Saturday, June 28, 2008

The profile of Ralph Nader and his campaign [ Style, June 25] brought to mind another persistent third-party candidate whose influence far exceeded his rewards at the ballot box.

Norman Thomas, one of Ralph Nader's self-described political heroes, ran as the Socialist Party candidate a remarkable six consecutive times from 1928 to 1948. Even though his share of the popular vote dwindled from a high of 882,000 in 1932 to only 135,000 in 1948, he was applauded for his idealism even by Democratic Party stalwarts after his last campaign, which was as elegant as it was steadfast.

Until the end of his long life, Mr. Thomas was known as "America's conscience," and his presidential campaigns, once mocked and laughed at as quixotic, earned respect for the profound, long-term influence they had on liberal politics in America.

May history someday treat Ralph Nader's campaigns as kindly as those of Norman Thomas, for both men may be described as -- to paraphrase Mr. Thomas -- the champions not of lost causes but of causes not yet won.

DAVID GAINES

Rockville

The writer was a local coordinator for Ralph Nader's campaigns in 2000 and 2004.