The battle for president of the United States of America was fought not only by the Democratic and Republican parties.

Michael Peroutka was nominated for president by the Constitution party.

“I would be pleased with five votes or 500,000,” Peroutka said, confirming he received nearly 130,000 ballots from voters in 36 states, almost 13 per cent of the votes cast for all third parties. “We have a duty to do our job and present a constitutional alternative to the American people without worrying about the consequences.”

Peroutka asked voters to consider the alternative political philosophy espoused by his party.

“The country needs someone to stand up for the view that supports low taxes and small government, which is pretty clearly laid out in the Declaration of Independence,” he said.

He noted, “Article One, Section Eight of the Constitution actually lists 18 things Congress has the jurisdiction to tax and spend your money for. The list is limited, and it’s that way on purpose.”

Peroutka said most people are unaware the American government regularly oversteps its bounds because it has acted unconstitutionally for so long a time.

“Nowhere does it say the federal government has the authority to spend money on public education,” he said, noting the Republican party had called for the elimination of federal support for education until 1996.

“Say people want federal money for education,” Peroutka said. “Then the Constitution provides for an amendment process. But to have the federal government just say we’re evolving really kills it as a standard for the rule of law.”

Peroutka said recognizing the Constitution as a living document marks its death.

“By saying it can be interpreted freely, we say it is not a fixed standard for behaviour,” he explained.

“All men are created equal and people are endowed with rights by God,” Peroutka stressed. “The purpose of government is to protect these rights, not redistribute wealth.”

Peroutka thinks in principle there are no differences between Senator John Kerry and President George W. Bush.

“Both these men supported the undeclared and unnecessary war in Iraq and only argue about its execution,” he noted. “Only Congress has power to declare war; [this power] cannot be passed to the president with a motion because it is vested in Congress.”