The party was established in part as a sarcastic, humorous protest against over-reach of the Washington State liquor laws, which at the time forced closure of taverns during primary elections.
Founded by the charismatic entertainer Red Kelly, who also happened to be the owner of the establishment, the party aimed to inject a dose of humor and eccentricity into the political landscape, as well as to impel a change in the state's laws.
The Tumwater Conservatory, with its musical and eclectic atmosphere, provided the perfect backdrop for the creation of a political party that aimed to break away from convention.
In an attempt to safeguard the gravity of the electoral process, lawmakers implemented measures to raise the threshold for minor parties to participate in elections.
[2] The outcome of these legal challenges had far-reaching implications for minor parties, influencing the regulatory landscape governing their participation in the electoral process.