Darrell Issa’s uncomfortable endorsement by the AIP

Darrell Issa is the Republican Party’s candidate in the 50th Congressional District.

He’s also the choice of the American Independent Party, which has endorsed the former congressman against Democrat Ammar Campa-Najjar.

Whether that backing has any strategic value in determining the outcome or is little more than something of an oddity, is unclear.

The AIP is the largest minor party in California and has a notable history of presidential candidates, from making Republican Donald Trump a two-party nominee in 2016 to backing segregationist Alabama Gov. George Wallace in 1968.

Some political strategists believe the AIP endorsement can help electorally in some areas, at least on the margins, or they wouldn’t pursue it for their candidates, who are frequently Republicans.

In Issa’s case, no request was made for the endorsement, according to his campaign manager, John Franklin. A top official in the AIP said the party makes endorsements based on candidates’ statements and public records, and only occasionally contacts the candidates, but did so with Issa to clarify a couple of his positions.

The AIP’s platform calls for a strict adherence to the U.S. Constitution as written, “Freedom from Liberalism,” and opposition to same-sex marriage, illegal immigration and abortion.

“As the only creature made in God’s image and likeness, all men have an equal duty to love themselves and others to honor that image of the God they are commanded to love,” says the introduction to the platform.

Though not part of its platform, racist views have been associated with the AIP.

“I condemn racism and bigotry in all its forms,” Issa said in a statement this week. “I condemn any organization that advances the idea that one race is superior to others.”

He added: “I denounce any and all affiliation with Democrat George Wallace’s racist views in the strongest possible terms.”

Issa didn’t point this out, but Lester Maddox, the segregationist governor of Georgia and AIP presidential nominee in 1976, also was a Democrat.

For years, the AIP has said segregation and racism are far in its past. In 2008, the party’s presidential nominee was Alan Keyes, a commen