By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – The Green Party has been creative in attracting attention to its issues. Four years ago, the party ran Al Lewis, the actor who portrayed TV's Grandpa Munster, for governor in New York. But that might have been topped Monday when a Green Party candidate for Congress in the Buffalo area announced his plans -- in the nude.
His name is Paul Fallon, a Buffalo attorney and chairman of the Erie County Green Party. Fallon was blunt as he explained why he decided to launch his congressional campaign, sans clothes.
"I decided to announce my candidacy naked in order to make sure the press showed up," Fallon said.
Fallon also offered free beer for journalists. While none of the reporters actually took him up on that, they did show up in numbers usually not seen for a third party candidate. There was a reporter and photographer from the Buffalo News, plus camera crews from two TV stations AND three radio reporters.
Fallon is running in the redrawn 26th congressional district -- a district that was created by state lawmakers to protect veteran Republican Tom Reynolds from a serious challenge. Some would argue Fallon's stunt Monday shows he can't be taken seriously, that he demeaned Congress as an institution. But Fallon responds there's nothing demeaning about appearing naked. What's demeaning, he says, are the actions of current members of Congress.
"What's bad is these guys taking millions of dollars in campaign donations and just lying down in Congress for every weapons program they see," Fallon said.
Besides speaking out against the role of money in politics, Fallon says the Green Party stands for universal health care and the legalization of medical marijuana. In fact, standing next to Fallon at his announcement was a man dressed as a marijuana joint who called himself Mr. J.
Party member Mack Mahoney said Fallon did what he had to do to bring these issues before the public.
"He's not only dedicated, he's willing to do the ultimate thing to get more publicity for his party," Mahoney said. "He's a wonderful chairman. We proud of him and proud to be a member of the Green Party."
The Green Party has yet to elect a candidate in Erie County. But the party has had success elsewhere, electing mayors and city council members in several cities and towns.
"What they (the Greens) have decided to do is put all their focus on the local elections," said Boston Globe reporter Tasha Robinson, who covered the recent national convention of the Green Party. "They believe that's where they can gain recognition. That's where they can put all the issues out. And that's how they hope to become a force in coming years."
Whether that strategy translates into success here remains to be seen. Fallon says he wants to attract the average citizen who is as turned off as he is by the current political process. But was making his announcement in the nude an effective way of reaching out to potential voters?
"I think the average voter is going to say this guy's got guts. I want to hear more of what he has to say," Fallon said. "When they start thinking for themselves and talking about the issues, then they're going to vote for me. I have no doubt about that."
University at Buffalo Political Scientist Jim Twombly was amused when told of Fallon's unconventional announcement. Twombly, who last year made an unsuccessful run for Amherst Town Board, says candidates are often looking for ways to attract the attention of the media.
"At first glance, it's probably something that appears to be silly and frivilous," Twombly said. "But it probably could send a clear message about the naked truth in politics or having nothing to hide. That could resonate with voters once they get past the initial giggle."
Paul Fallon isn't alone in his challenge of Congressman Reynolds. Though she has not yet publicly declared her candidacy, Ayesha Nariman of Amherst, a newcomer to politics has filed petitions to run on the Democratic party line in November.