Third Party candidate endorsement

In the 2009 governors' election in New Jersey, the state's biggest newspaper the Star Ledger endorsed independent candidate Chris Daggett.

While Daggett did not win the election, he did receive 8 percent of the vote--an astounding amount, particularly in an election that was so closely contended.

Why is it significant that the Star Ledger endorsed Daggett?

It's because a major newspaper, the primary newspaper in NJ households, came out against the establishment and supported a candidate that would ordinarily be considered on the fringe.  It also signifies how, when given proper attention, third party candidates thrive.

One of the reasons I can't identify with the two major parties is because I feel that they're so far removed from my daily life that I can't begin to comprehend how to relate to them.  During the 2009 election season, I looked a Corzine, a wealthy businessman from a wealthy family and couldn't figure out how he could understand the frustrations that my parents have with rising property taxes. But Daggett seemed more relatable: he'd lived at an income my parents have.  He seemed to understand the challenges faces the disappearing middle class in New Jersey.

One of the objections to third party candidates is that they'll never win and the Star Ledger had an answer for that: "But the value of a vote is not limited to picking a winner. The real value lies in the signal it sends about what the voter believes is best for the city, county or state — not merely at the moment, but long-term."