Consumer advocate Ralph Nader and running mate Winona LaDuke are bidding for the 1996 presidency on the Green Party ticket. They are on the ballot in 21 states, including Minnesota.
Nader has drawn attention to consumer issues since writing his book, “Unsafe at Any Speed”, in 1965. The book led to automobile safety requirements, including one mandating that cars be outfitted with safety belts. Nader’s other efforts have contributed to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Safe Drinking Water Act and many other reforms.
Minnesota native LaDuke founded the Indigenous Women’s Network. She is on the board of directors of Greenpeace and in 1995 was named as one of Time Magazine’s “50 Leaders for the Future.”
In an interview this month with the San Francisco Chronicle, Nader said he has three reasons for running.
First, Nader said he wants to broaden the discourse among the presidential candidates.
Second, he said wants to get more young people into progressive politics. “They’re dangerously turned off to politics,” Nader said.
Finally, he said he hopes his candidacy will help the Green Party qualify as an official party. To do so, the ticket must receive 5 percent of the vote nationwide in Tuesday’s election.
To support his drive for campaign finance reform, Nader has refused to accept campaign contributions and has spent less than $5,000 on his campaign.

— Will Bourne