Excitement on the Left

The Capital Courier -

In recent weeks the campaign has finally taken off. Many parties are actively campaigning throughout the nation as election day draws closer. Yet, much of the activity seems to be centered on the left side of the political spectrum. Three parties, the LLP, LFP, and FMP are all competing fiercely for votes. All three have developed policies and promoted sound bites that show they are all interested in competing for the political left. It remains unclear which party will emerge dominate come election day.

Some political analysts point to positive and negative aspects of this fierce competition. "On one hand, there is a fear that such competition could split up the left leaving it fractured and divided. However, it is also clear that the left is where all the excitement is," explained Trevor Gilead, political science professor at Franklin National University. Many analysts are not certain how large the left leaning base is or how large it could grow. The left's strength is usually made up of union members, minority groups, the young, and liberal upper middle class voters. Big issues driving these voters include opposition to the Iraq War, lukewarm support for free trade, increased government funding for social welfare programs, environmental protection, and support for socially liberal policies. The weakening state of the economy and current state of healthcare and education seem to favor these parties if they adopt the right policies.