This morning, Americans Elect, the centrist third-party group which had hoped to hold an online convention, admitted that no candidate had received enough votes to enter the convention. Tom Friedman, presumably, was flattened by the news. The group released this statement today, claiming that they will reassess their plans:
Over the past two years, Americans Elect has focused on achieving three clear goals:
Gaining nationwide ballot access for a third presidential ticket to compete in the 2012 race;
Holding the first ever nonpartisan secure national online primary at AmericansElect.org; and
Fielding a credible, balanced, unaffiliated ticket for the 2012 presidential race.
Through the efforts of thousands of staffers, volunteers, and leadership, Americans Elect has achieved every stated operational goal. Despite these efforts, as of today, no candidate has reached the national support threshold required to enter the “Americans Elect Online Convention” this June. (Read a detailed summary of the AE process here and the full rules here.)
Because of this, under the rules that AE delegates ratified, the primary process would end today. There is, however, an almost universal desire among delegates, leadership and millions of Americans who have supported AE to see a credible candidate emerge from this process.
Every step of the way, AE has conferred with its community before making major decisions. We will do the same this week before determining next steps for the immediate future. AE will announce the results of these conversations on Thursday, May 17.
As always, we thank everyone who has participated in this effort and will honor the work, efforts and trust so many people have placed in Americans Elect.
The entire primary received 12,000 total votes, with Buddy Roemer coming closest to the threshold.