Third-Party Candidates

Re “Clinton’s Lead Over Dole Widens in State to 27 Points,” July 18:

Various opinion polls have shown a high interest in, and a desire for, a third political party in America. Only one national political party, the Libertarian Party, has already held its convention and chosen its presidential candidate, Harry Browne. Despite these facts, The Times chose not to include Harry Browne in its presidential preference poll. Is there an explanation for this?

Perhaps Browne would have fared poorly in the poll, but how will you ever know if you don’t ask.

ERNST F. GHERMANN

Winnetka

* This is not a good year for Republicans. They are unhappy with their presidential candidate, polling 2 to 1 that Bob Dole will lose, regardless of Ross Perot’s involvement. This means voting for Dole is throwing away votes. Many Republicans hate the prospect of Bill Clinton winning.

What can unhappy Republicans salvage from their dilemma? The solution is simple. They should vote for the Reform Party candidate. They may be unhappy their party’s candidate lost; but at least they can gloat Clinton did not win. A half loaf is better than none.

WILLIAM DREU

Vista

* While The Times Poll shows Clinton’s lead widening and the reasons therefor, it fails to count disenfranchised voters, ones so disillusioned by both candidates that they’ll simply sit this one out as I plan to do without remorse.

I’ve voted Republican for more than 40 years, even reluctantly for George Bush last time around. However, I resent the fact that the Republican Party has the temerity to say, “Here’s Bob Dole, no matter that he inspires no one,” and expects me and others of like disenchantment to vote for the most lackluster, unelectable Republican in recent history.

Sure, I could cross over party lines, but how in good conscience can I vote for a morally bankrupt Clinton.

NORMAN JACOBSON

Los Angeles