The
Independence Party of Minnesota is the third largest party in
Minnesota, behind the
Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL) (Affiilated with the national
Democratic Party) and
Republican Party. However, it is the political party of Minnesota Governor
Jesse Ventura (
1999-
2003), and has endorsed candidate and former Representative
Tim Penny[?] for the 2002 gubernatorial election. The party has fielded candidates for most statewide races. It gained prominence when Ventura joined the party after leaving the
Reform Party after the nomination of
Pat Buchanan for
President.
Its principles are Integrity, Dignity, Responsibility, Service and Community. In some ways it is similar to the Libertarian Party, but recognizes a larger role for government.