Five third-party races to follow in Tuesday’s election

Indiana gubernatorial election: Eric Holcomb (R), Woody Myers (D), Donald Rainwater (L)

Very seldom do you see a hotly-contested race. When they are, it’s something to follow closely. Third-party candidates should keep Indiana’s gubernatorial election in their future playbooks for campaign strategy.

Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb is in the fight of his life in his re-election bid. It is a three-way race, with contention by Democratic challenger Woody Myers and Libertarian Donald Rainwater.

Candidates have their share of endorsements

Holcomb is one of the rare few Republicans to not receive an endorsement from President Donald Trump. However, he does have support from most organizations including the PAC run by Mike Huckabee.

Myers has a fair share of endorsements as well, including Democratic presidential nominee and former vice president Joseph Biden.

Rainwater’s endorsements, however, are more diverse. The Indiana chapter of NORML endorses him on his stances toward criminal justice reform, including the decriminalization and full legalization of marijuana. Two Republicans, Rep. Jim Lucas and former Congressional candidate Micah Beckwith, have offered their endorsements.

Additionally, he has the endorsement of Libertarian vice presidential nominee Jeremy “Spike” Cohen.

Polling with largest sample size may mean a very close election

Of all the polls taken this cycle, the only poll of any significant meaning came from early September. A poll from Change Research involving 1,033 registered voters had Rainwater within 12 points of Holcomb with 10 percent undecided. The poll was taken between Sept. 3 and Sept. 7.

Regardless of the outcome, this could present as one of the greatest opportunities for Libertarians in the Hoosier State.