the candidate. I wouldn't deny anyone that privilege in a democracy. However, Chiles has come in too late into the campaign and has no fundraising or political party behind him. Chiles will not be Florida's next Governor.

Florida progressives have backed loser candidates before. Some progressive darlings, such as former congressional candidate Samm Simpson endorsed Ron Paul. Another progressive former darling, Jan Schneider ran in 2008 has a NPA candidate with the intention of being a spoiler to Christine Jennings. The result is progressive candidates helping Republicans get elected. That is exactly what Chiles will do if progressives get Ralph Nader 2000 fever.

If Chiles takes away 5 percent of the vote from Alex Sink; progressive bloggers will lament the reign of hard-right conservatism that Bill McCollum or Rick Scott will bring down on Florida. I respect Bud Chiles and believe his father was a great Governor. However, I cannot support Bud Chiles's candidacy.