Buddy Roemer Goes Third Party -- While Still Running as Republican

Former Gov. Buddy Roemer of Louisiana announced late on Wednesday that he will seek the nomination of Americans Elect, a group working to obtain ballot access in the presidential race, while continuing his bid for the Republican nomination. Roemer, who has been an active supporter of the Occupy Wall Street movement, weighed in on the matter in a statement.

Today, I officially announce that I will seek the Americans Elect nomination as a proud Republican but as an even prouder American, Roemer said. Our country is on the wrong track and Americans are in search of real leadership --leadership that isn't predetermined by lobbyists, political parties, or Wall Street executives, but leadership that is free to do what is right for the citizens of our great nation.

Many Americans are unemployed or without health insurance, or both, continued Roemer. Some have been foreclosed on or about to be foreclosed on. Sadly, the list goes on and on. From the tea party movement to the Occupy Wall Street movement, it is safe to say Americans have lost faith in their government and neither President Obama nor Congress have put aside politics in order to help their fellow Americans.

I will take my message of ending business as usual in Washington directly to the American people, Roemer continued. No other candidate is free from the special interests or has the experience I have. I am a former governor, four-term congressman, successful businessman and Harvard-educated economist. And yet, the Republican Party has not allowed me in the debates. Perhaps they don't like my message about the corrupting influence of money in politics. But, I believe the American people want to hear the message, so I'm going to seek the nomination of Americans Elect which appears eager to welcome diverse and controversial opinions that may upset the status quo.

Despite his harsh words for the GOP, Roemer -- who had been elected to Congress and as governor back in the 1980s as a Democrat before jumping over to the Republicans in his unsuccessful bid for a second gubernatorial term in 1991 -- said he intends to stay in the Republican race.

I will continue to campaign for the Republican nomination and hope to surprise everyone on Jan. 10 in New Hampshire, Roemer said.