August 8, 2005
Green Party Louisiana's Newest Qualified
Political Party
NEW ORLEANS -- In a historic move for progressive
politics in Louisiana, the Green Party has become the state's newest
qualified political party.
For the first time since 1916, when the Socialist
party lost its qualification, Louisianans will have a qualified
progressive party on the ballots.
Representatives from the Green Party of Louisiana
turned in the required fees and paperwork on August 8th in Baton Rouge
at the Elections Division of the Secretary of State.
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Louisiana Greens on-hand for the filing
with the State of Louisiana
[Left to Right: Steve Godfrey, Leenie Halbert, Malik Rahim, Romi
Elnager]
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"The speed with which we registered the
required numbers of voters is yet another sign that the people of
Louisiana are looking for a strong voice for social justice and the
environment," said Leenie Halbert, GPL member who led the
registration drive. "More choices at the ballot means more voices
in government; progressives in Louisiana now have a qualified party
that will speak unapologetically for raising wages, healthcare for
all, and bringing our troops home now."
Thanks to weekly statewide voter registration
efforts at local music events and progressive gatherings, Green
registrations increased 24 percent in the last six months, up to 1,064
and surpassing the 1,000 threshold for major party status.
"While the Democrats shamelessly retreat on
important issues like abortion rights, coastal ecology, and opposition
to CAFTA, the Greens are stepping in to be the electoral arm of the
growing movement for peace and social justice in Louisiana," said
Malik Rahim, affordable housing activist and 2002 candidate for New
Orleans City Council.
The GPL has run 11 candidates for local, state,
and national offices since 2002, and recently completed a
comprehensive and progressive plan for the city of New Orleans, the
"GreenPrint."
For More Information Contact:
Jason Neville
504.338.3683
nevitate@gmail.com
http://www.LaGreens.org
Green Party of the United States
http://www.gp.org