Thank you for covering the first ever Green Party of Florida Nominating Convention in St. Petersburg earlier this month. Your article correctly pointed out that Florida Greens decided by a very narrow margin not to run a presidential candidate in 2004. Does this mean that we Greens are not serious about building a viable third party in Florida and across the United States? No, it means that we're willing to carefully consider the ramifications of our actions as we build a democratic grass-roots political organization that challenges corporate control of the two major parties. It also means that we're willing to work with others whenever we share a common interest.

To this end, we invite Democrats, Republicans, Independents, Libertarians and others to join us in removing the so-called "spoiler" effect from Florida politics by supporting a constitutional amendment that requires instant runoff voting be used in all general elections in the state. The language for such an amendment has been drafted, and a PAC is currently being formed. Be part of the solution! Visit www.cirv.org.

Nick Manolukas, Sarasota