BabinecStrong Voter Appetite for Independent Leaders Representing People’s Interests, Not Party Interests
 
Today, The Centrist Project announces its endorsement of two Independent candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives: Martin Babinec of New York (NY-22) and Alan LaPolice of Kansas (KS-1). 
 
The Centrist Project is the leading national organization working to break the partisan hold on the U.S. Congress by promoting the election of Independent, centrist Senators and House Members to bring common-sense, effective leadership to Washington. The Centrist Project has also endorsed Independent candidate for U.S. Senate, Margaret Stock of Alaska.
 
“The Centrist Project believes that a handful of Independent Senators and House Representatives – like Martin Babinec, Alan LaPolice, and Margaret Stock – who are committed to solving problems and good governance and who are fiscally responsible, socially tolerant and environmentally responsible can break through the gridlock and become the moderating force to get things done in Congress,” said Centrist Project Founder Charles Wheelan.

 
“We cannot expect better political outcomes unless we can get beyond the pettiness of the two parties. These candidates are exactly the right kind of smart, thoughtful, public-minded Independents necessary to challenge the broken system,” said Centrist Project Executive Director Pam Peak.
No matter who wins the Presidency, that person will have a tough time achieving anything with Congress. Breaking the logjam will take fresh ideas from someone not bound by Republican or Democratic dogma. As Alan LaPolice said:  “How do we solve this? We elect people who actually serve people.” 
 
The last non-incumbent Independent to win an election for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives was Bernie Sanders, 26 years ago. Since then, more than 5,000 congressional elections have occurred and no other Independents besides Sanders have been elected (largely because most districts are uncontested, with incumbents winning re-election over 94% of the time). This election cycle, with an unprecedented level of voter apathy for the party candidates and with the highest proportion of self-declared independent voters in history, Independent candidates are well-poised to win. Centrist Project surveys and polls show voters are hungry for candidates that prioritize voters and the country’s interests, not a party’s interests.
 
Martin Babinec is an Independent with a proven track record as an entrepreneur and job creator. Babinec’s experience as a job creator, independent and entrepreneur will help more people pursue their own American Dream, and keep families together while growing stronger communities in Upstate NY.
 
After growing TriNet into a $2 billion publicly traded company, Babinec and his wife Krista returned home from Silicon Valley to Upstate New York, because they wanted their children to be close to their family. After stepping down as CEO of TriNet, Martin turned his focus to creating jobs in his home district, investing in local companies and starting Upstate Venture Connect a non-profit dedicated to accelerating job growth. He’s using proven effective techniques, not the same-old government jobs programs that have failed the district. 
 
Recent polling shows the race is very competitive between Babinec and his Republican and Democratic opponents. Today, Babinec is best poised to be the first independent candidate in 26 years to win a seat in Congress. That’s an incredible feat when starting from zero – as Independents don’t have a party label or machinery built in to back them. This showcases that voters are hungry for candidates with the right policies and the independence to advocate for them – not a party agenda. Babinec’s message is strongly resonating with voters. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has endorsed Babinec in this race over the two party candidates – the first time they have ever endorsed an independent candidate.
 
Babinec demonstrates that Independents aren’t spoilers – they are strong, viable choices for voters. He’s pulling support from R’s, D’s, and I’s in nearly equal measure, and has strong support across the geographically diverse district. Politico called this a “rare opportunity for third party win” in this region. 
Learn more on Martin Babinec’s website: http://www.babinecforcongress.com/

By martha

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