Nader Helps the Dems

Haven't heard the Nader bashers mention this point. What say you, Eric?

Despite their outward contempt for the man they say spoiled the 2000 presidential election, congressional Democrats privately hope Ralph Nader will make another presidential bid.

The former Green Party nominee is certainly a curse for Democrats at the presidential level, but he can be a blessing to Democratic candidates in down-ballot races. That’s because he draws progressives — many of whom otherwise wouldn’t vote — to the polls. A majority of them, in turn, tend to vote for Democrats in down-ballot races.

Political experts say about four-fifths of Nader voters supported Democrats at the state and local levels, giving Democratic candidates a boost that can make the difference between victory and defeat in close races...