As the Democrats and Republicans continue to spiral into unprecedented depths of polarization, recent events have highlighted the fact that the original ideals of the Tea Party movement have devolved into merely a continuation of this ideological rift. The common denominator is that moderate, non-fringe and non-ideological voters are still left without a political home. As such, two of the largest moderate political movements in the nation have voted to merge.

The executive committee of the American Centrist Party (ACP) has unanimously agreed to merge with the Modern Whig Party. This means that the nearly 16,000 people who had initially signed on in support of the ACP will be joining the about 30,000 Americans who have signed on in support of the revived DC-based Whig Party.

The Modern Whig Party revival began as a series of political discussions among deployed American service members serving in Iraq and Afghanistan . When these men and women returned home, they realized that there is a substantial need for a mainstream, non-fringe political movement that caters to individuals that are not defined by ideology but rather common sense fiscal responsibility, strong national defense and a focus on education/scientific advancement over strict social issues among other items. The American Centrist Party, as its name suggests, shares the vision of a moderate, non-ideological party that caters to the mainstream voter.

Immediate action as a result of this merger is to modify the leadership structure of the Modern Whig Party. ACP National Chair Andrew Evans has agreed to serve as acting vice chair of the Modern Whig Party. Plans to gain ballot access also are in the works.

About the Whig Party

Established in 1833, the Whigs are one of America's oldest mainstream political parties. They were the original party of Abraham Lincoln and four other U.S. Presidents.

Revived by Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, the grassroots movement has quickly attracted tens of thousands of members. They represent moderate voters from all walks of life that cherry-pick between traditional Democratic and Republican ideals in what has been called the Modern Whig philosophy. This Washington, DC-based national movement values common sense, rational solutions ahead of ideology and partisan bickering. This includes general principles of fiscal responsibility, strong national defense and educational/scientific advancement.

George Mills serves as acting state chair of the Missouri executive committee. He may be reached by sending an e-mail here or phoning (417) 274-0132.

Commentary by Aubrey Jack Young

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