Mr. Smith Wants to go to Washington
By Dan Murphy
A recent Gallop poll found 40% of Americans identifying themselves as Independents, with 31% as Democrats and 25% as Republicans. Usually, these independent voters are forced to make a choice, as they will in November, between President Donald Trump and former Vice-President Joe Biden.
What if there were a third option when voters go to the polls in November? A new political party in NY, the SAM Party, is seeking to give moderate, independent minded voters another choice, instead of the hyper-partisanship we now see in Washington.
But how can any third party candidate get any traction, or notice, in the middle of an election cycle where the President sucks up most of the oxegyn and attention, with the remaining attention span of Americans consumed by progressive opposition to Trump? And throw into the mix a pandemic and an important dicussion on racism and law enforcement?
That is the challenge facing Scott Smith, the SAM-NY Party candidate for Congress in the 18th District, which includes several Northern Westchester Towns and the Hudson Valley. Smith is running against incumbent Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney, and republican candidate Chele Farley.
Smith recently polled 340 likely voters in the 18th District, taken between March 12 and April 5. 38% of voters supported Rep. Maloney, with 32% for Farley, and 13% for Smith.
Nearly 1 in 3 voters (31%) believe that we need less Republicans and Democrats in government, and 41% of voters polled identified special interest groups as the leading factor contributing to their dissatisfaction with government, followed by the influence of the major parties at 30%.
Smith was hopeful with the results of the poll, which he conducted himself, in an honest and non partisan manner. The polling data was filed with the FEC and is available upon request.
“I’m starting this race at 13%, with no name recognition and in the middle of a pandemic. I’m confident that there is fertile ground for a third candidate, that a coaltion of voters can be rallied from across the political spectrum and that we in the 18th District deserve an honest, competitive three way race. I think voters are open to voting for a different type of candidate, and another party instead of the same, democrat and republican failed choices.” In the Campaign’s polling 71% of respondents indicated they would either consider voting for an independent/3rd party candidate (33%) or are unsure and would need to know more (38%).
Smith is a school teacher who has lived in Orange County NY for all of his life. He believes its important to point out that Congressman Maloney moved into the district just before running for Congress several years ago and that Chele Farley also recently moved into the district to establish aresidence immediately prior to announcing her candidacy.
Smith, whose website, mrsmithforcongress.com, alludes to the iconic Frank Capra movie Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, wants to bring common sense solutions, and an independent voice to the House of Representatives, much like Jimmy Stewart’s character in the movie.
Smith, a middle school teacher, soccer and basketball coach, is running against the two-party monopoly in Washington that he believes no longer solves the problems of the people. “The political establishment has worked very hard to convince us that we have to choose between Republican or Democrat. The time has come to move away from both parties and begin a new day” said Smith.
“My philosophy of governing is simple. I believe in public service above self-interest. I believe that honesty, openness, and trust are essential to good governance. For me, the good of our country will always come first,” said Smith, who served two terms on the Middletown City Council, representing the Second Ward.
SAM-NY Chairman, Michael Volpe said, “Scott Smith understands what more and more New Yorkers are coming to realize: that there is a need for a third party, and for representatives who support transparent and accountable government, and solving problems with facts and data. SAM believes in endorsing candidates who will make decisions based on the needs of citizens and not the needs of party bosses. We encourage all residents in the 18-NY Congressional district to vote for Scott Smith on the SAM Party line on November 3,” said Volpe.
To learn more about the SAM Party of NY visit joinsamny.org.
