Independents Rule!

Politicos, beware of the independent dog in this fight – and get your act together soon

The independents have landed in Massachusetts and are coming to a local election near you in November 2010. As my warning order stated after the elections in Albuquerque, Virginia and New Jersey – politicos be warned or be scorned in 2010.

The newfound responsive demeanor of the politico incumbent is a direct reflection of the independent movement serving up a big slice of humble pie in Massachusetts. But fear not fat and happy politico, there are plenty of slices of humble pie to go around, and the only question that remains is who will get the biggest slice.

I am sure we all have our opinions and theories on the final outcome of the general elections in November, but the Massachusetts model has provided one sure thing for those gamblers in the audience. The independent-minded voter will have a big say in who will represent New Mexico at all levels of government, and the odds are in favor of those candidates who truly believe in the pursuit of good government beyond partisan politics.

Scott Brown’s victory seems to epitomize the mood of independent voters, and his entrance into the Senate is our version of Willis Reed taking the floor for the New York Knicks in game 7 of the 1970 NBA finals. Like Willis Reed, Brown’s presence in the Senate may inspire a victory for non-partisan, good government on behalf of all Americans.

Despite this unprecedented victory, there are still many stubborn politicos who refuse to “get it” and stubbornly cling to the idea that their party does not stink. I am here to say that both parties equally stink and many people around the country are just beginning to get a whiff of this stench.

So I believe this is just the beginning of an independent movement around the country, including the tea party, that values good, responsive government above all else. This is not a fad, or as former Gov. Johnson stated, “a real disgust with those in office, or to get whoever’s in there out,” but I do agree that this isn’t a Republican mandate or a shift to blindly support the GOP.

The independent movement is a policy- and issue-driven mandate with no regard to either party or incumbency.

No loyalty to any party

So, politicos, take heed and read this free tidbit of advice: The unique independent voting bloc is a well informed and idea-oriented voter with no loyalty to any one party. More accessible and faster media coverage has enabled the independent voter to thrive through vast research on the issues and candidates. The independent-thinking voter is smart on the issues, and the typical wedge rhetoric will not work.

Independents are fundamentally in favor of fiscal responsibility, limited and smart, efficient government, individual rights, fair and transparent government, responsiveness and old-fashioned patriotic Americanism.

In other words, we are open to debate policy ideas, if you have any, and most importantly we believe in keeping your word to the American people. If you break a campaign promise, we will hold you and your party accountable, moving your candidates into the category of one-hit wonders, or one and done. As the Massachusetts model proves, independents to do not play favorites and we are capable of quickly shifting support in favor of commonsense policy ideas.

Once again, politicos beware of the independent dog in this fight, and get your act together soon, or the independent will be making a special delivery of humble pie to a hometown near you.

Luévano, a registered independent, is a Marine Corps officer with 18 years of active-duty service and an Artesia native. He graduated from the University of New Mexico in 2001 with a bachelor’s in political science and economics and from the University of Kansas in 2008 with a master’s in public administration. The views expressed are those of the individual only and not those of the Department of Defense. You can reach him at jfluevano@gmail.com.