The results:

Q: What do you think of the role of 3rd party candidacies in this year's presidential election?

• They'll help Bush - 507 (15%)
• They'll help Gore - 266 (8%)
• They don't matter - 933 (27%)
• They're important - 178 (5%)
• They deserve more attention - 857 (25%)
• I don't care - 697 (20%)

Your comments:

"I found it tragic that the largest percentage of respondants to the question "What do you think of the role of 3rd party candidacies in this year's presidential election?" answered that they think it doesn't matter. These potential voters are focused on the obvious result of the election process, but they are neglecting the larger opportunity.

"The real reason that these third parties even exist at all is because some significant portion of the concerned public feels that the two more popular parties have abandoned us. A vote for the Libertarian party, for example, speaks volumes to the Democratic and Republican party strategists that you want them out of your personal affairs. Doesn't anyone recall the effect that the Reform party had in 1992? Perot did sway enough conservative voters from the Republican rhetoric, but the great victory was that Bush and Clinton suddenly started talking about real economic issues such as budget deficit and trade deficit.

"Did anyone notice that these subjects became the focus of the Clinton administration? Anyone who thinks America still elects a CANDIDATE and not just a stuffed shirt who represents the PARTY MACHINE probably still believes in Santa." P.N.V., Ansonia

"How utterly disgraceful that any American would say 'other individuals do not matter' ... We the people need each other!" E., Springdale

"Here we go -- First, it doesn't matter. This is how it works, we get some Democrats for a term then we go-round with Republicans ... this in turn gives some with nothing better to do in life, a chance at worth .... Try this if you think I'm wrong ... You don't need a rocket man here. The Republicans will win it hands down, and I'm not going to VOTE." Francis, Windsor Locks

"Unless the third parties get their act together, all they will do is cause one of the major candidates to get an advantage by siphoning votes from one party or the other." Tom, Guilford

"Ok, I confess. I voted twice - I think they are important in that we should know more about them & therefore deserve more attention!" C.F., Naugatuck

"Though I have no intention of voting for an independent candidate I feel that it is important that they have the opportunity to present their views. The independents ability to be considered as a option fits in well with our constitutional rights." R.W.P., Wallingford

"A third party is our only hope in stopping the corporate welfare (Republicans) and socialism (Democrats) We are on a dangerous course with the status quo and will eventually be forced to overthrow this government." Al, New Milford