For the past seven years, the state of Montana has modeled a different way to run an executive branch of government. During that period, the Chief Executive has been a Democrat and his lieutenant a Republican. Brian Schweitzer and John Bohlinger have filled those positions and their administration has consistently shown approval ratings above 60 percent.
A pair of seasoned, dedicated leaders may be able to produce a similar working environment in the national capital. They are intelligent, compassionate, dedicated public servants. It is clear that they really care about people. They "play politics" much differently than the average Peter Politician.
Both are long-term Congressmen. They have been elected repeatedly to Congress and hold their present seats since 1997. Both men are highly principled and admired on both sides of the aisle, although they work from the fringes of the Congressional system. The evidence suggests they could work together comfortably on a number of issues and compromise equitably on others.
Both Congressmen have previously run for President on more than one occasion and know the ropes in Washington as well as in home district constituencies. Both are known to be highly principled members of Congress. Both also have taken stands against United States involvement in foreign conflicts and wars. This is a time in our history when most of us can agree that we do not need to be involved in more wars.
Ron Paul has been the U.S. Representative for Texas's 14th congressional district, which includes Galveston, since 1997, as well as a three-time candidate for President of the United States in 1988, 2008 and 2012. He is an outspoken critic of American foreign and monetary policies and known for advocating libertarian positions and opposing his own party on diverse issues.
Paul has been a physician, Air Force medical officer, OB-GYN as well as a writer-publisher of numerous books and periodicals. He has been characterized as the "intellectual godfather" of the Tea Party movement.
Dr. Paul's political philosophy is founded on the conviction that "the proper role for government in America is to provide national defense, a court system for civil disputes, a criminal justice system for acts of force and fraud, and little else."
Dennis Kucinich is the U.S. Representative for Ohio's 10th congressional district also serving since 1997. He was a candidate for the Democratic nomination for President of the United States in the 2004 and 2008 presidential elections. Dennis was the "Boy Mayor" of Cleveland, OH, 1977 to 1979.
Congressman Kucinich supports government and monetary reform and has been outspoken against intervention in places like Iraq and Libya. Dennis has been a consistent voice for peace and has introduced legislation to create a Cabinet level Department of Peace. Is it possible that Peace yet may become an American priority sufficient to have its own department?
RON PAUL & DENNIS KUCINICH ON PRESIDENTIAL WAR POWERS 4/1/11
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epcq7KqpYX0
Dr. Paul is already on the presidential campaign trail and has attracted an avid and enthusiastic following. Mr. Kucinich just lost a Democratic primary contest in Ohio which developed because of recent redistricting. So, both are vacating congressional seats and can fit executive positions.
You might say this is a pie-in-the-sky idea. Maybe, maybe not. Here are some reasons it could work.
The Executive Branch would have both parties represented at the highest level at every meeting in the White House.
The Congress - with its 435 members - would have a closer connection to the White House through it passing Paul and Kucinich into the Presidency.
The Cabinet undoubtedly would have both parties represented somewhat equitably at its table.
Paul and Kucinich are senior politicians and have the respect of disparate groups sufficient to enable them to better find common ground.
There is national precedent for President and Vice President belonging to different parties: Adams and Jefferson, Jackson and Calhoun, Lincoln and Johnson.
Maybe the modern American era can find place and value in a Split Ticket in the
election of 2012.