[EM] Experiments with the spoiler effect

[Bart Ingles]

Alex Small wrote:
> 
> I
> believe that it's important for Libertarian candidates to spoil Democrats
> as well...

Along those lines:
http://www.csmonitor.com/2004/0420/p09s02-coop.htm


I've been toying with the idea that intelligent FPP strategy can counter
the spoiler effect, much like computer-controlled hydraulics can make a
Cadillac lean toward the inside of a turn in spite of the natural
tendency to lean outside.  What would be required is for third parties
to either abstain or actively endorse a major-party candidate in some
elections, while competing & intentionally spoiling in others.  This
would ideally draw the major parties in the directon of the
third-party's policys, rather than pushing them away.

It would probably be most effective to compete in a fixed percentage of
seats-- say 50%-- with the party using democratic means to decide which
half of races merit spoiling.  I imagine the race for POTUS would be
exempt from this strategy, since a party's presidential candidate is
usually the party's standard-bearer.  But luckily we still have the
electoral college, so that some states are always safe havens for
third-party voters.

Bart