Candidate of the Independence Party Adolfo Carrion was excluded at the October 15 debate in the race for New York City mayor. The debate features Democratic nominee Bill de Blasio and Republican candidate Joe Lhota, but Carrion is staying quiet about this and future debates.

dropped to 11 percent. As a result, commentators have already begun speculating how these dismal numbers might affect the 2014 midterm elections.

Former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin joined U.S. Senators Mike Lee (R-UT) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) for a little bit of face time in front of the World War II Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC. The three popular figures in the tea party made it clear that the Obama administration is using veterans as pawns in a larger political game.

"Our veterans should be above politics," Cruz said. "It is shameful that the administration is barricading and trying to shutdown the memorials."

He added:

Reid and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) agreed that both sides would reach a deal before the week's end to reopen the government and raise the debt ceiling. Speaking on the floor, Senator Reid said he was, "very optimistic that we will reach an agreement that's reasonable in nature this week."

The Kentucky group of independents known as Independent Kentucky has fought for fair representation in the state since 2008. By focusing their efforts on opening the state's primary system, they have made good progress considering the partisan stronghold state Democrats have.

For three years in a row, up until 2012, a semi-open primary bill was introduced in Kentucky legislature, which Independent Kentucky Chairman Michael P.W. Lewis says has been their greatest achievement so far.

The "Independent Truckers of America" have shut down many highways in Washington DC in what has been billed a "Ride For The Constitution." Part of their message is to tear down the barricades on the veterans memorial.

From their website:

A new party is forming in South Carolina to give voters an alternative option at the ballot box as voters continue to express frustration over the hyper-partisanship in Washington.

From The State:

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The Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) is hosting an interactive town hall today, Tuesday, October 15 at 1:00pm - 4:00pm EST,  to discuss issues related to electoral reform.

The United States is loosening controls over military exports, in a shift that former U.S. officials and human rights advocates say could increase the flow of American-made military parts to the world's conflicts and make it harder to enforce arms sanctions.