Libertarian, Green Parties Strengthen in Connecticut

With the presidential election in high gear, third parties are increasing their efforts in Connecticut.

The state’s Libertarian Party broke fundraising records of more than $40,000 and plans to open a campaign headquarters Canterbury, according to the Norwich Bulletin. Gary Johnson, the party’s endorsed candidate and former governor of New Mexico, competes against Mitt Romney and President Barack Obama this November.

The Green Party, which is the state’s fourth-largest party behind the Independent Party, is also no stranger to Connecticut. Presidential hopeful Jill Stein fundraised .

While party officials are optimistic about getting their candidates on the ballot this year, the majority of voters in the state are registered to the two main parties or unaffiliated.

released by the Secretary of State in April, there are 7,341 Democrats, 414,539 Republicans and 828,252 unaffiliated voters. Independents total 9,482, while Green Party voters total 1,722 and Libertarians are 1,259 strong.