Letter from Denise Giardina on the prospect of Nader as a Mt. Party candidate 

April 15, 2004

Dear Friends

I ran for governor in 2000 to establish a third party in West Virginia, one that would give people in the state an alternative to our one-party system. Nothing could better illustrate the need for a local alternative than the 2004 governor's race. A Mountain Party candidate will provide an alternative to the Republicrat Coal candidates.

Having said that, I am appalled at the attempt to add Ralph Nader as a presidential candidate on the Mountain Party ballot.

We are enduring the most dangerous administration in the history of this nation. I do not think I exaggerate. I believe this republic will survive 2004 under this administration, but may not survive until 2008. This is not the time for egos, or even for stand about abstract principles. Ralph Nader has the right to run for president in WV, but now is NOT the right time. Any rhetoric which claims a Nader candidacy would help elect Kerry is a smokescreen. These are dangerous times. And West Virginia is a battleground state.

I think back upon the hard work of 2000. I had hoped the legacy of that campaign would be to stand up for our mountains and for a government of the people. Instead I fear the legacy will be to provide a place on the ballot for an effort which will lead to the election of George W. Bush in 2004. If West Virginia is the difference, and if Ralph Nader is the difference in West Virginia, I will live the rest of my life regretting the effort put forth in 2000. For me, it is the stuff of nightmares, and I pray the Mountain Party will not go down this road.

Sincerely, 
Denise Giardina