"I think third-party candidacies, especially if they're covered by the media, can help force a more relevant political dialogue during the campaign season," he said. "But I would really be upset if any state's Electoral College votes were lost because of his candidacy."

Nader's presidential run as the Green Party candidate in 2000 has been blamed by some for Al Gore's loss to George W. Bush.

"My view is (Nader) has alienated more people because they believe, rightly or wrongly, but for his candidacy in 2000, Al Gore would have been the president," Anderson said. "These eight years have been absolutely disastrous to this county. We can't allow that to happen again."

That said, Nader likely can count on his Democratic friend's vote in November.

"Given the Electoral College, I probably will vote for him because my vote isn't going to make any difference in (GOP-dominated) Utah," he said. "As usual."

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E-mail: jpage@desnews.com