About the IP: History
History of the Minnesota Independence Party
In 1992, a group of Minnesota citizens established a brand new political party—the Independence Party. These bold, visionary citizens were not part of the political elite, captains of industry, or members of the idle rich looking to fill some time. They were ordinary citizens whose disgust with constant budget deficits, big money special interest influence, and extreme ideological dominance forced them to action.
They started a political party grounded in core principles of direct service and accountability to the people, whose government can and will budget sensibly and deliver within its means, and whose endorsed candidates and elected representatives serve the people first, first, and first. This party would not be governed by extremists or big (special interest) money, but by moderate, common sense approaches to public policy issues.
In 1994, in just its second year of life, the establishment was stunned when Independence Party candidate Dean Barkley ran for U.S. Senate and earned enough votes to qualify the party for major party status. This was a remarkable achievement for such a nascent political movement.
The Independence Party has retained its major party status ever since by earning at least 5% in state-wide elections. Jim Gibson did it in 2000, Tim Penny earned 17% in 2002, and Peter Hutchinson in 2006.
In 1998 Jesse Ventura was elected governor.
This established a high-water mark for state-wide electoral success. Governor Ventura proved triumvirate government can work by establishing a light rail transportation system, reformed Minnesota’s tax system, increased funding to education, and returned surplus state budget money to taxpayers. All these solutions had languished for decades or had no modern day precedent.
With every election cycle the Independence party endorses more and more credible, authentic candidates for local, state, and federal office. Despite huge disadvantages running outside the political and special interest establishment, more and more votes are earned by Independence Party endorsed candidates through their innovative and moderate approaches to long term change and improvements.
From Steve Minn to Dean Barkley, from Tim Penny to Jesse Ventura, to Tammy Lee and Peter Hutchinson and Team Minnesota, these trailblazers laid down a good foundation for independent party politics whose momentum continues to build as the party approaches its twenty-year anniversary.
A common trait of IP members, candidates, and the increasing number of people who vote for them are those who are fiscally conservative and socially tolerant; and those who believe in a focused, limited scope of government services whose top priorities include education, transportation, healthcare, environment, and budget sanity.
The Independence Party offers a place to those who believe the two-party system has not delivered--that in a country where over 30 varieties of spaghetti sauce can be considered in a grocery store, only two viable choices at the ballot box is not a democratic competition. The Independence Party offers the belief that political power starts and ends with the people.
Featured Candidate
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Dear Friends,
I know the newspapers have reported we lost, but as usual they're missing the real story of this campaign.
Even though we were out-gunned at every turn in this election, we came together, made our voices heard and proved that Minnesotans do have a better option. We don't have to accept the same old political games that produce the same old mediocre results. We don't have to choose between the lesser of two evils. And we don't have to vote our fears.
The only way we really lose is if the hard work of the last three months goes to waste. We have to use this as a springboard. It's not the end of our effort, but instead a new beginning.
I got into politics 16 years ago because I was mad and wanted to do something about it. While this is likely the last time my name will appear on a ballot, our cause must go on—and I know it will because of you.
There's nothing spectacular about what I did—anyone can do it. To ensure we move forward stronger than ever, I'd like you to support the Independence Party by signing up to volunteer or by making a financial contribution. I helped start this party so everyday Minnesotans have a real choice and now I need you to join me in building our party. As we've seen over the past few months, Minnesota needs us.
What's a political party without candidates? I'm glad you asked. If you're reading this message, I'd also like you to consider running for local, state or federal office as a member of the Independence Party. I know it sounds daunting, especially right after a grueling election cycle, but the system doesn't work if good people aren't willing to step forward and serve. I'm glad to help you in anyway I can and I know you'll be surprised by how many other people jump in to lend a hand.
Finally, we have to keep on our elected officials to make sure they do a good job representing our interests. I called Al Franken and Norm Coleman on Wednesday to congratulate them on hard-fought campaigns. While we disagreed on some important issues, I know once the recount process is resolved the winner will head to Washington with the best intentions. It's our role to support them when they're right and stand up to them when they're wrong. Good government isn't the product of good luck; it requires an active, vigilant citizenry and that's a job as important as any elected office.
Thank you so much for a great campaign. I'll never forget everything you did for our team. I'll always be humbled and honored by what you sacrificed for this effort and I know we'll emerge from this stronger than ever before.
Sincerely,
Sen. Dean Barkley