Americans Elect Hits a Roadblock

Americans Elect, the centrist group searching for an alternative presidential candidate to run against the two major parties, has hit a snag in their nomination process. The Associated Press reports that Americans Elect, which will have ballot access in every state, has canceled its preliminary nominating round:

Americans Elect scrapped a virtual caucus that had been planned for next week. Another round of voting set for May 15 also is in jeopardy; a third is to be held on May 22. Candidates must meet a certain threshold of support to be eligible for the caucuses.

Ileana Wachtel, a spokeswoman for the group, says no one gathered enough online “clicks” to qualify. Candidates must show they have the backing of at least 1,000 people in at least 10 states. Some candidates must reach a threshold of 5,000 supporters in each of 10 states because they haven’t held high enough office before under the Americans Elect bylaws.

Erstwhile Republican presidential candidate Buddy Roemer leads the declared candidates in support on the Americans Elect website, but the former Louisiana governor still has not reached the minimum required support. Americans Elect has said the group wants to hold the online nominating convention in June, but the lack of interest so far could mean the entire process is in jeopardy.