A LONG-RUNNING and frequently troubled independence campaign – not unlike those in Scotland or Catalonia – is still very much alive with the man behind it preparing a new electoral bid in the United States.

Louis Marinelli has fronted the Calexit campaign for California to become independent of the US for the past five years, but it became blighted over allegations about his links to Russia.

However, Marinelli has now launched a bid to become the governor of California in next year’s election.

In an interview on ABC 7, he said a vote for him as governor would be a vote for secession from the US: “The plan is to become governor and declare California an independent country … that’s exactly what this campaign is about.

“It’ll be the first time in history that the people of California will actually have a chance to vote for secession, to vote for independence from the United States.

“Never before in history have Californians had the chance to cast a ballot in support of Calexit – until now.”

He was also quizzed on Russian involvement in his gubernatorial bid, but responded: “No, the Russians aren’t supporting my campaign for governor.

“Russia did not create America’s problems or cause the divide in American society. Americans did. It’s our own fault.”

Marinelli appears to be attracting some support for his political ambition, with the head of Yes California, Marcus Ruiz Evans, pictured on social media wearing a “Marinelli for Governor” T-shirt.

Three years ago, Calexit promoted the establishment of the first autonomous Native American nation in the US by returning virtually all federal-owned properties in the state to California’s native Americans – around 47% of its land mass.

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At that time Marinelli said the move “reaches higher and farther than any previous attempt in history to right the wrongs the American government has committed throughout its history against the native Americans”.

Calexit said an independent California would also campaign to become a member state of the United Nations, and would seek recognition of the Native American nation-state as an observer, allowing the population a place on the world stage at the body’s general assembly.

“All people living within the lands of this Native American nation-state will be required to adhere to native laws, not Californian, or American laws,” Calexit said. “But we will sign a treaty establishing this nation-state that guarantees continued access to water and protects our ownership of existing infrastructure California taxpayers built on those lands over the years.”