Chicago 1975
John Quinn Brisben, September 6, 1934 (Enid, Okla.) – April 17, 2012 (Chicago, Ill.)
VP candidate for Socialist Party of the United States of America (aka Socialist Party USA aka Socialist Party aka Democratic Socialist Party) (1976)
Running mate with nominee: Frank P. Zeidler (1912-2006)
Popular vote: 6,015 (0.01%)
Electoral vote: 0/538
The campaign:
The last time the Socialist Party of America ran a candidate for President was twenty earlier in 1956. In the subsequent two decades the Party experienced some serious divisions over policies including the Vietnam War, the Soviet Union, and collaboration with the Democratic Party. In 1972-1973 the Party basically split in two and in very simplistic terms the Right-wing called themselves Social Democrats USA and by 1973 the Left wing had formed the Socialist Party of the United States of America which they considered to be the true "reconstituted" version of the Party as envisioned by Eugene Debs. A third splinter group was also created in this time frame-- destined to evolve into the Democratic Socialists of America which embraced the concept of working within the major party system.
The Socialist Party USA nominated SPA veteran Frank Zeidler for President and J. Quinn Brisben for VP. Zeidler had real credentials having served as Mayor of Milwaukee, Wis. as a Socialist 1948-1960. Brisben was more of a frontline activist, having been arrested several times in acts of civil disobedience. He joined the SPA in 1959. He was 6 foot 3 inches, 300 pounds, bearded, and usually wore a Stetson and Western garb creating a striking hard-to-ignore character.
One source says the new Socialist Party USA considered partnering with the People's Party in 1976 but declined because they were concerned about being overshadowed plus the latter party was considered a bit too radical for them.
Zeidler/Brisben made it to the ballot in seven states and were recorded write-ins in three others. Just to confuse matters, in Wisconsin they were on the ballot as part of the "Democratic Socialist Party."
Over 2/3 of their vote came from Wisconsin, and most of that from Zeidler's home turf in the Milwaukee area. In the Badger State they finished 5th with 0.20%. In New Mexico they had a 0.06% vote and in Iowa, Minnesota, New Jersey, and Washington it was a 0.02% result. In North Dakota, where they were indeed on the ballot, they received 38 votes.
The Socialists chose to return to the voting booth during the Age of Disco when most people were trying to numb themselves after a decade and a half of political turmoil. But the Party re-started a grassroots effort that has lasted to this day. Brisben would go on to be the 1992 Presidential nominee.
Other occupations: farm worker, factory hand, taxicab driver, comedian, radio announcer, high school and middle school teacher, union representative, novelist, poet, essayist, civil rights activist
Election history:
1975 - Mayor of Chicago (Socialist Party of the United States of America) - defeated
1992 - US President (Socialist Party of the United States of America) - defeated
Buried: ?
Notes:
The 1975 election was a write-in effort.
Collaborated on projects with Studs Terkel.
"There are institutions that will probably always resist socialization. As the famous Wisconsin Socialist Victor Berger once said about a place that he knew well: 'No one wants to socialize the corner saloon.'"--J. Quinn Brisben.
Due to his large size, beard, and manner of dress he was sometimes mistaken for Col. Sanders or
Orson Welles later in life.
