Idahoans looking to cast a protest vote this fall might be tempted to consider Steve Pankey. At this point, there's nobody else like him. The Constitution Party's nominee for governor is openly gay. He supports same-sex marriage - although Pankey opposes anti-discrimination protections for gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender people. He thinks Idaho's attempt to defend its gay marriage ban in federal court is folly. Marijuana, Pankey told the Tribune's William L. Spence, ought to be legalized, regulated and taxed. Abortion? Up to the first 20 weeks of pregnancy, it should be between the patient and her doctor, Pankey says. Politically, he's flexible. In 2008, he was the Constitution Party's candidate for Shoshone County sheriff. Four years ago, he ran in the GOP primary against Lt. Gov. Brad Little. There's just one thing you should keep in mind: Pankey brings his party with him. Actually calling this group a party is a bit of a reach.Idaho's Constitution Party is more like a tempest in a phone booth. On a good day, it may attract 5 percent of the Idaho vote/Marty Trillhaase, Lewiston Tribune. More here.

Question: Would the Constitutionalists have a better chance as a party if most of them hadn't migrated to the Idaho Republican Party?