whats the latest POD (early 1990s?) that one or a few small American parties to have a hand of seats in the House of Representatives(1-5) how would having Greens, Libertarians, and Constitutionalists in Congress change things?
The only other seat I can think of is Tom DeLay's. Due to an election law, The Republican's had no one on the ballot in the election where he stood down, and the Libertarian candidate asked for the Republicans to endorse him. I think he said he'd vote with the Republicans on procedural issues. In either event, the Republicans decided to endorse a write in candidate, and lost the seat to the Democrats. Had they endorsed the Libertarian I think he'd have had a great shot. He'd be a one termer unless he switched his party when he was up for reelection in 2008.
For another possibility, maybe Ron Paul could do it, running as a Libertarian? He has a nationwide following which would allow him to fundraise easily, and he's beaten the party's machine before. I think given the unique stature he has now, he could run and win as a Libertarian, but when he steps down the seat would probably go back to the Republicans.
I don't know enough about the Greens to comment, though they have their enclaves of strength, and are probably stronger than the other minor parties.
In any case, while I think it's possible under the right circumstances, I don't see third parties as ever having much of an impact even if they got into Congress, unless they were able to field and elect several strong candidates in various districts. Otherwise, they'd be almost completely marginalized in such a large chamber.
It has happened in the past. Both the Progressives (1912-8) and the Socialist Party of America (1912) have managed to elect at least one representative to the House.whats the latest POD (early 1990s?) that one or a few small American parties to have a hand of seats in the House of Representatives(1-5) how would having Greens, Libertarians, and Constitutionalists in Congress change things?