Do Third Parties Have Any Influence?

AF Pittsburgh kicked off the fall with a roundtable about the influence of third parties. Over 20 young professionals gathered to hear doctoral candidate Anthony Comegna tell the story of the Locofocos fraction of the Democratic Party in the early 19th century. All were amazed to learn how many similarities exist between those early activists and today’s tea party. The Locofocos believed the mainstream political parties were letting Americans down by failing to defend principles like liberty, self-reliance and limited government. Thanks to the Locofocos, the national conversation changed as they forced politicians to debate the abolition of slavery and abolishing the U.S. Bank. Guests left encouraged that third parties and party factions can have a large influence on national politics.