U.S. Taxpayers Party Candidate Uses Constitution As Rallying Cry

About 80 people gathered in downtown Spokane Thursday night to listen to a little-known presidential candidate with a fervent following.

Howard Phillips, representing the U.S. Taxpayers Party, received a hero’s greeting from like-minded conservative Christians and constitutionalists.

Phillips entertained his audience with long, historical tales of the federal government straying from the Constitution and the guidance of God.

“We need to go back to the Constitution,” he said. “The Supreme Court does not have the right to change the Constitution when it sits down to lunch.”

Phillips was cheered for his hard line on abortion - advocating the prosecution of doctors who perform them. “If it’s simply sitting there in its mom’s womb, you can’t kill it,” he said.

Phillips said he is often asked why the country needs a third party. His response: “We’re the first party. We’re the party of George Washington and Jefferson.”

The burly candidate tried to convince people to not vote for Republican Bob Dole, “whose main claim to fame is he’s not Clinton.”

Phillips said he lacks the media exposure and money to win Nov. 5, but stressed that “every vote I get is a victory” for the party and the country’s future.

Phillips’ speech at the Red Lion Hotel was preceded by a prayer that noted, “Lord, there is so little difference between the two major parties.”

, DataTimes