A previous article on Oregon Outpost countered the Democratic and Republican insider criticism that the Independent Party wasn’t a real Party because it didn’t have a long detailed Platform like they did. We argued that the IPO was not a traditional old fashioned party of insiders, identity politics, wedge issues and donors who controlled legislation. And that the IPO exists because under the election laws written by Democrats and Republicans, formation of a lawfully recognized political party is required to allow independent candidates access to the State ballot.

The IPO could just as easily stand for “Independent Political Organization” But the law requires Parties to get ballot access. Not Organizations.

However, The IPO recognized that some congruity of interests and philosophy was required to bond independent candidates. So, party member were polled and four pillars, or touchstones, were established. Upon these pillars local candidates would build their own community specific platforms. And, together, IPO candidates once elected could work together on the common core expressed by the Independent pillars as well as other common priorities.

In effect, rather than having a platform, the IPO is a platform for independent community activists.

And it appears this is what is happening. The IPO reached major party status after that original article, and is now attracting candidates who span the moderate middle of the political spectrum.

Former Republican Representative and moderate Jim Thompson, ousted in a contested primary 2 years ago by ultra conservative Mike Nearman, is now seeking the IPO nomination to represent conservative House District 23. And in blue HD 35, IPO candidate Jessica Cousineau, a moderate left of center education advocate and attorney who believe in school choice, is challenging Democrat Margaret Doherty, who prior to being appointed to the Legislature was a consultant to the Oregon Education Association Union for 22 years.

You may also see an independent IPO candidate running to the left of a Multnomah County CRC, TPP supporting Democratic incumbent. That type of independent candidate would clearly represent the core values of a deep blue PDX district, but not stand a chance in the Democratic primary election.

The question is, will the media and voters understand and accept that the Independent Party of Oregon isn’t a traditional old fashioned political party, wedded to the old ways of doing business and forming coalition?

I guess we’ll find out.