You have read about candidates for the Presidency from the major political parties, but you may not be so familiar with independent candidates with ballot status.

In Virginia, these include Stephen A. Brown, Michael D. Jenkins, Jim Oyster, and Jeffrey F. "Jeff" Sturk.

Stephen A. Brown

Although he holds a degree in chemical engineering and formerly worked as an engineer in the oil industry, Brown has worked as a self-employed home restoration contractor since 1983. Brown wants to largely maintain the status quo on federal funding of nearly all programs: "The answer to most of the issues is not increased funding but in better management." He also vows to focus his attentions on foreign policy issues. Brown already says he plans to run for President again in 2004.

Michael D. Jenkins

Jenkins, a 39-year-old attorney and businessman, calls himself the "Commander in Chief and Founder" of this unknown new party. Seemingly a perennial candidate, Jenkins says he has unsuccesfully run for President, Governor and Richmond City Council during the past 14 years. Jenkins -- a former Independent -- is making his third run for President in 2000 as the nominee of the unknown "Priorities Party." Jenkins is listed here as an Independent because his party appears to merely be an alter-ego of the candidate. As for issues, he wants to greatly increase federal funding for "political low income presidential candidates," eliminate "scandal" from federal programs and promote a "better overall economy."

Jim Oyster

An attorney specializing in telecommunications law, Oyster vows to run a low cost, internet-based campaign. A father of eight children, he believes that the "building of a just and righteous government in any land must begin with the protection and preservation of the family" and a devotion to God. Oyster also vows to unify the nation through a non-partisan Presidency that will invite leading members of all major parties to serve in his Administration.

Jeffrey F. "Jeff" Sturk

Sturk, a musical hobbyist, is trying to organize a new entity named the Buffalo Party -- because he'd like to see future races have at least "several hundred candidates" for President. He supports reinstating the military draft, doesn't like the idea of gays in the military (but he can live with "Don't Ask. Don't tell."), supports DC statehood and wants some unspecified form of tax reform. He explains that while living in a homeless shelter for several weeks in the 1980s, he decided that he would someday run for President. He modestly explains: "Whether or not I am ready remains to be seen, but the time is surely now to seek the office for which I have been preparing." A rather eclectic and rambling web site, too.

With no disrespect to these particular Virginia gentlemen, some of the most iconoclastic independent candidates seem to hail from other states. For more, see Presidency 2000 -- The Independent Candidates.