1976 three party scenario.

[WalterMitty]

incumbent president gerald ford decides not to seek a full term.

conservative former ca governor ronald reagan wins the gop nomination.  in a surprise he picks arizona senator barry goldwater as his running mate.

robert byrd of west virginia wins the democrat nomination.  he picks arkansas congressman and powerful ways and means chairman, wiblur mills as his running mate.

liberal republican congressman john anderson decides to run as an independent.  he chooses vermont senator robert stafford as his running mate.

reagan/goldwater (r)
byrd/mills (d)
anderson/stafford (i)

discuss w/maps.

[Indy Texas]

Reagan - 357
Byrd - 145
Anderson - 36

[MATTROSE94]

Reagan - 357
Byrd - 145
Anderson - 36

That looks about right, though Massachusetts might have went to Robert Byrd even with a liberal third-party ticket, considering its strong Democratic roots that date back to the 1930s. In addition, Byrd probably would have received around 60% of the vote in his home state of West Virginia. 

[I Will Not Be Wrong]

Reagan - 357
Byrd - 145
Anderson - 36

That looks about right, though Massachusetts might have went to Robert Byrd even with a liberal third-party ticket, considering its strong Democratic roots that date back to the 1930s. In addition, Byrd probably would have received around 60% of the vote in his home state of West Virginia.  

True, as Massachusetts has been Democratic since 1928.

[MATTROSE94]

Reagan - 357
Byrd - 145
Anderson - 36

That looks about right, though Massachusetts might have went to Robert Byrd even with a liberal third-party ticket, considering its strong Democratic roots that date back to the 1930s. In addition, Byrd probably would have received around 60% of the vote in his home state of West Virginia.  

True, as Massachusetts has been Democratic since 1928.

I think that Woodrow Wilson also won it in 1912, though with only 35% or the vote or so.

[badgate]

West Virginia Senator Robert Byrd / Arkansas Congressman Wilbur Mills - 249
California Governor Ronald Reagan / Arizona Senator Barry Goldwater - 265
Congressman John Anderson / Vermont Senator Robert Stafford - 24

[Thomas D]

Reagan 298-178-62

[Oldiesfreak1854]

Sen. Robert Byrd (D-WV)/Rep. Wilbur Mill (D-AR): 363 EVs (54% PV)
Fmr. Gov. Ronald Reagan (R-CA)/Sen. Barry Goldwater (R-AZ): 114 (38% PVs)
Rep. John Anderson (I-IL)/Sen. Robert Stafford (I-VT): 61 EVs (8% PVs)

[🐒Gods of Prosperity🔱🐲💸]

Robert Byrd heads the Democratic ticket. While repenting of his sins opposing civil rights for blacks, he, like his opponent Reagan, believes in allowing states jurisdiction in the social controversies of the day.  As Reagan and Goldwater appeal to individual opportunity and standing up to the Soviets, Byrd promises to defend New Deal and Great Society programs and cautions against what he sees as Reagan's reckless foreign policy.  Byrd's running mate Rep. Mills meanwhile spends much effort calling for support for police and the National Parks. The Anderson/Stafford ticket appeals to moderate Republicans, and also many liberal Democrats and urban blacks who are distrustful of the Southern ticket and Byrd's recent conversions.  In spite of distrust for the party after the Nixon presidency, Reagan is able to lead the Republicans to victory in the divided field.

Fmr. Gov Ronald Reagan (R-CA) / Sen. Barry Goldwater (R-AZ)  312  43%
Sen. Robert Byrd (D-WV) / Rep. Wilbur Mills (D-AR)   216  40%
Rep. John Anderson (I-IL) / Sen. Robert Stafford (I-VT)  13  17%