It is a common misconception that the 'American Independent' party designation represents true political independence. It doesn't. In fact, many voters may carry this designation without knowing either the history of the party or its political ideology. Do you?

The California American Independent Party was officially founded on July 8th of 1967 in Bakersfield, California. Governor George C. Wallace of Alabama was the first with big dreams of running as an independent candidate, but the party wasn't on the ticket yet. To actually qualify as a party on the ballot, an organization needed either 66,059 voter registrations, or a petition with over 660,000 valid voter signatures. The deadline to qualify was January 2, 1968 and by October, the prospects for Governor Wallace were not looking good. Come November, Wallace spent much of his time in California organizaing and participating in no less than 3 rallys a day. And by December 28th 1967, the Party had acquired 100,000 voter registrations.

Here is the Party's declaration of principles.

"A new party is urgently needed today because the leaders of the two existing parties, Democratic and Republican, have deserted the principles and traditions of our nation's founding fathers. Both of the existing parties have become the proponents of big government, crushing taxation, dictatorial federal power, waste and fiscal irresponsibility, unwholesome and disastrous internationalism, compromise with our nation's enemies, and authoritarian regimentation of the citizens of this Republic. Control of the government, under the domination of these two existing parties, has left the hands of the people our government was created to serve."

And here is the party platform.  Sound independent to you?

We Acknowledge the Creator's Gracious GiftsDeclaration of Independence Rights are God-GivenGod-Given Duties to IndividualsOur Constitution Enables Us to Protect Our Rights and Fulfill Our DutiesRights and Duties of Association, Including that Forceful Association—GovernmentTherefore:The Constitution: the Original Contract that America has with ItselfFreedom from "Liberalism"The Protection of Life, and the Duties and Rights of FamiliesMarriage Between a Man and a WomanThe Individual and Common DefenseOpposition to Illegal Immigration and Support of Secure BordersOur Great Pro-Life ConstitutionPublic Servants, Not Public Masters! All Governments Under God