A newspaper boost for third parties

The Star Ledger, New Jersey’s largest paper, is Read endorsing an independent for governor rather than either one of the duopoly’s candidates.

And, it’s about the duopoly more than the two candidates:

The newspaper’s decision is less a rejection of Gov. Jon Corzine and Republican Chris Christie than a repudiation of the parties they represent, both of which have forfeited any claim to the trust and confidence of the people of New Jersey. They share responsibility for the state’s current plight.

Only by breaking the hold of the Democratic and Republican mandarins on the governor’s office and putting a rein on their power will the state have any hope for the kind of change needed to halt its downward economic, political and ethical spiral.

New Jersey needs radical change in Trenton. Neither of the major parties is likely to provide it. Daggett’s election would send shock waves through New Jersey’s ossified political system and, we believe, provide a start in a new direction.

Would that the largest newspaper in every state would do this. Read the full editorial.