Minnesota Elections

STATE ELECTIONS November 1994

In Minnesota, this election meant the emergence of a viable third political party. The secretary of state's office reports that Dean Barkley, candidate for U.S. Senator, gained 5.4 percent of the vote for that office and at least one vote in all 87 Minnesota counties. He ran as a member of the Independence Party, the group founded by Ross Perot supporters. Overall, the party garnered 85,000 votes statewide. Among other issues, party candidates advocate hemp legalization.

This showing means that the Independence Party can now enjoy automatic ballot status (meaning no petitioning), a contribution checkoff box on state tax forms, and money back for contributors giving less than $50.

In 1996 the Independence Party faces another roadblock -- it must show 10 percent of the vote in at least one Congressional district to maintain its status.