Doug Dern, the state chairman of the Natural Law Party of Michigan, received an email in January from a top strategist for Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s presidential campaign. This communication sparked hope for the tiny political group, which has been kept on Michigan’s ballot by Mr. Dern for 22 years almost single-handedly. The party runs candidates in obscure state races each cycle to meet Michigan’s minimum polling requirements for minor parties.
Mr. Dern, a bankruptcy lawyer based outside Detroit, emphasized the importance of maintaining ballot access, anticipating a candidate who would be a perfect fit for the party. With Mr. Kennedy gaining access to the ballot in Michigan, a critical swing state in the 2024 election, new uncertainty has been injected into what is expected to be a highly contested presidential race. This achievement was made without the need to gather signatures, avoiding a costly and challenging organizing effort.
Mr. Kennedy was officially nominated at a brief convention held in Mr. Dern’s law office with only two attendees present. Stefanie Spear, a spokesperson for the Kennedy campaign, confirmed that Mr. Kennedy and his running mate, Nicole Shanahan, had been duly nominated by the Natural Law Party.
Third parties have gained attention in recent elections, providing voters with an opportunity to express dissatisfaction with major-party candidates. Mr. Kennedy is anticipating a strong showing in this election, capitalizing on voter discontent with the available options.
The Natural Law Party, founded in 1992, advocated transcendental meditation, responsible gun use, flat taxes, and organic farming. However, the party has diminished over the years, with Michigan being its sole state chapter heading into the 2024 election.
Mr. Dern has worked tirelessly to keep the party active, viewing it as a means to offer voters more choices. Independent candidates often seek the party’s nomination in Michigan, with Ralph Nader being nominated in 2008. The party’s main objective is to secure enough votes in the general election to maintain ballot access for the next cycle.
Mr. Dern, known for his work as a stage magician and a law practice focusing on drunken-driving arrests, has been dedicated to ensuring the party’s presence on the ballot. The Natural Law Party candidates, including Mr. Dern himself, have run for various positions in Michigan, aiming to meet the vote threshold required to retain ballot access.
In Michigan, minor parties can maintain ballot access if their top vote-getting candidate receives a specific percentage of votes in the general election. Mr. Kennedy’s affiliation with the party is crucial for his campaign, as it provides a simpler path to getting on the ballot in Michigan compared to independent candidates without party backing.
Following Mr. Kennedy’s nomination, there has been a renewed interest in the Natural Law Party, with talks of reviving the national chapter. Mr. Dern remains committed to ensuring the party’s continued presence in the political landscape.
