Last week, Ralph Nader officially earned a spot on the Wisconsin state ballot as a presidential candidate. With a total of 4,000 signatures, he more than doubled the amount needed to make the ballot.

Of course, Nader deserves to be on the ballot simply for the sake of preserving the democratic system. Yet, in an electoral race as close as this one, Nader may do more harm than good.

Many Democrats are still blaming Nader and his Green party ticket in 2000 for stealing the election away from Al Gore and handing it to George W. Bush. Some fear he might do it again to John Kerry.

The views of Nader supporters far more closely resemble those of the Democratic party than those of the Republicans. For this reason, it can be argued that Nader will be taking away a chunk of votes from Kerry, and in turn, giving Bush an edge in the election.

Nader needs an acute sense of what his candidacy will really accomplish this fall. By failing to qualify for ballots in powerhouse states such as California, Illinois and Texas, it is quite evident that a victory for Nader is unfeasible. Yet, he has succeeded in qualifying to make the ballot in battleground states such as Florida, Iowa, Michigan and West Virginia, as well as Wisconsin. Come Nov. 2, these states will surely be a pivotal factor in the outcome of the election. For the Democrats, this spells bad news if Nader once again succeeds in taking a chunk out of the “liberal” voting block.

Nader needs to take a look around and assess his situation. Understanding that a victory is impossible is the first step. Then, he must decide who he as a constituent would rather see in office: Bush or Kerry. Assuming that it is Kerry, he should do the right thing and withdraw his candidacy. In a dead-locked race such as this one, a vote for Nader isn’t only a wasted vote; it is a vote for George W. Bush.