In the mid-1990s, a group of liberal activists, with the
support of a few wealthy donors, developed a new strategy to reduce the power of
money in national politics. Let's not waste so much energy trying to get minor
reforms through Congress, they reasoned. Let's take the battle to the states and
push for something meaningful, something that could really change the way
campaigns and elections are conducted.

A small minority of Americans--maybe two million people, maybe as many as five million--will vote for Ralph Nader for president this year. Most have gotten into arguments about the decision or have had someone try to talk them out of "throwing away" their vote. Many have been told they are doing something harmful or, at the minimum, irresponsible. Bush or Gore will be the next president. To pretend there is another choice is foolish.