We directly determine the first two vertical ionization potentials (IPs) of two small organic radicals, CH and CH3, using a new method, the electron propagator method with a multiconfigurational second-order perturbation theory wavefunction (EPCASPT2) and using the multiconfigurational spin tensor electron propagator method (MCSTEP). Our IPs using EPCASPT2 are in excellent agreement compared to full configuration interaction (DeltaFCI). For CH MCSTEP and EPCASPT2 give very accurate IPs to the lowest two cation states. For CH3, the lowest MCSTEP IP is inaccurate while the EPCASPT2 IPs effectively mimics DeltaFCI IPs for all the IP determined. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.