Freeranger news: Green Party candidate's performance makes for easier future ballot access in Illinois

Much was made in this election cycle of "freeranger" candidates, such as independent politicos like Joseph Lieberman, or third party challengers like Green Party candidate Rich Whitney in Illinois.

Lieberman won, but will caucus with the Democrats. Whitney lost in Illinois' governor's race, in fact he finished a distant third. However, since he received more than 5 percent of the vote, the entire Illinois Green Party benefits. The state now recognizes it as a major party, and will need far fewer petition signatures to qualify for future Illinois ballots.

Bad news for the Democrats. Good news--not that it's huge, for the embattled Illinois Republican party.

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