Who are the Occupiers? Meet one who happens to be running for President

Socialists elected in Utah? Yep. Amazing as it seems, in the early part of the 20th century, 40 percent of the Socialist Party in the state were LDS members. Over 100 Socialists were elected to office in 19 communities, and Utah was one of only 18 states to elect Socialists to the state legislature.

Today’s Utah voters probably feel doomed to listen to mind-numbing bickering produced by Republicans and Democrats. But there is hope. Like the Socialists of yore, there are alternative voices waiting to be heard on the state political scene.

Perhaps the best way to consider these political parties is to consider their party’s party.

For the state Libertarian Party, state party treasurer Andy McCullough said their event would be a sprawling lawn party. This wide-open fest would allow free spirited hempsters to enjoy themselves while not offending those who enjoy lemonade punch. Rock-and-roll would be playing and undoubtedly someone would dress up as the unofficial party mascot — a penguin. Such an approach fits well with the party goals of living free and responsibly, and respecting and caring for every peaceful and productive individual.

Seeking a more traditional approach? Then it’s the Constitution Party. State chairman David Perry said their party would feature a full-course meal resembling Thanksgiving, with the band playing “America the Beautiful” in the background. Afterwards, the tables would be cleared and the band would serenade heterosexual couples enjoying slow dances, perhaps with colored lights flashing on the party’s mascot — a majestic eagle.

This conservative gala is in line with the party’s views of pro-family policies, abolishing the federal reserve and income tax, and restoring the country to “One Nation Under God.”

For John Nordquist, the past and present merge into the Anti-Federalist Party. Last heard from in 1793, Nordquist is reviving and championing its legacy of decentralized government. This party’s party would be a lollapalooza mixing of Burning Man, the Rainbow Gathering and the Oregon Country Fair. Nordquist, who is 35 and a native-born citizen, fills the constitutional requirements to be elected president, an office he intends to seek.

He needs 4,000 signatures to get on the state ballot in 2012, a task he feels confident in achieving. There are no large mammals symbolizing this grassroots
effort. The mascot for the Anti- Federalists is the praying mantis, an insect which is, Nordquist says, “quite graceful and beneficial to people.”