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The Patriots:  Who Are We?

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he Patriot Party was formed  in 1980 following the embarrassing defeat of independent presidential candidate John Williams.  It became clear to party founders that, despite the overwhelming defeat at the polls, Americans wanted something different, something new, a viable third party to help lead the country in a new direction.

Co-Founder Samuel Pillsburgh, a wealthy entrepreneur from California joined forces with political activist Sherry Payton in 1980 to create The “Patriots” Party and began building the party with an aggressive grassroots campaign aimed at average Americans in towns and cities across the country. 

By 1984, the party had grown to 10,000 members, by 1002 there were almost one million registered “Patriots.”  While election results haven’t been substantial or even significant, the party continues to move forward, picking up volunteers and members every year.  The first, and only, “Patriots” party member to be elected is Sandy Brewer, elected in 2004 as a Congresswoman from Massachusettes.  Sandy is now one of three “Patriots” candidates currently vying for the party nomination in 2008. 

The party has a rich history of standing up for the “little man” and represents change from the current power structure in Washington D.C.  As political “outsiders” the “Patriots” Party does not fall under the influence of traditional power brokers and has never been influenced by lobbyists on any issue. 

Platform:  “Patriots” The Party of Change!

The “Patriots” Party has always stood for change.  Unlike current candidates who only give lip service to real change, The “Patriots” have consistently preached a new way of running government.  “Patriots” believe government is truly, “Of the people” and “By the people.”  The “Patriots” Party has consistently straddled the middle of the road when it comes to politics, being socially liberal and conservative as well as being financially liberal and conservative. 

How is this possible, you ask?  Easy…we listen to you, the average American.  As government officials, we understand that we work for you.  This means listening to your complaints, your wants, your needs, wishes and desires.  We are here to help when possible and stay out of the way when need be.  The “Patriots” don’t believe there is only one way to accomplish goals, or even two ways.  There are a number of ways to reach success.  Because we are not tied down by party ideology, The “Patriots” are open to all ideas from all different backgrounds.  Ideas that other parties might scoff at, we listen to. 

The “Patriots” ARE the party of change, we always have been, always will be.

Why The Turtle?

Our mascot may not be as glamorous as the donkey or elephant, but we feel it represents the best in all of us.  Our mascot may not be the fastest, but it is a tough, persevering, smart animal that never gives up, regardless of the obstacles in its way.  The turtle has a way of  surviving when others have fallen by the roadside.  Remember, the race doesn’t always go to the fastest runner, sometimes it goes to the smartest and most enduring.