Presidential races are always about struggling to get on the ballot, and not every contender manages or bothers to get a primary position in all 50 states. So far, the only Democrat to file the necessary paperwork in Texas is John Edwards. On the Republican side, there’s Rudy Giuliani and Hoa Tran. What? You don’t know Houston-based doctor of Oriental medicine Hoa Tran?
Tran is just one of the 76 Republicans, 50 Democrats and 120 assorted Greens, Libertarians, Constitutionalists, Reformers, Light Party members, United Fascist Unionists, unaffiliateds and independents that have announced their plans to run for President.
Of course, some may argue that they’re wasting their time, that these marginal candidates have little chance of getting on the ballot in one state, never mind all 50. But how much more fun would it be if regular Minnesota campaigner Ole Savior got into the next Democratic debate? And does Alan Keyes really stand more of a shot at being president than Vermin Love Supreme? And if Mike Huckabee can come within grabbing distance of his party nomination, then what about Jedidiah Elijah Wendell Kennedy Banks? Or Megally Megally? Or Duncan Hunter?
This article appears in December 7 • 2007.
