BROAD LEFT PARTIES

In the furtherance of independent political action through broad left third parties, as a step toward breaking with the Democratic/Republican two-party system:

State and Local affiliates of the SP should be alert for meaningful opportunities to participate in support of electoral action by broad left third parties.

The opportunity should be used to build such parties, and to advance socialist ideas, in a non-sectarian way.  However, support may have to be critical and at arm's length, depending upon circumstances.

SP members may join a broad left third party and support its candidates if there is no SP candidate for the office concerned.  In the absence of SP candidates, members may also run for office as a candidate of a pre-approved party (as stated in the SP-USA Constitution) provided that they run as open socialists on a program that promotes socialism.  Such a candidacy should be reported to the National Office.

No prior approval shall be necessary for a candidacy in one of a pre-approved list of parties to be provided, if possible, by this Convention.  Failing the completion of this list by the Convention, the National Committee shall complete it, and on occasion add to it, in the spirit of this resolution.

The situation within such parties may vary from state to state, but the decision for support shall be left to the State or Local Party organization.

The above is not meant to detract from the value of coalitions of socialist organizations and left-wingers, where possible, for independent political action."

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