The death of Senator Ted Kennedy in August may have disrupted American politics, but some are hoping to capitalise on it. One such person is Ken Takusagawa, who is running as an independent write-in candidate, with a Free Culture Platform
There are worries in the American media today that the Democratic party will lose the seat it’s had for decades in Massachusetts. The seat, held by Ted Kennedy from 1962-2009 and by his older brother John (yes, THAT John Kennedy) from 1953-1960 (when he became president) is now up for election, and the Republicans are looking to take it. There are a number of challengers though, and one of them is Ken Takusagawa who is running of the platform of the book “Free Culture”
American politics is complex, and money-based. A successful senate campaign can easily cost $10 Million. It’s out of reach of many, and even getting a state party established in the US is hard – just ask the US Pirate Party. Thus, many people will resort to cheap ‘grass-roots’ independent campaigns, using the write-in method. This method may be cheap, but also means that people have to know about you to vote for you, you’re not printed on the ballot.
Takusagawa is reticent to do interviews, stating on his website
I will not do media interviews. I am not the eloquent one. I am not politically “savvy”. This campaign is possible only because someone else has clearly written down what I believe in (and Lessig himself is, as of 2008, unwilling to run for Congress).
He also will not accept private communications, preferring public comments which can be responded to likewise, in the interests of government transparency. However, he doesn’t expect to win, but just to draw attention to the problems.
If you are in Massachusetts, and want to vote for Mr Takusagawa today, then the following should be written in the appropriate section fo the ballot.
Name: Ken Takusagawa
Address: 274 Cambridge St. #3, Boston, MA
We’ll update you on how he does.
Article from: FreakBits