Trevor Drown of Russellville Announces as Independent Candidate For U.S. Senate
Former Green Beret and Russellville Tea Party star Trevor Drown announced today that he is going to run for U.S. Senate as an Independent candidate, which greatly disappoints Republicans as one more GOP Senate candidate and we win a free sandwich.
Anyway, the announcement is not Drown’s first. Just a few weeks back he sent out a press release announcing he was definitely going to run … for something; he was just not sure what yet. To decide, he put up a poll on his website with the choices of Quorum Court, State Assembly, U.S. House, Constitutional Officer (such as Governor,) or U.S. Senate. The first result yielded the State Assembly (37%) followed by the Quorum Court (35%.) But someone spammed those results from out of state so they were thrown out, of course.
Regardless, the second and much more conclusive poll clearly showed the amazing and spontaneous support with 75% of all the voters (not sure the number voting) encouraging Trevor to run for the U.S. Senate. WOW! I never saw that one coming.
Anyway, he did not feel the actual Senate announcement was worth of a press release or anything today. But I did happen to notice it when pursing the Internets. Drown writes,
It’s U.S. Senate!
There is turmoil in our country like never before. For various reasons, it seems to be difficult these days, but not because I failed to do something in my life. When I see that the plight of my neighbors is similar to my own, I have to take a hard look at the lack of leadership in our elected politicians.
With the support of my family and friends, I have accepted this challenge, I have decided to work towards the goal of becoming an elected leader. I have formed an Exploratory Committee to run for elected office, as an independent, representing the state of Arkansas.
No comment yet from Sen. Blanche Lincoln on this development, but I am sure one the Republican candidates commented although who can keep up with all that.
For more information on Trevor Down, including lots of very interesting videos as well as a timeline of how he single handedly brought the Lottery Commission to their knees, check out his website. You can even vote in a poll to guess what his job is. Currently leading is insurance agent, followed by UPS delivery driver.
UPDATE - Interesting discussion in the comments about the impact of third party and independent candidates. I will weigh in on that later when I have time to put some thought into a post. But one commenter points out that Drown will have to obtain 10,000 signatures which is no easy task.
My advice – call Rod Bryan, who is about the only guy to ever pull this off during his independent run for governor in 2006.
Tags: 2010 Candidates
July 25th, 2009 at 9:10 pm
Thank goodness – someone with an ego equal to that of Rep. Wills! I did not think it was possible.
July 25th, 2009 at 10:54 pm
Exactly what we need…to ensure Blanche gets elected again. Ridiculous.
July 26th, 2009 at 8:13 am
Roy, it is ridiculous for people to make the argument that one person’s argument is more or less valid based on how much their personal characteristics match up with those with whom they argue.
I agree with Breanne. If he wants to run, be strategic about it. A third party candidate with more or less the same goals as the republican party is a killer in this election. Maybe one of the other states will break this filibuster proof congress.
July 26th, 2009 at 8:53 am
[...] by Brett Kincaid on July 26, 2009 The Tolbert Report has the scoop on a right-leaning Independent candidate for U.S. Senate against incumbent Sen. [...]
July 26th, 2009 at 9:28 am
He needs 10,000 valid signatures to get on the ballot as an Independent U.S. Senate candidate. I see nothing to indicate he can reach that level, something that the Green’s only managed to do once and the Libertarians never.
On the other hand, if he DOES pull that off, then the question of who is “dividing the vote” is just a matter of where you are standing. None of those GOP candidates have any real stature either. So why would it be this guy “dividing the vote” and not the GOP guy dividing it? Let the GOP nominate one of their unknowns, and if this unknown gets on the ballot then let the two of them draw straws to see who drops out. An Independent is more likely to get a vote than a Republican in much of this state anyway.
For the long term answer to this problem, google “instant run off voting”. We are going to see more and more “vote dividing”. Instead of complaining about the inevitable, move to a system where everyone can vote their conscience without fear of electing the worst option.
July 26th, 2009 at 9:00 pm
How’s this for a conspiracy theory? The Dems (thru legitimate secret means) actually help him get the signatures he needs to become an independent candidate and then throw some money his way to pull just enough vote from the Republican candidate to let Blanche win. Don’t put this past them. They want to make sure they retain this seat and pull every trick out of their old tired playbook to do it.
I understand the argument that he could be as good or better on the issues as any GOP candidate. If that is the case then let him run as a Republican. If he is the better candidate and gets his message out then he should win.
July 26th, 2009 at 9:20 pm
If the Dems are smart, and many of them are, that is what they’ll do David. How do you think Ralph Nader keeps getting on the ballot in states all over the country. It isn’t because he has that many supporters. Conservatives help him out in many cases.
July 27th, 2009 at 5:34 am
HAHA! David, I wouldn’t put that past me! I wouldn’t organize, but I would sure sign a petition for a green party guy any day.
July 27th, 2009 at 9:16 am
[...] Jason Tolbert for keeping up with all of the Republicans wanting to run for the U.S. Senate. His blog points me to news that Trevor Drown, hunter of Taliban and Al-Qaeda, has announced that he’s running for U.S. Senate [...]
July 27th, 2009 at 3:41 pm
[...] John Anderson. (ARCCA Blog) The Drowning Pool: Independent candidate Trevor Drown of Russellville joins the 2010 field to challenge Sen. Blanche Lincoln. Can he get the signatures to get on the ballot? (The Tolbert [...]
July 27th, 2009 at 6:04 pm
William, again I agree, the national republican party has failed us, but I am not about to bail on the Arkansas Party, it is strong and fundamentally sound. I am not a strong party guy, but I think it will be more useful to take our party back than to dump it and create a lose lose situation. From what I understand Mr. Drown would fit in fine with the republicans, but his actions will lead to another Lincoln victory if he is able to get those 10,000 signatures. This election is going to be close, and if a 3rd party candidate has his wife and granny vote for him it could be enough to hand things over to Lincoln.
July 28th, 2009 at 10:53 am
I’ve long said, well, to anyone who will listen, that we need more than two major political parties. When the rubber meets the road, the Dems and Reps are only looking toward the best interest of their own political party. I really think they could care less of the people they represent. There are those few, from both parties the genuinely care about the “common folk” in the districts, but for the majority, they only want to do what is best for themselves. I’ve voted as an independent for the last several years. Not necessarily being associated with an independent party, but meaning I will vote for who I think can do the job whether they are Democrat, Republican or and Independent Party of some sort. Too many people will vote only for Democrat or Republican for the mere reasoning that they’ve always voted that way, without giving much thought on what their party member’s views are or how it would affect them.
I, myself, believe Trevor is a fresh face and willing to stand up for the “common man”. He has my vote!
July 28th, 2009 at 11:28 am
if the good people of mn can elect two nuts (one gov and one senator) in less than 10 years why cant the good people of ark finally get one? why can’t the reps get anyone good in ark to run against the two worthless folks we have in our senate seats? maybe it is time for an independent voice and finally put lincoln back where she belongs learning to live with laws she helped pass.
July 30th, 2009 at 1:55 pm
It was so funny to see what everyone was thinking the reaction the Republican Party “Bosses” would have and what reaction the Democratic Party “Bosses” would have to Trevor’s announcement.
What is great is that Trevor does not have any “Party Bosses” to answer to. He owes no favors to Party Bosses. He will be in a position to carry a vote for ALL the citizens of Arkansas. What a wonderful new idea!
July 30th, 2009 at 2:22 pm
FYI, Trevor Drown just announced the existance of a online grassroots organization, at http://idaretomakeadifference.com/
July 31st, 2009 at 12:50 pm
Finally. someone willing to make a difference while LISTENING to the people. What a novel idea. Should have been done a long time ago! I dare to make a difference!!!!!
July 31st, 2009 at 7:08 pm
Trevor is asking us to join a cyber movement and leave all our political beliefs at home. He wants us to respect all others opinions regardless of what? Did he say religion? I am a Christian and many of my political beliefs are based on my faith. Is he suggesting that we should respect the ideals that athiest have. They have removed prayer from school, removed the Ten Commandments from court rooms, and are trying to remove God from all aspects of our Government. Trevor is quoting a athiest on his own website. I understand why he did not run as a republican now.
August 1st, 2009 at 12:53 pm
Wow, he must be scaring you if you took that much time to write that response. I would be willing to bet he had a number of Arkansas Elected leaders who are Republican try and recruit him. Maybe even some have his number on speed dial. Maybe some of them even like what he is doing because the Arkansas GOP is sinking and all hands are abandoning ship and a change is needed.
August 1st, 2009 at 1:56 pm
What? I simply felt the need to cut on someone who claims to be a voice for the people and then states that he is not taking a stance on issues at the moment. Is he going to put up a poll on his website to see if the people want gun control, or higher taxes. What about abortion. If the majority of the people say to him that they want him to quit this silly race and stop helping Blanche, WILL HE. I would simply like to know exactly what issues he is not willing to take a stance on, and how he is going to determine what stance he is going to take. If he is planning on making his decision the same way he decided if he would do a interview with his home town news paper, then I am a little scared. Well, I wouldnt exactly call it scared, But I do think it is a little FUNNY.
August 1st, 2009 at 11:14 pm
OL’Arki, It is people like you who are going to cost our party in 2010. You are showing just how bad he has our party un-nerved and scrambling. He is obviously pushing forward at a rather interesting pace, and it appears to me that part of this is due to people like you who are not seeing the real picture. The average person (a majority of the voters)wants a person that they can relate to. Do our party a favor and quit talking like a career politician. Your killing us!!
August 1st, 2009 at 11:59 pm
Ok, I poored the kool-aide out. I guess it is unreasonable to expect a leader to take a stance on a issue without asking someone else what to do. What was I thinking. I am sorry that you have mistaken concern for hate. I am concerned that Trevor is going to lead Blanche right back into office. Conservatives can win this race if we work together. Trying to split the conservative vote is not leading conservatives in the right direction. How would you feel if he managed to get 1 percent and we lost by 1 percent. I think someone talked Trevor into running as an independent canidate. I think it was someone who knows nothing about politics. Someone that has watched to many movies with happy endings(maybe someone on the cool aide). I think you are right. I think Republicans may have asked him to run for office. They must have thought that he had the same morals and values as them. Personally, I think he has the exact same goals as the republican party and I am upset that he would even think about fighting against the people that asked him to run. I think I know what stance Trevor will take on all the issues. I think he does too. So who is leading who? You and I both know that Trevor is not running this campaign. He is following someone else, instead of leading the people that asked him to lead.
August 2nd, 2009 at 8:12 am
Ok Arkie, thank you for confirming what we already knew. And although you haven’t said it, you are close enough, I know where this is heading. So for me at least on this thread Godwin’s Law has been achieved. With practice you will get better.
August 9th, 2009 at 11:06 pm
[...] it from a pretty reliable source that Coleman will announce soon.) A conservative Independent, Trevor Drown, has also announced his intent to run for Lincoln’s [...]
August 21st, 2009 at 2:20 pm
[...] Guess I better catch up on my Tolbert Report! [...]
November 4th, 2009 at 8:36 pm
If people are suspicious of the GOP (National or AR), it’s the fault of the party, not the people. When conservatism is perceived by the polls not to be popular, the party has abandoned conservative principles and has chosen to go for the safe choice (Huckabee/Gomer Pyle, Bush, McCain, Dole, etc.). Checked-pants, country club, NYC/Hot Springs Village wannabe’s beware. The conservative giant has been awakened. Go chase ambulances and leave the defense of the Constitution to real Americans.