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March 2015 The Official Newspaper of the Libertarian Party Volume 45, Issue 1 In This Issue: Glenn Beck talks up LP response to State of the Union fter the Libertarian Party released Chair’s Corner ...... 2 its response to President Barack Nolan Office Fund Donors...... 3 LPObama’s State of the Union ad- News Adress delivered by Vice Chair Arvin Vohra, Ads Run for Libertarians ...... 3 Glenn Beck spent an hour of his show, the Rachel Mills, Behind the Scenes ...4 Glenn Beck Program, airing portions of the video and discussing them at length with Facebook Activist Team ...... 5 his co-hosts Pat Gray and Stu Burguiere on TheBlaze TV. Record-Setting Senate Races ....6 Among the Libertarian proposals Damaging Endorsements ...... 6 they discussed were abolishing the De- partment of Education, cutting military Solid Hawaii House Campaign ...7 spending by 60 percent, legalizing mari- LNC Meeting Highlights ...... 7 juana, repealing minimum wage laws, and ending the income tax. only possible, but necessary. He said that to “Our goal is to … dismantle the IRS, to Lobbying for Ballot Access ...... 9 All three men praised the bulk of write them off as impossible is “defeatist.” dismantle the Department of Education. LNC Committee Applicants ...... 9 Vohra’s comments, but initially were em- “Why is it we always give up? Why Step by step, before you know it, you’re phatic that these Libertarian proposals to don’t we have the big ideas? Why don’t we there. That is exactly the way progressives LP: Shut Down CIA ...... 10 boldly shrink government would “never stand up?” he asked. have done it. You just need to reverse the happen.” He then described how bold changes course and dismantle the same way.” Lawmakers the Real Perps .....10 By the end of the hour, that changed. could happen. “Fundamental transformation of the Affiliate News ...... 13–15 Beck got behind the idea that they were not “You keep moving forward,” he said. continued on page 12... Upcoming State Conventions ..16 What Have You Missed? ...... 16 Libertarians working for better ballot access need your help Media Buzz ...... 16 By Paul Frankel (see article on page 9) as a result of the work If you live in one of the states men- of Libertarians and other activists who have tioned below with bills before the legisla- ibertarian activists in a number of lobbied legislators to ease ballot access re- ture, please contact your representatives to states are actively lobbying their leg- strictions. By simply asking our state leg- help pass them (check on the bill’s status islatures to improve ballot access laws islators — repeatedly — Libertarians get before you do as it can change rapidly). L— and need your help. results. Richard Winger, elections expert and They’re also working to raise public In 1989, the Missouri legislature was publisher of Ballot Access News, said that he awareness of unfair ballot restrictions that hostile to ballot access reform. A Libertari- hopes to see ballot access improvement bills make it difficult for anyone running outside an-proposed bill was presented in the Senate introduced in Kentucky, Illinois, South Da- the Democratic and Republican parties to that never got out of committee. But Liber- kota, Ohio, and Tennessee, in addition to appear on the ballot. tarians kept re-introducing it, and finally in those listed below. Given that the percentage of voters reg- 1993 it was signed into law. The LP hasn’t Alabama: The Libertarian Party of istered as independents is now 43 percent, an had to petition in Missouri ever since. Alabama and Our America Initiative are all-time high, and approval of Democratic It’s a big payoff for a small investment. among several groups helping to lobby for and Republican politicians is at an all-time And now is the time! Help support bills to the passage of a bill to cut the number of low, the timing couldn’t be better. improve ballot access while the legislature is signatures needed to get a candidate or Thirty states have made it easier for a in session. See chart on page 8 for dates of party on the ballot in half from 3 percent party to remain ballot-qualified since 1976 legislative sessions in your state. continued on page 8... Page 2 The Libertarian Party — www.LP.org March 2015

By Nicholas Sarwark, Chair’s Corner Chair

t’s spring of an odd-num- be a polished career politician. That’s great! Our coun- bered year, so now is the try was founded by ordinary citizens willing to step up time to focus on ... running to serve their country, not career politicians. Ifor office. Now is the time to Seeing the word “Libertarian” on the ballot re- contact your state or local Lib- minds voters that there is an alternative to the tired old ertarian Party affiliate, find out parties. It reminds them that they don’t have to choose which offices are available, and between Coke or Pepsi, they can drink pure water. It start planning for a run for of- reminds them that the Libertarian Party is not going fice as a Libertarian in 2016 (or away, is not giving up, and is not going to quit until all The following individuals were Beacon of Liberty contributors: Nicholas Sarwark 2015). Getting started is as easy Americans are free to pursue happiness as they see fit as filling out a simple form at: lp.org/run-for-office without big government getting in the way. One of the goals adopted by the Libertarian National As a newer party, we often struggle to get news Committee is to have at least 1,000 Libertarian candidates coverage. But when Libertarian candidates run for of- running in 2016. We have launched a logo design contest fice, they get 10 to 100 times as much news coverage as to update the look and branding for the Libertarian Party, any party spokesperson ever gets. They get their name along with campaign tools and guides to help you make and “Libertarian Party” put in front of every voter and your run for office a success. As a political party, we are in voter guides and news stories. It’s a level of advertis- Geoffrey J. Neale William B. Redpath Emily H. Salvette renewing our focus on politics and need your help. ing we could never afford otherwise, and all it costs is As you know from reading LP News, Libertarian stepping up to run as a Libertarian. Lee Ann Burgess Nancy Neale Vince Hanke Pamela E. Potter Party candidates received millions of votes in the 2014 The old parties have worked for years to keep Lib- elections. Despite what the naysayers in the old parties ertarian Party candidates off the ballot, to avoid having to might say, not a single one of those votes was wasted. respond to truly new and bold ideas for cutting govern- The following individuals were Pioneer of Freedom contributors: However, there were wasted votes in the 2014 ment and restoring liberty. In some states they’ve won… Michael De Mello Gil Robinson Scott J. Spencer elections. for now. In others, through the hard work of Libertarian Libertarian votes are like rain falling on a roof. activists, the ballot access laws have been changed to give The following individuals were Lifetime Founder contributors: There are more Libertarians every day, and they go to the Libertarian Party a fair shot. In others, the Libertar- their polling places or open their mail ballots tired of ian Party, state and national, has to spend thousands of Kelvin Contreary Pamela J. Hoiles Ryan Oneglia the old parties and their failures and ready to vote Lib- dollars and thousands of hours to get ballot access. The Lynden F. Davis Craig Ivey David Opperman Jason B. Geyer Robert Steven Kraus Cisse Spragins ertarian. Those votes are coming down and going to best way to thank them for their sacrifice and their fight Joseph P. Gillotte Tom J. Laurent Lawrence C. Stanback hit the roof. The only question is whether those votes to get ballot access is to use it. Use it to go out there and James P. Gray Richard Wager Loomis Matthew Ungs are going to come out of the gutters and run down the spread the Libertarian message. James A. Harris Douglas R. McKissack George R. Whitfield street or we’re going to make sure there’s a rain barrel If there’s anything I can do to help you in your Thomas F. Hastings Stephen W. Modzelewski Gerald E. York II Ken Heinemann Russ Lee Monchill* there to catch them. run for office, please don’t hesitate to contact me -di * New Lifetime Member Every Libertarian candidate is like a rain barrel rectly at [email protected]. Or contact Carla Howell, politi- The Libertarian Party grants lifetime membership to catching those votes. Every time that Libertarian voter cal director, at [email protected]; or Bob Johnston, individuals who contribute at least $1,500 during any sees a ballot without a Libertarian candidate, those candidate support specialist, at [email protected]. votes are wasted. Yours in liberty, 12-month period. Call 202-333-0008 to find out how Stepping up to run for office, to represent the Lib- much more you would need to donate to become a ertarian Party and libertarian values, is one of the most Lifetime Member today. important things you can do for freedom. You may not

Libertarian Party News Send news, articles, (ISSN 8755-139X) is the official LP News essays, or newspaper of the photographs: Libertarian Party® of the United The Purposes of the Libertarian Party: Email: [email protected] States. Opinions and articles The party is organized to implement and give voice to the principles embodied in the State- published in this newspaper do not ment of Principles by: functioning as a libertarian political entity separate and distinct from Address changes: necessarily represent official party all other political parties or movements; moving public policy in a libertarian direction by Phone: (202) 333-0008 positions unless so indicated. building a political party that elects Libertarians to public office; chartering affiliate parties Email: [email protected] throughout the United States and promoting their growth and activities; nominating candi- Postal mail: dates for president and vice president of the United States, and supporting party and affili- National Chair: 1444 Duke St. ate party candidates for political office; and, entering into public information activities. Nicholas Sarwark Alexandria, VA 22314 Email: [email protected] EDITOR: Carla Howell Phone: (202) 333-0008

CONTRIBUTORS: Christopher Goins, Richard Winger, Paul Frankel, Bob Johnston, Gary E. Johnson, Alicia Mattson Vol. 45, Issue 1 The Libertarian Party — www.LP.org Page 3 David F. Nolan Memorial Office Fund donors, Nov. 21 – Jan. 22 Benefactor of Liberty Ryan T. Oneglia Elizabeth G. Wright Advocate of Liberty William C. Ferry Plaques are now on display at the Libertarian National Committee office space in Alexandria, Va., that recognize our top donors. “Owning our own office is a sign that the Libertarian Party is here to stay,” said Chair Nicholas Sarwark. “Our new office saves more than $6,000 per month in overhead costs, and serves the needs of our staff well.” To have your name appear on a plaque, or if you’d just like to help pay off the mortgage (the LNC has a goal of paying off at least $60,000 of the principle in 2015), mail in your donation or visit LP.org. Contribute today: LP.org/office-fund Democrats and Republicans threw support at LP candidates in tight 2014 races By Christopher Goins that the Arizona Democratic Party “ob- Democrats apparently hoped that percent (5,612 votes), far less than the dif- viously” prefers Sinema, according to Gammill’s presence in the race would ference between the other candidates. n what used to be a rare event, four AzCentral.com. cause the Republican to lose, as some spec- In North Carolina, the American 2014 Libertarian candidates got a But, he added, “our calculation is ulated was the case in 2012 when Gammill Future Fund, a nonprofit advocacy group boost from Democrats or Republi- there are probably a lot of conservative took 6.6 percent of the vote in a race where started with some of Mitt Romney’s 2008 Icans aiming to siphon votes from their voters who realize (Gammill) is a far more the Republicans lost by 4.1 percent. presidential campaign staff, interject- opponents. consistent conservative than Wendy Rog- As it turned out, Sinema won the ed itself into the 2014 U.S. Senate race The Democratic Party of Arizona ers. ... We’re pretty much taking (Gam- 2014 election decisively with 54.7 percent with ads aimed at peeling off progres- sent mailers to voters in U.S. House Dis- mill’s) positions directly from his website of the vote over Rogers’s 41.9 percent — a sive votes from incumbent Democrat trict 9 which expressed thinly veiled sup- and sharing them.” 20,768-vote spread. Gammill received 3.5 continued on page 4... port for Libertarian Powell Gammill. He was running in what was believed to be a tight race between incumbent Democrat Kyrsten Sinema and Republican challeng- er Wendy Rogers. Rather than directly ask for a vote, the mailer urged “get the facts about liber- tarian Powell Gammill before you vote.” It featured his positions to eliminate all gov- ernment funding for abortion, eliminate all gun control laws, and eliminate foreign aid. “Powell doesn’t believe in foreign aid,” it reads on the back of the mailer. “He believes other countries need to handle their own affairs and let Americans worry about America.” State Democratic Party Executive Director D.J. Quinlan said in October Page 4 The Libertarian Party — www.LP.org March 2015 Rachel Mills, behind-the-scenes force for successful U.S. Senate campaign ean Haugh, the 2014 Libertarian for posted the finished product on the Internet. U.S. Senate candidate in North Caro- “I strongly encourage more Mills originally joined the LP in lina whose videos were featured in Libertarians to get involved 2002, when Haugh was the state affiliate’s Smultiple national mainstream media news and support people executive director and recruited her to run reports, said of his campaign manager, running for office, many for the state House. Rachel Mills, “I would not have been even “Sean mentored me when I was orig- half as successful without Rachel.” of whom are trying to do it inally on the scene,” she said. Mills produced 35 videos for the alone.” Mills’s initial foray into political ac- campaign between March and November — Rachel Mills tivism was her creation of the first Ladies of 2014, several of which caught the atten- of Liberty calendar in 2002, which was fea- tion of mainstream media and were viewed Haugh’s race fell under a national tured on The O’Reilly Factor and in major collectively more than 127,000 times. spotlight because of the prospect of Re- newspapers such as the Washington Post In the videos, Sean Haugh sat at a bar publicans taking control of the Senate and and Washington Times. sipping craft beer while he explained, un- the fact that the North Carolina race was She was Ron Paul’s communications apologetically, why he delivers pizza for a liv- in a dead heat between Democrat incum- director on Capitol Hill from 2007–12, ing and yet is qualified to be a U.S. senator. bent Kay Hagan and Republican Thom where she wrote columns, handled media, Haugh and Mills shared the view Tillis, who won — by a smaller margin made use of social media, and produced that Libertarian campaigns have to be a than Haugh’s vote total. videos for the congressman. little different to get noticed on the infor- Mills shot the videos in her base- She said that her work on the Haugh mation-saturated Internet. ment with a setup she described as simple. campaign helped her improve her video “It’s easy to post videos that get only She said that technological advances and skills as well as expand and update her two views,” Mills said. “When you’re on a lower prices have made video setups much Rolodex of media contacts. shoestring budget, you need to come up cheaper and easier than in the past. “You “I strongly encourage more Libertar- with something interesting to be seen. You can get a good camera that takes video, a ians to get involved and support people have to take some risks — and be intelli- While the media referred to him as sound recorder, a tripod, a teleprompter running for office, many of whom are gent about it.” the “pizza guy,” they also acknowledged his that works with an iPad, video editing soft- trying to do it alone,” she said. While she When asked whether displaying a relevance as a candidate. ware, and good lighting for under $1,000.” warned against “biting off more than you candidate proudly drinking beer might Haugh’s video performances im- She used a Canon Rebel T3i DSLR can chew,” she was emphatic about the raise some eyebrows, Mills said, “That’s why pressed the Washington Post, which said, camera, a Zoom H2N sound recorder (no need to “get behind good candidates and we did it. It’s a risk. But we felt we could pull “Haugh comes off as folksy and erudite, lavaliere microphone needed), Sony Movie help their campaigns go further.” it off because of Sean’s genuine intelligence funny and earnest.” Studio video editing software, and music Mills said that she’s happy to give and ability to make the common sense case Newsweek said, “Haugh’s down- from premiumbeat.com. advice to other Libertarians making for ending wars, ending marijuana prohibi- homey manner belies his extensive experi- The videos were often shot in just one campaign videos. She can be found on tion, and balancing the budget.” ence in politics.” or two takes. Haugh wrote the scripts and LinkedIn.

Libertarians get Dem, GOP boost victory by Tillis over Hagan. However, it is not clear that cording to Bloomberg.com. “This doesn’t reflect my ap- ...continued from page 3 his presence in the race determined the winner because proach to the issue.” he drew substantial votes from both Democrats and peo- In Illinois, a local union donated $30,000 to Liber- Sen. Kay Hagan. The ads paint Hagan as the pro-war ple who would not have voted otherwise, according to tarian for governor Chad Grimm’s 2014 campaign. The candidate and Libertarian Sean Haugh as the antiwar exit polls. union endorsed Democratic candidate Pat Quinn, who candidate. The “Get Haugh” ad opens with an actress The American Future Fund also made its way to lost to Republican Bruce Rauner anyway by 142,284 votes. chanting “Get Haugh, Get High.” In the same ad, an Wisconsin. It launched a “Support Robert Burke” You- Grimm received 121,534 votes. actor holds up a “More Weed, Less War” sign. Tube channel on Oct. 31 aimed at siphoning votes from Washington, D.C., Libertarian Bruce Majors said “Does Kay Hagan support progressive values?” the Democrat Mary Burke (no relation to Robert Burke) in a Reason.com blog entry, “Libertarians frequently actress in the “Compare” ad asks. “She doesn’t support in support of incumbent Republican Scott Walker for find in the days after an election some voters didn’t even legalization of marijuana and won’t commit to keep our governor. Some of its nine videos used music and col- know that they were on the ballot. The rise of the outsid- troops out of Iraq. Sean Haugh supports our values. More or schemes identical to the videos promoting Haugh in er-funded ‘weaponized’ Libertarians may finally begin to weed, less war. Vote Sean Haugh, U.S. Senate.” North Carolina. change that.” The “Support for Sean Haugh” Youtube channel “Herb. Chronic. Weed. Pot. Mary Jane. Sticky Icky. In 2013, Republicans accused Robert Sarvis, Vir- was started on Oct. 20 and has 10 different ads uploaded. It doesn’t matter what you call it. Robert Burke wants to ginia Libertarian for governor, of being supported by a According to PoliticsNC, some of these ads were run on legalize it,” the “Call It” ad actors shout. “Don’t let your “Democratic bundler” intending to defeat his Republican Hulu. vote go up in smoke,” a male actor says. rival, a false allegation. But he did receive substantial sup- The American Future Fund spent $2.1 million in “So who do you think is on the Mount Rushmore of port from a PAC funded by “small l” libertarians who had 2013–14 on attacking Democrats and $449,000 support- Weed?” the same male actor asks in the “Rushmore” ad. no interest in supporting the Democrat, Terry McAuliffe. ing Republicans, according to OpenSecrets.org. “Definitely Snoop Dogg. Bob Marley. Willie Nelson. And Rather, they appeared to be genuinely interested in pro- Hagan lost the election to Republican Thom Tillis Robert Burke, after he legalizes marijuana in Wisconsin,” moting Sarvis’s civil libertarian proposals, which both by 45,608 votes. Haugh received 109,100 votes — or 3.74 the actors say. McAuliffe and Republican candidate Ken Cuccinelli re- percent, more than double the 1.56 percent margin of Burke refused to endorse the ads “in any way,” ac- fused to support. Vol. 45, Issue 1 The Libertarian Party — www.LP.org Page 5 Libertarian Party Facebook activists united to shrink government By Christopher Goins

he question that the social media activists behind the Libertarian Party’s official Facebook, Twitter, Tand Pinterest accounts ask themselves each day is: “Will this post make govern- ment smaller or bigger?” “If the answer is it will lead to gov- ernment becoming bigger, we don’t post it,” said Matt Hasty, an administrator for the Facebook page. Hasty, a Floridian, a self-taught Pho- toshop user, and former print shop worker of 20 years, began his activism in 2012. He embraced libertarianism after seeing memes (images with a short text message) like the ones he now posts himself. “I saw graphics and information that showed me that the Republican Party is mak- ing government bigger,” Hasty explained. Before 2012, he voted Republican for most of his life because that’s what his parents did. “I switched over to the Libertarian Party with a ballot in my hand,” Hasty said. Top: Design by Matt Hasty Left: Design by Jeffrey Bathe He wasn’t concerned that his vote for the Libertarian Party candidate would help “Ideally, all the LP digital media the other side. He reasoned that to grow the (website, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinter- party you actually have to support the party. est) would be used to support each other’s “The feel-good feeling lasted for two growth and spread the platform and pro- years,” he said. “Looking back, I’ve been a mote candidates and state pages,” Solice libertarian my whole life,” Hasty said. “I wrote in an email. just didn’t know it.” "Jeffrey Bathe has been a workhorse Hasty matches the skill sets of vol- in churning out candidate posts, stream- unteers, some of whom are teenagers, with lining communication among campaign work that is meaningful for them and ben- staff, and pushing for quality images, con- eficial to the team. He gives designers tips sistent messaging, and data-driven target- for polishing posts, helps craft messages ing of posts,” she continued. “Jeff has really for candidates, and sets timelines. mastered the nuances of Facebook’s ability “He is very much the grease that to target posts to specific states, cities, gen- keeps the cogs running smoothly," said ders, and other demographics." Leeann Solice, a fellow Facebook volunteer Lisa Line is a professional graphic and debate coach in Dallas, Texas. artist and not afraid to assert her opinion. The Libertarian Party Facebook Page “We bounce ideas off of each other,” now has 550,000+ “Likes,” or people who Hasty said. “We ask each other for permis- follow the page. When Hasty started back sion.” Facebook posts are often edgy, but in 2012, the page was only half that size at made in cooperation with the Libertarian around 220,000 “Likes.” National Committee and headquarters staff. “It allows us to reach a huge audi- Mike Shipley is great at responding to ence and let them know why downsizing inquiries in the Facebook inbox “so politely government will benefit them,” said Arvin and so diplomatically,” Hasty said. “He puts Vohra, vice chair of the Libertarian Na- out a lot of fires before they even start.” tional Committee, who gives direction to Hasty hasn’t met any of his fellow the volunteers when needed. volunteers offline, and he probably never Others who operate the Facebook Each volunteer has something to posted. She is particularly proud of a joint will — one works in Alabama; another, page include Rich Anderson, Jeffrey Bathe, contribute. effort with Bathe to create a Google form Colorado; another, Texas. But they man- Paul Frankel, Mike Shipley, Elizabeth Van Solice proofreads images and makes which helped compile information from age to keep in touch by Facebook messages Horn, Lisa Line, Andrew Rodgers, Jo Ann sure the messages are aligned with the candidates. That information was then and group chats. Vaccarino, and Keith Thompson. Libertarian Party platform before they are used to make graphics for candidates. continued on page 11... Page 6 The Libertarian Party — www.LP.org March 2015 Libertarians notch record-setting cycle in 2014 U.S. Senate elections Nominees from the nation’s largest wisdom holds), the party nonetheless en- • In Alaska, Mark Fish won 3.7 percent, 1990, 0.7 percent. third party set records in 10 states joyed its best cycle ever in races for the na- best of the seven Libertarian U.S. Sen- • In North Carolina, Sean Haugh won 3.7 tion’s upper legislative chamber. ate nominees in state history. Previous percent, best of the 10 nominees in state last cycle for the largest support ever A Smart Politics analysis finds the Lib- best: Scott Kohlhaas, 1998, 2.3 percent. history. Previous best: Robert Emory, recorded in a U.S. Senate election ertarian Party set records for the best show- • In Arkansas, Nathan LaFrance won 2.0 1992, 3.3 percent. ing in a U.S. Senate race in 10 of the 20 states percent and was the first Libertarian • In South Carolina, Victor Kocher won By Eric Ostermeier in which it fielded a candidate in 2014. nominee for the office in state history. 2.7 percent, best of the nine nominees From Smart Politics, Jan. 16, 2015 Overall, voters had the option of vot- • In Colorado, Gaylon Kent won 2.6 per- in state history. Previous best: Mark Reprinted with permission ing for a Libertarian candidate in 20 of the cent, best of the six such nominees in Johnson, 1992, 2.0 percent. 36 general and special elections held last state history. Previous best: Rick Stan- • In Texas, Rebecca Paddock won 2.9 ith the 2014 cycle in the rear November. ley, 2002, 1.5 percent. percent, best of the 11 nominees in state view mirror, political parties These 20 candidates averaged 2.5 per- • In Illinois, Sharon Hansen won 3.8 per- history. Previous best: Yvonne Schick, and candidates are already cent of the vote, with a high water mark of cent, best of the 12 nominees for the of- 2008, 2.3 percent. Wgearing up for 2016, with California Attor- 4.3 percent by Randall Batson in Kansas in fice in state history. Previous best: Mike Of the 10 Libertarians listed above, the ney General Kamala Harris’s announce- the high profile race between Republican Labno, 2010 special, 2.7 percent. performances were particularly impressive ment she would run for the state’s open incumbent Pat Roberts and independent • In Kentucky, David Patterson won 3.1 in North Carolina, Colorado, and Alaska. U.S. Senate seat the big news of the week. Greg Orman. percent, best of the three nominees in Although these states hosted three of While the top-two primary system While Batson’s mark was not a re- state history. Previous best: James Rid- the four most competitive U.S. Senate races has effectively shut out the Libertarians in cord in the Sunflower State (it was second enour, 1992, 1.3 percent. in the country (decided by 1.6, 1.9, and 2.1 the Golden State, the country’s third larg- best), 10 other U.S. Senate Libertarian • In Minnesota, Heather Johnson won percentage points respectively), Libertarian est political party has much reason for op- nominees did set party records in their re- 1.5 percent, best of the 10 nominees in nominees were still able to draw support timism heading into 2016 in races across spective states. state history. Previous best: Charles Al- from the electorate in record numbers. the country. Libertarians made history in Alaska, drich, 2008, 0.5 percent. In the nation’s most closely decided Although many Libertarian U.S. Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Kentucky, • In New Jersey, Joseph Baratelli won 0.9 race for the office, Virginia (0.8 points), Senate nominees fell short of their pre- Minnesota, New Jersey, North Carolina, percent, best of the 13 nominees in state nominee Robert Sarvis won a respectable election polling numbers (as conventional South Carolina, and Texas: history. Previous best: Louis Stefanelli, 2.4 percent. Can ‘liberty’ lawmakers make up for damage they do by endorsing GOP politicians? By Carla Howell “Left-right only is a flat-earth, ing, and dangerous political paradigm. Political Director Both the Democratic and Republican Parties’ agen- incomplete, misleading, and das are a mixture of beliefs which found their home in one hat happens when a “liberty” candidate, orga- or the other as a result of special-interest lobbying. They nization, or lawmaker endorses Big Govern- dangerous political paradigm.” have no common thread and are devoid of any underlying ment politicians? principles. WFirst, there’s the obvious: if he helps those politicians Being pro-choice has nothing to do with being anti- get elected, they will vote for bigger budgets and more Big Rand Paul war, which has nothing to do with wealth redistribution Government. Things will get worse. endorsed Big — all tenets of the “liberal” or “left” as represented by the Government Because it’s vastly easier to sustain or expand Big politicians Democratic Party. Government than it is to shrink it, the “liberty” lawmaker such as Same goes for issues on the “right” or “conservative” who endorses a Big Government politician will not be Senate beliefs identified with the Republican Party. Being pro- able to offset the expansions of government that result by Majority big-military has nothing to do with being fiscally conser- Leader Mitch trying to push bills to reduce it. In fact, he’s unlikely to get McConnell. vative (in fact, the two work in opposition to each other), anything passed that shrinks government at all — no mat- which has nothing to do with being anti-immigration, ter what his political party may be. This will remain true as pro-gun, or anti-gay marriage. long as liberty candidates are in the minority. digm must be shattered and discredited, not reinforced. Many Americans have been convinced, to varying This assumes he will work to advance liberty once There is only one political spectrum, or paradigm, degrees, to support one or the other of these two bundles elected. But a politician who endorses Big Government that matters for libertarians as well as most ordinary citi- of beliefs — the whole package — rather than thinking candidates has shown that he puts a higher priority on zens: Big, high-tax, high-spending, wasteful, reckless, au- through each issue on their own. getting elected, or reelected, than on liberty. Don’t be sur- thoritarian, intrusive government versus small, low-tax, The Protectors have also convinced voters that prised if that “liberty” lawmaker soon votes with his party low-spending, thrifty, restrained, “hands off peaceful -be Democratic and Republican politicians deliver on their for bigger budgets and a growing list of Big Government havior” government. respective left or right ideals — or at least do so more than measures. The Protectors of the Status Quo (politicians, the the other side does. As a result, a substantial (although But perhaps the greatest damage done by endors- media, pundits, special interests, educational institutions) shrinking) portion of the electorate consists of loyal Dem- ing a Big Government Democrat or a Big Government keep our eyes off this epic struggle by convincing Ameri- ocratic or Republican voters. Republican is that it reinforces the paralyzing left-right cans that all political beliefs are either on the “left” or the But how do Big Government Democratic and Re- paradigm that is used to divide and distract Americans “right” — or in-between. publican politicians actually perform in office? while keeping us stuck with Big Government. This para- Left-right only is a flat-earth, incomplete, mislead- continued on page 7... Vol. 45, Issue 1 The Libertarian Party — www.LP.org Page 7 Libertarian Anthony Higa ran solid 2014 campaign for Hawaii House By Bob Johnston which was spent on after work and knock on doors 90 minutes He also will get out earlier this time three mailings sent a day, each day. to campaign. More and more voters in the ibertarian Anthony Higa felt that to registered voters He took off from work eight weeks pri- state are mailing in their ballots, and he he needed to do something for the in his district, and or to the election, and campaigned full-time. feels the peak campaign time is a month cause of liberty, and after being ap- also was interviewed The focus of his campaign was proper- before the election. Lproached and asked to run for office by the on a television show. ty taxes, which are very high in Hawaii. The When asked what advice he would of- Hawaii Libertarian Party, that is exactly It looked like cost of living there is causing many young fer for potential candidates, he said, “Show what he did. Higa would be in a people to leave for more affordable states. up and work hard every day.” And “not to Higa ran as a Libertarian instead of as Anthony Higa two-way race for the Higa became politically active after just focus on the results, but the bigger pic- a Republican because his beliefs are much state House of Representatives 19th district, seeing Ron Paul in his 2008 presidential ture, how you’re helping to spread the mes- closer to Libertarians’, and also because the but a Republican jumped in just before the run. He considers himself pro-peace, and sage and advance the cause of freedom.” Hawaii LP asked him to run and offered filing deadline. Higa finished a strong third was particularly drawn to Dr. Paul’s non- He wants to run for office a total of assistance for his campaign, particularly anyway with 8.6 percent of the vote. interventionist foreign policy. three times. volunteers and donors, something the Ha- Higa is 30, is a registered nurse, and Higa will run again for the same seat in “I don’t want to look back with any waii Republican Party would not offer. works at a local hospital. Since he works 2016. This time, he plans on working harder regrets,” he said. “I want to be able to say He raised over $15,000, much of the overnight shift, he was able to go out in the precincts where he did better in 2014. that I helped the cause for liberty.”

GOP endorsement damage protect mine.” Some lawmakers will tell you they don’t Highlights of December LNC meeting ...continued from page 6 actually like a lot of what they vote on (because it ben- efits some other district or special interest that’s not in By Gary E. Johnson Most bills in Congress are so lengthy — often hun- their camp), but give it a “yeah” anyway to “bring home dreds of pages long — and so loaded with pork that it’s the bacon.” he Libertarian National Committee met Sat- hard to find any appreciable “left” or “right” leaning in The result is that virtually all Democratic and Re- urday and Sunday, Dec.13 and 14, in New Or- them. How a lawmaker votes on such bills is determined publican politicians serve to make government bigger. leans, La. by horse trading. Votes are sold to the highest special-in- They don’t shrink government or advance freedom on any TThe LNC created a three-member committee to so- terest bidder — at taxpayer expense. issue. They may vote against some bills that expand gov- licit new designs for a logo for the party and to prepare Political ideology is a smokescreen. What drives ernment, but almost never for ones that shrink govern- a report by March 1. National Chair Nicholas J. Sarwark most politics is money. ment — because no one’s even proposing them! appointed Brett Bittner, Norm Olsen, and Arvin Vohra to The World’s Smallest Political Quiz is used to ask ev- So neither voting for the “left” nor voting for the the Logo Committee. eryday voters where they stand on key political issues and “right” results in more of the freedoms that either of their The LNC voted to hire attorney Alan Gura to sue then to map them on a chart to see which of its four quad- respective constituencies want. Instead it results in more the Federal Election Commission to challenge its con- rants — liberal, conservative, libertarian, or authoritarian Big Government on all issues — and diminishing freedom. tribution limits on bequests. — they are most aligned with. To free Americans from Big Government, we must The national committee began the search for a At marijuana rallies, most people who take the quiz expose and discredit the phony left-right paradigm and new legal counsel to replace Gary Sinawski, who had land in the liberal or libertarian quadrants, or in the mid- Protectors’ self-serving claim that there are only two par- recently passed away. The party had litigation under dle between the four. ties worth voting for. way in Alabama, Illinois, Kentucky, New Hampshire, At gun rallies, most people land in the conservative We must show them that “winning” is getting gov- and Ohio. The party was also working on a lawsuit with or libertarian quadrants, or in the middle. ernment off their backs and advancing freedom — not the Our America Initiative. At county fairs, where attendees represent more of a electing an old-party politician who talks a good game but The LNC adopted rules for electronic meetings. cross-section of Americans, most people land in the liber- increases Big Government and reduces freedom — the op- The LNC and other committees will be allowed to con- al, conservative, or libertarian quadrants, or in the middle. posite of what most voters want. duct business by telephone conference or videoconfer- On the whole, 22-24 percent of quiz takers land in When a “liberty” candidate endorses or cam- ence. Only the topics listed in the call of the meeting the libertarian quadrant. paigns for a Big Government politician, he perpetrates may be considered during an electronic meeting. But almost 100 percent of lawmakers — based the left-right fraud even more by lending credibility to The LNC adopted the budget for 2015 of about on how they actually vote (not on how they campaign) the belief that there’s a whit of difference between the $1.3 million. land squarely in the Big Government, authoritarian two old parties. Alicia Mattson, Daniel Hayes, Vicki Kirkland, quadrant. They do not represent liberals, conservatives, His endorsement fortifies the primary tool used by and Jay Estrada were elected to the Convention Over- or libertarians. the Protectors of the Status Quo to keep government big, sight Committee. Aaron Starr, M Carling, and Gary The left-right spectrum conveniently excludes liber- and he thereby becomes one himself. Johnson were elected to the Audit Committee. tarians — keeping small government off the table. It also Can even the best “liberty” candidates ever do Some members of the national committee toured excludes authoritarians — which hides the true identify of enough good as lawmakers to offset the damage they do the New Orleans convention center as the possible site most Democratic and Republican politicians. Now do you by endorsing Big Government politicians and thus fueling of a national convention. see why the Protectors want a left-right political spectrum the dangerous machinery of Big Government? The next meeting will be Saturday and Sunday, — rather than one that offers all political choices? Highly unlikely. And that’s exactly why true liberty March 28 and 29, in Phoenix, Ariz. But even when there is some consistency between candidates — our Libertarian Party candidates — endorse ------Democratic and Republican votes and their alleged be- and campaign only for candidates who vote against Big Gary E. Johnson, a member of the Libertarian National lief systems, it does no good because politicians logroll: Government on every issue, every time. No exceptions, no Committee, is the secretary of the Libertarian Party of “I will protect your Big Government program if you excuses. Texas. Page 8 The Libertarian Party — www.LP.org March 2015 Better LP ballot access 2015 Legislative Session Calendar for the U.S. House, to get on the primary eliminate the unique North Dakota require- ballot. No ballot-qualified minor party has ment that a party must attract a certain ...continued from page 1 Convene Adjourn Alabama March 3 June 15 achieved this for a congressional candidate number of voters into its primary in order of the last gubernatorial vote to 1.5 percent. Alaska Jan 20 April 19 in approximately 90 years. to nominate. The bill has three co-sponsors. State Sen. Cam Ward (R-Alabaster) plans to Arizona Jan 12 mid-April The Chipman bill would set a ceiling The requirement has prevented any introduce it. Arkansas Jan 12 March 12 on the number of signatures needed to get on alternative party candidates for the legis- Under current law, ballot access in California Dec 1, ’14 Sept 11 the primary ballot of 1 percent of that party’s lature from appearing on the November 2016 will require the collection of approxi- Colorado Jan 7 May 6 registered members. Chipman, elected as an ballot ever since 1976. A similar law in Connecticut Jan 7 June 3 mately 36,000 valid signatures of registered Delaware Jan 13 June 30 independent, has ties to the Green Party. Minnesota was invalidated in 2004 by the voters statewide, around 5,000 valid signa- Dist. of Columbia Jan 2 * Maryland: Libertarians expect a bill Minnesota Supreme Court. tures for a single congressional race, and ap- Florida Mar 3 May 1 to be introduced that would lower the num- Oklahoma: Libertarian activists E. proximately 400 valid signatures in any one Georgia Jan 12 early April ber of registered members to be a qualified Zachary Knight and Richard Prawdzienski of the state’s 105 state House districts. This Hawaii Jan 21 early May party from 1 percent (about 45,000) to ex- have been key players in the fight to reform signature threshold is the second-highest in Idaho Jan 12 early April actly 10,000, eliminating the need to meet Oklahoma’s stringent ballot access laws. the country for statewide office and among Illinois Jan 14 May 14 the vote test. They are helping to push three bills now in the highest for any political office. Indiana Jan 6 April 29 Otherwise, Libertarians will need to the house and senate. Iowa Jan 12 May 1 Arkansas: Dr. Michael Pakko, state Kansas Jan 12 late May gather 10,000 valid signatures to re-qualify Under current law, Libertarians in treasurer of the Libertarian Party of Ar- Kentucky Jan 6 March 24 the party each election year in which the Oklahoma will have to collect more than kansas, is working with other Libertarians Louisiana April 13 June 11 vote test is not met. 40,000 valid signatures in 2016 to get a presi- and Green Party activists to find legislative Maine Dec 3, ’14 June 17 Greens and Libertarians are working dential candidate on the ballot. S.B. 318, sponsors for a ballot access improvement Maryland Jan 14 April 13 together to help pass this legislation. introduced by state Senator David Holt (R– bill. Dr. Pakko has drafted a bill that would Massachusetts Jan 7 * New Hampshire: Libertarian Darryl Oklahoma City), H.B. 2181, introduced by amend the vote retention test from being Michigan Jan 14 * Perry is working with New Hampshire Rep. Speaker of the House Jeffrey Hickman (R- Minnesota Jan 6 May 18 only in the presidential or gubernatorial Mississippi Jan 6 April 5 Max Abramson (R-Seabrook), who has in- Fairview), and H.B. 1813, by Rep. Eric Proc- races to any statewide race, and from 3 per- Missouri Jan 7 May 30 troduced H.B. 665 to lower the number of tor (D-Tulsa), would lower that signature cent to 2 percent of the vote. Montana Jan 5 late April signatures for independent candidates and requirement substantially to between 5,000 Connecticut: LP Connecticut state Nebraska Jan 7 early June the nominees of unqualified parties. Cur- and approximately 16,000 signatures. chair and LNC regional representative al- Nevada Feb 2 June 1 rent law requires 3,000 signatures for state- Knight also plans to submit an amend- ternate Joshua Katz has been working with New Hampshire Jan 7 July 1 wide office. The bill would convert petitions ment that would lower Oklahoma’s 10 per- Rep. Devin Carney (R–Old Saybrook) on his New Jersey Jan 13 * for all offices to one tenth of 1 percent of cent of the vote retention requirement. New Mexico Jan 20 March 21 introduction of proposed H.B. 5303, which New York Jan 7 * the population. For statewide candidates, Pennsylvania: Libertarians and ac- Katz drafted, to ease the definition of a quali- North Carolina Jan 14 early July the requirement during this decade would tivists with Pennsylvania for Our America fied “minor party.” Current law says that if North Dakota Jan 6 late April be 1,317 signatures. Initiative are among those active with the a party polls 1 percent for any particular Ohio Jan 5 * Although elected as a Republican, Pennsylvania Ballot Access Coalition, race, then it is ballot-qualified just for that Oklahoma Feb 2 May 29 Abramson is also a member of the Libertarian which is working to improve ballot access one race in the next election in which the of- Oregon Feb 2 July 11 Party and sought the Libertarian nomination in a state which has some of the worst re- fice is contested. The bill would extend ballot Pennsylvania Jan 6 * for governor in 2014 before switching to run strictions in the nation. Rhode Island Jan 6 late June qualification to many other races. A party for the State House as a Republican. State Sen. Mike Folmer (R-Lebanon) South Carolina Jan 13 June 4 polling 1 percent in a statewide race would South Dakota Jan 13 late March New York: In New York, LPNY Chair was appointed chair of the Senate State receive ballot access for all statewide races; a Tennessee Jan 13 late April Mark Axinn is rallying support to stop a Government Committee. This is the com- party polling 1 percent in any election would Texas Jan 13 June 1 bad ballot access bill to increase the vote mittee that hears election law bills. Folmer receive ballot access for all municipal races Utah Jan 26 March 12 test to retain ballot access from 50,000 votes has been the leading legislative champion within the district of that election. Vermont Jan 7 mid May for governor to 100,000. LPNY has come of ballot access reform in Pennsylvania Rep. Carney also introduced H.B. Virginia Jan 14 Feb. 28 close to getting 50,000 votes for governor starting in 2009. He introduced ballot ac- 5304, which would put the names of the Washington Jan 12 April 26 and president, but nowhere near 100,000. cess improvement bills in 2009, 2011, and West Virginia Jan 14 March 14 qualified minor parties on the voter regis- Wisconsin Jan 5 * Fortunately, there appears to be only tepid 2013, and intends to do so again this year. tration form. Currently, the form only men- Wyoming Jan 13 early March support for the bill. Wisconsin: Andy Craig, Libertarian tions parties that got 20 percent for gover- * Legislature meets throughout the year Additionally, activists from New York candidate for U.S. House District 4 in 2016 nor in the last election, or which have 20 * Legislature meets throughout the year. for Our America Initiative have joined the and for Secretary of State in 2014, is lead co- percent of registered voters. reach, and would similarly reduce the signa- Equal Access Ballot Coalition of New York ordinator of Competitive Elections Wiscon- Both bills have been referred to the ture requirement for all district and county seeking to get the government out of the in- sin, a coalition of groups, parties, and former Joint Committee on Government Admin- offices from 5 percent of the number of reg- ternal affairs and nomination processes of all candidates seeking ballot access reform. istration and Elections. istered voters to 2 percent of the votes cast political parties; to provide equal access and The Competitive Elections propos- Georgia: 2014 Libertarian candidate when that office was last voted on. few, if any, barriers to candidates seeking a al would lower the nomination petition for U.S. Senate Amanda Swafford is a force Six state House members have intro- place on the general election ballot; and to thresholds for partisan office by half across behind the state’s H.B. 58 to improve ballot duced H.B. 58. Swafford believes it has a have an Independent Election Commission the board, in particular down to 100 valid access in Georgia. Others in the state party, reasonable chance of passing. responsible for coordinating and running all signatures for state representative, 200 for including Chairman Doug Craig, are also Maine: In Maine, Rep. Ben Chipman elections conducted in New York State. state senator, 500 for representative in Con- pitching in. (I-Portland) has submitted a proposal to the North Dakota: State LP Chair Roland gress, and 1,000 for statewide elections. Current law will require an average of bill-drafting staff to ease the number of signa- Riemers is among the Libertarian activists ------a stunning 18,540 signatures just to get one tures needed for candidates to get on the pri- working to pass ballot law improvements in Paul Frankel is a former LNC regional al- Libertarian U.S. House candidate on the mary ballot of a small ballot-qualified party. North Dakota. ternate and the Alabama for Our America ballot in 2016. H.B. 58 would lower that to Currently, statewide offices require Rep. Corey Mock (D–Grand Forks) Initiative state director. Richard Winger con- 3,294 signatures, putting ballot access within 2,000 registered members to sign, and 1,000 has introduced H.B. 1260, which would tributed to this article. Vol. 45, Issue 1 The Libertarian Party — www.LP.org Page 9 Lobbying for better ballot access laws works By Richard Winger group has been recognized as a “party” for three elections of the same base. in a row, then it automatically gets the next five elections North Carolina once defined “party” as a group that lthough the Libertarian Party continues to struggle “for f re e .” got 10 percent for president/governor, but now it is 2 per- for ballot access in certain states, it retained ballot Idaho once defined “party” as a group that polled cent of the same base. access in 30 states after the 2014 election — the 3 percent for governor, but now it is a group that ran at North Dakota once defined “party” as a group that Ahighest ever after a midterm. One reason we are on the bal- least three candidates for federal or state office in the last got 5 percent for governor, but now it is 5 percent for ei- lot in so many states is that, over the years, we have per- election. President and vice president counts as one. ther governor, president, secretary of state, or attorney suaded many state legislatures to lower the requirements. Louisiana once defined “party” as a group with reg- general. Here’s a list of the state-by-state improvements in istration of 5 percent, but now it is a group that managed Ohio once defined “party” as a group that got party status since 1976: to have 1,000 registrations at some time in the past and 10 percent for president/governor, but now it is 3 percent Alaska once defined “party” as a group that polled paid a one-time fee of $1,000; then that group keeps party for those offices in either of the last two elections. 10 percent for governor, but now it is one that polled 3 per- status as long as it runs at least one candidate every four Oregon once defined “party” as a group that got cent for governor, or U.S. senator, or U.S. House, or which years. 5 percent for any statewide race, but now it is 1 percent has registration equal to that same 3 percent of the vote. Maine once defined “party” as a group that got at either of the last two elections; it is also a group with Arizona once defined “party” as a group that polled 5 percent for president/governor, but now it is a group 0.5 percent of the registration. 5 percent for president/governor, but now it is also a that has 10,000 registered members who voted (it doesn't Rhode Island once defined “party” as a group that group that has registration of two-thirds of 1 percent of matter whom they voted for) in the last general election. got 5 percent for governor, but now it is 5 percent for gov- the state total. Maryland once defined “party” as a group that ernor or president in either of the last two elections. Arkansas once defined “party” as a group that polled 10 percent for president/governor, but now it is a South Dakota once defined “party” as a group that polled 7 percent for president/governor, but now the group with registration of 1 percent or a group that got got 10 percent for governor, but now it is 2.5 percent. percentage is 3 percent. 1 percent for president or governor. Texas once defined “party” as a group that got 2 per- California once defined “party” as a group with regis- Massachusetts once defined “party” as a group that cent for governor, but now it is either that or which got 5 tration of 1 percent of the last gubernatorial vote, but now it is got 3 percent for governor, but now it is 3 percent for any percent for any statewide race. a group that has registration of 0.33 percent of the state total. statewide office. Utah once defined “party” as a group that got 2 per- Colorado once defined “party” as a group that Michigan once defined “party” as a group that got cent for any statewide race, but now it is one that did that polled 10 percent for governor, but now it is a group that 1 percent of the winning candidate’s vote for secretary of for either of the last two elections. polled 1 percent for any statewide race in either of the last state, for the office at the top of the ballot (i.e., president/ Vermont once defined “party” as a group that got two elections, or which has 1,000 registrants. governor), but now it is 1 percent of the winner’s vote for 1 percent for any statewide race, but now it is a group that Florida once defined “party” as a group that had 5 secretary of state, for any statewide nominee. is organized in at least 10 towns. percent of the registration, but now it is any group that Minnesota once defined “party” as a group that Virginia once defined “party” as a group that got files a list of its state party officers and regularly files- cam polled 5 percent for any statewide race, but now it is one 10 percent for any statewide race, but now it is a group paign finance reports. that polled 5 percent for any statewide race in either of the that got 10 percent for any statewide race in either of the Georgia once defined “party” as a group that polled last two elections. last two elections. 20 percent for president in the entire United States or for Montana once defined “party” as a group that Washington once defined “party” as a group that governor, but now (for statewide office only) it is a group polled 5 percent of the winner’s vote for any statewide got 10 percent for any statewide race, but now it is a group that polled 1 percent of the number of registered voters for race, but now it is one that did that in either of the last that got 5 percent for president (that isn’t really any better, any of its statewide nominees. two elections. but at least the percentage is lower). Hawaii once defined “party” as a group that polled Nebraska once defined “party” as a group that Wyoming once defined “party” as a group that got 10 percent for any statewide race or either U.S. House seat, polled 5 percent for any statewide race, but now it is one 10 percent for U.S. House, but now it is a group that got but now it also includes a group that polled 4 percent of that did that in either of the last two elections. 2 percent for U.S. House, or governor, or secretary of state. all the votes cast for state Senate for its nominees for state Nevada once defined “party” as a group that got ------senator, or 2 percent of all the vote cast for both houses 5 percent (of the total vote cast in the state for U.S. House) Richard Winger is publisher of Ballot Access News, the na- of the legislature for all its legislative nominees. Also, if a for any office (even a district office), but now it is 1 percent tion’s authority on ballot access for alternative parties. LNC seeks applicants for Platform, Bylaws, Credentials Committees By Alicia Mattson plenty of time to complete their tasks be- national convention, and then a final incurred will be at personal expense. fore the convention. meeting on the day before the national If you are willing to serve in any he Libertarian National Commit- The LNC appoints all 10 of the By- convention. The Credentials Commit- of these LNC-appointed positions, ap- tee (LNC) is seeking applicants to laws and Rules Committee members, five tee members gather and verify delegate ply by email to [email protected] no later serve on the Platform Commit- of the 20 Platform Committee members, data in the months leading up to the na- than March 14, 2015. So that members of Ttee, the Bylaws and Rules Committee, and five of the 10 Credentials Committee tional convention, and then are expected the LNC can determine who might best and the Credentials Committee for the members. to work on-site throughout the national fill seats on the Platform Committee or May 27–30, 2016, national convention in The Platform Committee and also convention. Bylaws and Rules Committee, applicants Orlando, Fla. The LNC expects to make the Bylaws and Rules Committee typi- Committee members will be expect- are requested to draft and submit sample the appointments during its March 28–29, cally have in-person meetings at least ed to invest an appreciable amount of their platform/bylaw proposals with their ap- 2015, meeting so as to give the committees once, several months in advance of the time in doing their jobs. Any travel costs plications. Page 10 The Libertarian Party — www.LP.org March 2015 Libertarian Party–issued news releases: Libertarian Party calls for shutting down CIA, criminal prosecutions ibertarian National Committee Chair Nicholas J. washing of the “war on terror” crimes committed by Bush Sarwark released the following statement: “Whereas Democrats and officials is now complete.’ L “The CIA’s practice of torture confirmed by Republicans have continually funded “Whereas Democrats and Republicans have continu- the Senate Intelligence Report released on December 9 and encouraged CIA war crimes, ally funded and encouraged CIA war crimes, the Libertar- shows the agency engaged in reprehensible and illegal the Libertarian Party has consistently ian Party has consistently and strongly opposed the use of behaviors that were, in effect, war crimes. torture, mass surveillance, and human rights violations by “The CIA and politicians redacted the bulk of the and strongly opposed the use of the U.S. government throughout the party’s 43-year history. government’s report, which remains withheld from public torture, mass surveillance, and “The Libertarian Party calls for real accountability, view. One can only speculate as to the additional horrors human rights violations by the U.S. including prosecuting all of those who authorized and that lie within the rest of the report, given the gravity of government throughout the party’s performed these brutal acts. what was revealed. “The Senate Intelligence Committee released its re- “These acts of torture were immoral, disgusting, 43-year history.” port after this year’s election — when it was safe, even and un-American. And worse still, they were ineffective. • Dealing heroin in Asia though the report was finished four years ago. “Yet the CIA and the Department of Justice, which • Spying on Americans, members of congress, and for- “Perhaps both Democratic and Republican politi- sanctioned the torture, claim that it was legal and exhibit eign leaders cians are hoping voters will forget about this disgrace be- a shocking lack of remorse for the brutality inflicted on • Shipping war prisoners to foreign countries where tor- fore the 2016 election. its victims. ture is permissible (‘extraordinary rendition’) “The Libertarian Party urges you to remember — “Whether it’s choking a man to death for selling • Lying to Congress and to demand human decency by voting Libertarian.” loose cigarettes in New York or torturing prisoners at “The CIA is one of sixteen U.S. spy agencies that The Libertarian Party platform plank on Internal Se- Guantanamo Bay, the government refuses to prosecute should have been severely downsized if not abolished curity and Individual Rights states: government employees who brutalize the vulnerable. during the alleged ‘consolidation’ of the U.S. govern- “The defense of the country requires that we have When the government investigates itself, it almost always ment’s spy apparatus in 2004. adequate intelligence to detect and to counter threats to clears itself of any wrongdoing. “But rather than downsize, politicians merely add- domestic security. This requirement must not take prior- “This is why we must shut down the CIA. Its 70- ed another layer of bureaucracy, increased government ity over maintaining the civil liberties of our citizens. The year history is littered with episodes of human rights vio- spending, and expanded government authority. Constitution and Bill of Rights shall not be suspended even lations, illegal activities, and deception, including: “Government-sanctioned torture is bipartisan. Re- during time of war. Intelligence agencies that legitimately • Targeted killings and assassinations publican President George W. Bush authorized the torture seek to preserve the security of the nation must be subject • Overthrowing democratically elected governments revealed in the senate report. President Barack Obama to oversight and transparency. We oppose the government’s • Human experimentation, including giving the halluci- granted him full immunity. use of secret classifications to keep from the public infor- nogenic drug LSD to U.S. and Canadian citizens with- “Famed journalist Glenn Greenwald said ‘The mation that it should have, especially that which shows that out their knowledge Obama administration’s aggressive, full-scale white- the government has violated the law.” Lawmakers and Silk Road investigators, prosecutors are the real perps icholas J. Sarwark, Chair of the computer hacking, money laundering, en- “The attacks against lated with illegal warrants and searches Libertarian National Committee, gaging in a criminal enterprise, and con- Ulbricht are the work and seizures lacking any warrant. If the released the following statement: spiracy to traffic in fraudulent IDs. government can misapply the law against NThe Libertarian Party calls for dis- The prosecution has failed to identify of a stubborn political Ulbricht, it can do it to any of us. missal of the unfounded criminal charges a single victim of any of the alleged offenses. class that refuses to “In its documents, the government against alleged Silk Road founder and op- This trial grossly oversteps the acknowledge the utter equates the desire for privacy (use of Tor erator Ross Ulbricht, whose trial is set to bounds of a properly limited government: failure of the Drug War.” for example) with criminal intent. begin tomorrow, and for the resignation of one that protects the lives, liberty and “This case represents the first chal- the New York prosecutors who trumped property of its citizens against perpetrators Internet. Under present law, website hosts lenge to the government’s attempt to ex- up charges against an innocent man. who would do them harm — and no more. are not held responsible in civil cases for il- pand the money laundering statute to in- Silk Road is a website that allows its The perpetrators in this case are the legal actions on their sites. This case could clude digital currency.” users to maintain their privacy while trad- FBI, which shut down Silk Road and may set precedent and open the door to crimi- The prosecution may have further ing goods and services by using Tor, an have illegally hacked the site, and New nal liability for web hosts. breached Ulbricht’s rights by inserting into open network that protects anonymity, and York prosecutors involved in this case. “A US citizen’s constitutional rights the case allegations that he was involved the digital currency Bitcoin for payment. Attorney and Simple Justice blogger are being violated with vague allegations in the planning of several homicides, even Because the site is alleged to accom- Scott Greenfield notes the freedoms that that do not cite specific crimes, a viola- though no homicides or attempted homi- modate the buying and selling of illegal are at stake in this trial: tion of the Fifth and Sixth Amendments cides are charged as part of this case. drugs, prosecutors have charged Ulbricht “If Ulbricht is convicted, it opens the to the US Constitution. In addition, his Discussing uncharged allegations with a slew of crimes: narcotics trafficking, door for the censure and erosion of a free Fourth Amendment rights have been vio- continued on page 15... Vol. 45, Issue 1 The Libertarian Party — www.LP.org Page 11

Solice described the Libertarian Facebook volunteers as “an eclectic group with diverse skills, varied backgrounds, and one very unifying goal: increasing liberty.” LP Facebook activists ...continued from page 5

He has advice for future volunteers: “Don’t be shy,” and be social media savvy. Solice described the Libertarian Facebook volunteers as “an eclectic group with diverse skills, varied backgrounds, and one very unifying goal: increasing liberty.” Her favorite part of volunteering with the group, she said, is “the camarade- rie that comes with working with talented, sincere people who share a passion for a shared goal, some might say the most im- portant goal of all, a truly free society.” “If social media was a dance floor these would be the smoothest, most grace- ful dancers,” Hasty said.

Clockwise, from top center: Design by Matt Hasty Design by Matt Hasty Design by Matt Hasty Design by Lisa Line Design by Matt Hasty Page 12 The Libertarian Party — www.LP.org March 2015

Glenn Beck SOTU Libertarian Party response to President Obama’s State of the Union address ...continued from page 1 Good evening. I’m Arvin Vohra, vice chair of the Libertar- the war on drugs, and thereby eliminate the black market prof- ian National Committee. its that fund violent cartels. Ending the Drug War will make our United States of America. That’s [the Lib- Mr. President, in your State of the Union address, you streets safer, and people will no longer have to fear incarcera- ertarians’] big idea,” said Beck. propose to make Big Government even bigger. tion if they seek help overcoming an addiction. The two co-hosts initially objected to You propose pouring more taxpayer dollars into another Mr. President, over the last weeks you have repeatedly ending the drug war and cutting military federal education program, this time for community colleges. argued that Americans should be able to go online without But federal intervention has driven up the price of higher edu- risking their privacy. On that, we completely agree. Americans spending by 60 percent. Beck countered, cation. should be able to use their computers and phones without “I bet you we could cut 50 percent [of the What if we could make college affordable right now by fear of anyone listening in or recording their communications military] if we did it the right way.” He simply getting government out of higher ed? Without subsidies through mass surveillance. noted that the federal government won’t be and costly mandates, competition will force colleges to de- But your words, Mr. President, don’t match your actions. able to fund anything if we wait too long to crease their tuition or go out of business. Massive student debt You have funded and enabled the surveillance state. To protect would be a thing of the past. privacy, Libertarian candidates have pledged to defund the cut spending. Mr. President, we can have world-class education. The NSA’s mass surveillance program, repeal the Patriot Act, and Pointing out that the Pentagon could first step is defunding and eliminating the federal Department massively downsize and consolidate redundant spy agencies. not account for more than $2 trillion in of Education, abolishing Common Core, and allowing parents Mr. President, your party and the Republican Party are spending, Beck challenged his co-hosts, “Are to take full control over their children’s education. Free-market damaging lives here and abroad through misuse and overuse competition will raise educational standards, lower costs, and of the military. you telling me there’s not at least 40 percent prepare students to compete in a global economy. Libertarian candidates have pledged to sponsor legisla- waste in any government department?” Mr. President, your attempts to raise the minimum wage tion to end all foreign military operations, shut down needless Burguiere, who initially said he will destroy one of the most important forms of education in foreign bases, cut military spending by at least 60 percent, and would fight against a 60 percent reduction, this country. Many young people develop responsibility and bring our troops home. marketable skills in entry-level, minimum-wage jobs. Those Even after those spending cuts, we will still outspend later conceded, “If you can find 60 percent skills make workers more attractive to future employers. both Russia and China combined. We will also be safer, be- waste in military spending, obviously I’m The Republican answer, to leave the issue to the states, cause our military will be focused on defense. We will stop there with you.” is a cop-out. All minimum wages kill jobs and hurt the poor. creating enemies through unwarranted military intrusions. After hearing Vohra propose getting Libertarian candidates have pledged to sponsor legislation to Republicans have talked about repealing and replacing rid of the federal Department of Educa- eliminate the minimum wage in every state. That makes it Obamacare. With what? Romneycare? That will continue to easier for young people to gain experience, for the poorest damage businesses and make health care worse. tion, Beck recalled that the GOP talked workers to gain a foothold in the job market, and for small When Republicans controlled the House, they had the about abolishing the Department in the businesses to grow. chance to defund Obamacare. They refused. 1980s, but that “I can guarantee you they’re Here’s how we really grow the economy and create jobs: Libertarian candidates have pledged to completely repeal not saying abolish the DOE [now].” dramatically cut taxes and government spending. Libertarian Obamacare along with the many laws that stand in the way of candidates have pledged to sponsor legislation to cut federal low-cost, high-quality health care. Providers will compete for The video was viewed on YouTube spending to 1998 levels and eliminate the income tax. That customers by lowering costs and increasing quality. 43,991 times as of Jan. 29. means that you keep the money you earn, and spend it how To help people in need, Libertarian candidates will make “This is perhaps the best coverage you see fit: on charities and the arts, science research, educa- charitable hospitals legal. Doctors should not have to leave our we’ve ever seen for the Libertarian State of tion, and the health care of your choice. borders to be able to offer free care. the Union response in the party’s history,” Eliminating the income tax also defunds government’s We need to massively downsize and defund the federal ability to infringe on our privacy, to create enemies through government. But Republican and Democratic politicians only said LP Chair Nicholas Sarwark. needless wars, and to imprison our fellow citizens for victim- want to make it bigger. Get involved with the Libertarian Party “We don’t just want people to hear less crimes. in your state by going to LP.org, and by voting Libertarian. our Libertarian message. We want them Mr. President, so many of your supporters have begged Politicians can do one thing well: count votes. When you talking about it — agree or disagree,” he you to defund and end the War on Drugs, but you have re- vote for a Democrat or Republican, it tells them, “Keep doing fused their pleas. Drug prohibition separates families, fosters what you’re doing.” But when you vote for a Libertarian, it tells said. “This is a sign that our proposals are violence, and destroys communities. You can end the war on them, in no uncertain terms, “You have neither my approval being taken seriously.” drugs today, by doing what so many Libertarian gubernato- nor my permission to grow or sustain Big Government. Shrink After Vohra laid out the proposal of rial and presidential candidates have pledged to do: pardon all it now.” several dozen 2014 Libertarian candidates nonviolent drug offenders. Thank you for listening. Let’s bring liberty back to our to cut spending to 1998 levels, balance the Libertarian candidates have pledged to completely end communities and to the United States of America. budget, and end the federal income tax, Beck said, “That’s great.” “We don’t just want lot of the audience is at.” erator Online. Burguiere noted that he had done He mocked claims that we can’t elim- “Befitting the L.P.’s role, Vohra didn't fact-checking in response to a similar people to hear our inate the Department of Education. jab around the edges of Obama’s hubris- statement made by Ron Paul in 2006 and Libertarian message. We “Here’s the good thing,” he said. “We tic proposals, but questioned some of his confirmed that both ending the income want them talking about it can ... look at what’s coming in America, new giveaway ideas at their core,” wrote tax and balancing the budget — with no — agree or disagree. This which is massive, massive economic dis- Brian Doherty on Reason’s “Hit and Run” replacement tax — only requires rolling ruption ... and either say, ‘we can’t do it,’ blog. “The L.P. suggests not just stopping back federal spending to the Clinton years. is a sign that our proposals or we can prepare. Here’s how you do it. Obama’s proposed new programs, but roll- “Was government too small in the are being taken seriously.” ... You either cut these things right now, ing back old, even venerable, ones that middle of the Bill Clinton era? I mean, I — LP Chair Nicholas Sarwark or fascists come in and will just grow this most Americans don’t consider might be don’t think any conservative would argue thing even bigger ... The only answer [is] hurting more than helping.” that,” he said. gal ... let them try. Whatever they want to planting those seeds right now. The Liber- In other coverage of the State of the While all three men on the show ex- do. I don’t care,” said Burguiere. tarians have been doing it for a while.” Union address, RT TV interviewed LNC pressed reservations about the Libertarian Beck said of the ideas presented in Other outlets that covered the Lib- Chair Nicholas Sarwark immediately af- proposal to end the Drug War, they softened the Libertarian response, “This is closer ... ertarian response included the Washing- ter it aired, and included Political Director their stance as the conversation ensued. [than] anything the Republicans have said ton Times, Reason, BenSwann.com, and Carla Howell in a panel discussion the fol- “If Colorado decides to make pot le- to, at least, where I am, and I think where a the Advocates for Self Government’s Lib- lowing day. Vol. 45, Issue 1 The Libertarian Party — www.LP.org Page 13

Maryland LP gubernatorial candidate Affiliate News And Events Shawn Quinn and candidate for lieutenant Affiliate news and events are governor current federal guidelines (Eric Holder’s Lorenzo provided to LP News by eight points), is the one most likely to please Gaztanaga Libertarian Party state affiliates. voters here. However, without any elected received 1.5 Libertarians, we must work with the major- percent of the vote in ity Democrats and whatever Republicans November, Hawaii may be of help to get the best bill possible. putting the state LP Hawaii lobbying to legalize marijuana That would at minimum mean complete party on the repeal of all of Hawaii’s existing marijuana ballot in 2016. ith the elections over, the LPH is laws. The discussion then becomes what, if paid LPIA members increased by 30 percent. the Libertarian Party of Kentucky. In addi- now turning its attention to the any, rules would replace them. Facebook “Likes” have skyrocketed in the tion to our normal business of considering 2015 Hawaii legislative session Hawaii looks forward to being the past year. We now have 10 county parties amendments to our platform and govern- Wthat begins on Jan. 21. We hope to pass a first state to legalize through our legislative with Facebook pages. We hope to start more ing documents, this year’s convention will bill that will legalize marijuana. Discussions process. Considering that the value added county parties in 2015. One thing Iowa has feature guest speakers from the ACLU of with community groups and legislators by marijuana production to our state’s is lots of counties (99), which provides an Kentucky and Take Back Kentucky, at least seem to indicate that this is doable now. A economy is probably the greatest by per- excellent foundation for grassroots activism. one declared LP presidential candidate, and public opinion poll taken in January 2014 centage of anywhere in the United States, It is great time to be a Libertarian! an update from our LP national representa- showed 66 percent support for full legaliza- this should happen. tion. The cost to attend is $55 and includes tion, with 180 of 284 Oahu residents and 87 lunch. Sign up on our website, LPKY.org, of 116 neighbor islanders saying yes. Kansas under the “Convention 2015” link. Longtime cannabis activist Roger Iowa Goal: An LP affiliate in every county Announcing: Libertarian Primary: Christie was released from prison this fall, Strong state party growth in 2014 Saturday, Feb. 28. and is now back on the front lines building he LPKS Executive Committee met There are only six campaigns (seven support on the “big” island of Hawaii. The verview of 2014 Elections Recap in January to finalize proposed new candidates) on the ballot anywhere in Ken- big island has about 70 percent of the state’s Meeting state bylaws that will be presented tucky in the 2015 elections. Kentucky’s state land mass and 15 percent of its population. Candidates and supporters Tto the members at the state convention in executive branch elections have some re- Marijuana cultivation has long been an im- Omet on Jan. 10, 2015, in Des Moines to dis- April. At this year’s convention, we will strictions — from the perspective of the law portant part of the economy there. Many cuss the results of the 2014 election. A de- also hold elections for chair, vice-chair, and the party. If any person has questions mainlanders may know its popular name tailed look at the election results indicated secretary, treasurer, and all four congres- about the primary process, please contact brands. Roger, LP member Greg Arianoff, some bright spots: State representative sional district coordinators. the party on our contact page at LPKY.org. and LPHI Chair Tracy Ryan met with the District 10 candidate Lynne Gentry won The January issue of our quarterly County Chamber of Commerce in the sec- one of her precincts in Calhoun County, state newspaper, the Free Kansan, was pub- Maryland ond week of January and are hopeful they while gubernatorial candidate Lee Hieb lished shortly after the first of the year. The Full slate of federal candidates planned will see the value in supporting our bill. Of won 20 percent of the vote in this precinct. latest issue, as well as back issues, is avail- course, we have to remember how natu- The statewide and U.S. congressional can- able online at: lpks.org/Free-Kansan he Maryland Libertarian Party rally cautious such organizations are. didates averaged more than 5 percent of Over the next several months, the retained ballot access for the first We are talking to members of the leg- the vote in Calhoun, Guthrie, and Harri- LPKS plans to focus on organizing at least time in its history, as gubernatorial islature and promoting our bill. A big part son Counties. The results showed that can- one Libertarian group in every county in Tcandidate Shawn Quinn received 1.5 per- of the issue is to ensure that our vision of le- didates did better in precincts and coun- Kansas. We recognize that a great deal of cent in the general election. galization is the one that is ultimately voted ties where Libertarians had been active for the work that advances liberty takes place In Maryland, if a party does not have on. Others are promoting ideas that create several years. Continuous activism is key. within small groups of dedicated people at least 1 percent of the registered voters complicated regulatory systems with puni- Party Continues To Grow gathered around tables in kitchens and lo- as of the last day of the year, the party’s tive taxes. We feel our libertarian bill, which The number of registered Libertar- cal restaurants, and we want to encourage top-of-the-ticket candidate must receive would only sanction behavior noted in the ians in Iowa nearly doubled in 2014, while that kind of activity. With 105 counties in at least 1 percent of the vote in the most the state, this project will be a challenge. recent general election. LP Iowa For the Maryland LP to maintain candidate for state its party status, the 2016 LP presiden- House Kentucky tial candidate must get 1 percent, or the Lynne Convention and 2015 primary announced party must have at least 1 percent of the Gentry registered voters on the last day of 2016. drives nnouncing: The LPKY 2015 An- In 2012, LP presidential candidate Gary in her nual State Convention roadster Johnson got 1.1 percent in the state. before a The convention will take Six different non-establishment parade Aplace on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2015, in Hill- party gubernatorial candidates have run on the view, Ky. since 2002, but none received 1 percent campaign Libertarians in Kentucky are invited trail. to attend the annual state convention of continued on page 14... Page 14 The Libertarian Party — www.LP.org March 2015

ganizations, technology, and ideas. LPEX Minnesota aggregates the best aspects of the liberty Libertarians win majority on city council Affiliate News And Events movement and provides vital leadership training in the form of workshops, panel- he initial wave of liberty has landed ists, and speakers. in Minnesota. We worked to help ...continued from page 13 During LPEX, the Libertarian State running for Garrett County commission- elect two first-time candidates for Leadership Alliance (LSLA) is holding its er, received 28 percent in a two-way race; Tpublic office. Olga Parsons and Elizabeth until Quinn. annual convention, which will take place and Bill Welch, also running for Garrett Dahl did a splendid job running their Saturday, May 30, and Sunday, May 31. Ad- Because of the difficult ballot access County commissioners in a different dis- campaigns, and will be the sitting major- laws, no non-establishment parties had a ditionally, the Libertarian Parties of Nevada trict, got 10 percent in a four-way race, ity of the Crystal City Council. This vic- and California will be hosting their annual statewide candidate on the ballot between ahead of the Democratic Party candidate. tory offers the rest of our state the ability 1970 and 2002. state conventions on Sunday, May 31, 2015. There will be eight U.S. House seats not only to imagine freedom working, but LPEX develops individuals into lead- After a Democrat running as an in- and the U.S. Senate seat on the ballot in actually to see it in action. We are proud dependent garnered almost 10 percent in ers so they can build effective libertarian 2016, as well as most of the Baltimore City of our candidates and expect great things organizations. Libertarianism resonates the 1966 gubernatorial election and was Council positions. MDLP chair Bob John- from the halls of Crystal. seen as causing the Democrat candidate to with more people today than ever before! ston plans on running a full slate of federal One of our first initiatives this year The culture of libertarians must change to lose to the Republican, the state legislature candidate in 2016, as well as candidates for was to voluntarily crowd-fund the cash raised the signature requirement for state- keep up with the increased demand. the Baltimore City Council. needed to open a party HQ in Minneapo- LPEX workshops cover a broad wide independent and minor party candi- lis, which opened on Feb. 1 with special dates from 5,000 signatures to 3 percent of range of subjects, such as fundraising, guest Tony Stiles. We are hosting events messaging, marketing, networking, orga- registered voters. Massachusetts there each month. The schedule is jam- State rep candidate hits highest vote total nizing, campaigning, strategy, and influ- In 1968, the American Party, led by packed with classes and lively gatherings George Wallace, got on the ballot and at- encing legislation. Speakers and panelists to energize our membership and bring will have candid discussions on what we tained ballot access because of Wallace’s lections: Party Archivist Cris Craw- in the public. Moving forward, our goal results. The 1970 American Party guber- ford compiled a complete list of all need to do to improve. in 2015 is to elect five Libertarians to of- I am challenging each state affiliate natorial candidate polled almost 2 percent Massachusetts State Representative fice. On the lobbying front, we are work- to retain ballot access; and the next year, Eraces, going back in some cases almost to send 10 people who want to come out ing toward reducing the barriers to major the state legislature also mandated that 40 years, that included a Libertarian. We to sunny Las Vegas and attend LPEX to get party status along with joining a liberty trained. These 10 people will then go back minor parties must petition separately to did very well this year. Rick Marciano got coalition in repealing the ban on Sunday become a recognized party, in addition to the highest percentage of votes ever for a to their states and commit to training 10 alcohol sales and strengthening Minne- additional people. Each state who achieves their candidates having to petition to get Libertarian in a two-way race (26 percent), sotans’ data privacy with a constitutional on the ballot. The 3 percent of the regis- and Ken Van Tassell had the third-highest this will have 110 trained people ready to amendment. grow their party! tered voters threshold was eventually low- percentage historically (25 percent). Lastly, we’re gearing up for yet an- ered to 1 percent, but no non-presidential Editor Steve Sadowski organized a How are we going to achieve this? other record-setting state convention, States that are serious about building a minor party candidate got on the ballot new type of local group: The LimitMen. with attendance expected to exceed even until 2002, when Spear Lancaster ran for LimitMen do not meet, except perhaps strong organization will find their bright- last year’s. You will find that we pull no est and best members/activists to send out governor as a Libertarian. The next year, rarely. They are on call from their Limit- punches when it comes to topics or speak- the highest court in Maryland eliminated Men Leadership. LimitMen appear at town here. It might be you! ers at our convention. The convention will For contact and registration infor- the need for individual candidates to pe- meetings, hearings, and other events in host several panels; including “Women in tition; so as long as a party is recognized, which government is trying to curtail indi- mation, go to LPEX.org and please make Liberty” and “Alternatives to Obamacare,” sure to add us on social media: they can run candidates. vidual freedoms, where they testify, cheer, as well as candidate training and presen- In addition, and bear witness as needed. • Twitter: @mylpex (twitter.com/mylpex) tations for “Running an Agorist Business” • Facebook: Facebook.com/mylpex the attorney general The Massachusetts Libertarian con- and “Making your Own Still.” This night of candidate, Leo Dy- vention was in October. Attendees elected Each week, new items will be added freedom will be topped off with the bril- to the conference program. mowski, received a State Committee. The State Committee liantly zany and humorous intellect of Julie more than 56,000 elects its own officers. Results of the two Make sure to register soon for early Borowski, known to some as Token Liber- bird pricing and book your rooms through votes and surpassed elections were: George Phillies, chair; tarian Girl. Ralph Nader as the Dan Fishman, political facilitator; Bob the LPEX website for amazing discounted highest vote-getter Clark, treasurer; Cris Crawford, record- rates, available on a first-come, first-serve for a minor party Leo Dymowski ing secretary and archivist; Ken Van Tas- basis. statewide candidate. sell, operations facilitator; Heather Mul- Nevada LPEX, LSLA convention May 28–31 Nader got more than 53,000 votes in his lins, membership secretary; Al Hopfman, 2000 Green Party presidential bid. membership renewal; and Steven Sadows- The views and opinions here are those of LP New Jersey Dymowski ran on a platform of not ki, editor. The keynote speaker was Con- Nevada Chair Brett H. Pojunis and not of NJ approves NJLP transparency initiative using the office to prosecute peaceful drug necticut State Chair Joshua Katz, speaking the Libertarian Party users and gun owners. He currently works on how to run and govern as a Libertar- he Libertarians’ answer to CPAC n Aug. 1, 2014, the New Jersey for the Parole and Probation Office in Bal- ian. At the end of his speech, he surprised takes place in Las Vegas, Nevada, Libertarian Party (NJLP) formally timore, and used his job in his campaign to everyone by announcing that he is form- May 28–31. petitioned the New Jersey Depart- Oment of Community Affairs (DCA) for testify to the futility of the War on Drugs. ing a presidential exploratory committee TLPEX, the first Libertarian political The Maryland LP had nine candi- for president in 2016! (He has since ended expo, was established to help grow the lib- a rule requiring municipalities and other dates on the ballot in 2016. Leo Martin, that exploration.) erty movement by connecting people, or- continued on page 15... Vol. 45, Issue 1 The Libertarian Party — www.LP.org Page 15

2015 and 2016 Elections liberty that is being proposed during this Although 2015 is an off-year elec- legislative session. Affiliate News And Events tion year and all the municipal elections are nonpartisan races, they still offer an opportunity for the Libertarian message Texas ...continued from page 14 to be heard. These elections are usually LPTX plans overhaul of infrastructure local government units to specify an “up North Carolina decided by a few hundred voters. Some of to” dollar amount in each resolution that NCLP adopts plans for NC Liberty 2020 these towns have a significant core of “lib- t their December 2014 quarterly awards a public contract. At its Dec. 10, ertarian-friendly” voters, in some cases as meeting, the LP Texas state execu- 2014, meeting, the DCA’s Local Finance ibertarians in North Carolina are many as 25 percent of the number of votes tive committee voted to adopt a A2015–16 Strategic Plan with the intent of Board preliminarily approved the requested more prepared for success than ever needed to win. So we’ll be actively recruit- rule and will consider final adoption after a before. We’ve adopted our first every ing and training candidates and campaign driving the organization to new heights of 60-day public comment period. Lstrategic plan: NC Liberty 2020. It outlines mangers for these contests. professional structure, membership, and The NJLP submitted its rulemaking key initiatives for the coming three elec- Looking forward, the 2016 guberna- fundraising. In particular, the plan focus- petition in response to the Parsippany– tion cycles. The ultimate goal: elect three torial election is critically important to the es on the creation of a 60-plus-volunteer Troy Hills governing body’s award of a Libertarians to the state General Assembly LPNC. We must get 2 percent of the vote functioning state administrative organiza- no-bid financial consulting contract to a by 2020. This results-oriented program in order to keep our ballot access. We’re tion with a bicameral committee and de- company that was reportedly owned by sharpens and focuses efforts in areas vital encouraged that we’ll be able to do that partmental structure; a complete brand- or tied to the township’s recently resigned to strengthening our effectiveness in local, because there are potentially three candi- ing and messaging overhaul to take the chief financial officer. The resolution that state, and federal elections. dates for our nomination, which would be organization to a level playing field with awarded the contract and related paper- Although the growth rate of Liber- another milestone first for the LPNC. the major parties in terms of professional work said only that the amount of the con- tarians in North Carolina has far exceeded image, marketing, media relations, and tract “will exceed $17,500.” When a local that of the other political parties and unaf- online presence; and a complete refresh newspaper requested records showing the filiated voters over the last five years — a Oklahoma of membership programs with the idea of exact contract amount, Parsippany–Troy trend that’s accelerating — our size, in OKLP protests attack on pot legalization migrating to a predominantly subscrip- Hills responded that the contract “hasn’t absolute numbers, means that candidates tion-based funding model and creating a been signed by the Administration [and must not only motivate our base but also n Thursday, Jan. 8, the Libertar- simplified universal membership program that] could take up to 30 days.” earn votes from unaffiliated and establish- ian Party of Oklahoma co-hosted to encourage contribution and participa- John Paff, who chairs the NJLP’s ment party ranks. Libertarian candidate a rally against the lawsuit filed tion at all levels of the LP, including the Open Government Advocacy Project and for U.S. Senate Sean Haugh was able to do Oagainst the state of Colorado by Okla- county, state, and national levels. authored the petition, said that citizens just that in 2014. homa Attorney General Scott Pruitt. The In January 2015, as part of the first have an “extraordinarily strong interest in Haugh was our best vote-earner in a rally was held outside the office of the -at steps toward the enactment of the LP knowing the amount of taxpayer money” mid-term election ever. He observed that torney general. The Oklahoma chapter of Texas Strategic Plan, LP Texas built and spent on contracts and need “prompt and the Libertarian vote has become the swing NORML was also involved. Attorney Gen- launched a new private IT resources por- meaningful access to governmental infor- vote, because his totals were greater than the eral Pruitt, along with the state of Nebras- tal for the use of the state committee and mation ... to effectively fulfill their vital margin of difference between the Republican ka, is filing the lawsuit against Colorado county affiliates, including private online role in monitoring government and seek- and Democrat. Exit polls also indicated that to force the federal government to either forums, private email communications, ing redress for governmental excesses and Haugh drew votes more from people iden- enforce federal drug laws against Colo- events tracking and registration, auto- abuses.” The Local Finance Board agreed, tifying themselves as “moderate” or “liberal” rado, which recently made marijuana legal matic meeting quorum calls, an online saying that the rule amendment will “in- than from those who said they were conser- for recreational use, or force a court order polling engine for more efficient internal crease transparency” and will “improve vative, putting another nail in the coffin of against implementation of the state law. decision-making, and an intelligent dy- the public’s ability to monitor how tax dol- the Libertarian “spoiler” myth. On Monday, Feb. 2, the Libertarian namic forms engine for populating the lars are being spent.” State Convention Party of Oklahoma hosted a Where’s the organizational structure via an open ap- In other news, the 2015 NJLP Con- The 2015 LPNC State Convention will Freedom (WTF) rally at the Oklahoma plications process. This new resource will vention is scheduled for March 21 at Tav- be held April 10 to 12 at the Hilton Garden State Capitol. The purpose of the rally help the organization become more agile ern on the Lake in Hightstown, N.J. Inn, 4620 S. Miami Blvd., Durham. was to highlight legislation undermining continued on page 16...

Lawmakers are the real perps • Scaling back the FBI. When a government agency use and more potent drugs. It demonizes and incarcerates ...continued from page 10 abuses its power, it needs to be downsized. people who have harmed no one else. It discourages label- • Downsizing all U.S. spy agencies. Their excessive size, ing, testing and other responsible behaviors of free market of violent conduct appears to be a deliberate attempt to spending and scope have led to abuses such as the Silk merchants. smear Ulbricht and prejudice the jury against him with Road case. Worst of all, drug prohibition, like the alcohol pro- accusations they know they can’t prove. • Cutting total government spending commensurate hibition of the 1920s, provokes horrific and widespread The attacks against Ulbricht are the work of a stub- with these cuts — so politicians don’t use the proceeds violence in the United States and abroad. born political class that refuses to acknowledge the utter for new wars or injustices perpetrated on the American We must stop harassing and criminalizing innocent failure of the Drug War. Dangerous drug use continues people. Americans and go after the real perps: politicians who re- unabated since President Nixon declared his “War on • An immediate end to the failed War on Drugs. fuse to repeal bad laws, and power-seeking government Drugs” in 1971. Whereas drugs, like alcohol and many pharmaceuti- employees and agencies that violate individual rights. In addition to dismissing the charges against Ul- cals, can be harmful to those who take them, drug prohi- To learn more about this case, visit the Free Ross Ul- bricht, the Libertarian Party calls for: bition is far more dangerous. It encourages excessive drug bricht website: freeross.org Media Buzz About LP STAFF Upcoming state conventions the Libertarian Party LP NATIONAL CHAIR This lists all known 2015 convention dates, including those which have already been held. Nicholas Sarwark Visit lp.org/conventions for links to additional details. “A recent Gallup poll revealed • Jan. 24: Arizona • April 18: Missouri, New Mexico that self-described ‘indepen- EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR • Feb. 27–28: Pennsylvania dents’ are the nation’s largest Wes Benedict • April 24–26: Colorado, Oregon • Feb. 28: Kentucky • April 25: Indiana, Minnesota, New York, Wisconsin political demographic. Indeed a record-breaking 43 percent POLITICAL DIRECTOR • March 6–7: Georgia • May 1–May 2: Ohio Carla Howell • March 14: Maryland • May 29–31: California, Nevada, Washington of Americans now say they are • March 21: New Jersey • June 5–7: Florida independents, compared to 30 OPERATIONS DIRECTOR • March 28: Iowa • July 31–Aug. 1: Illinois percent who are Democrats and Robert Kraus • April 10–12: North Carolina • Nov. 7–8: South Carolina 26 percent who are Republican.” • April 17–19: Kansas Washington Times, 1/26/2015 CANDIDATE AND AFFILIATE SUPPORT SPECIALIST “There weren’t enough ... cast- Bob Johnston Affiliate News string budget. ing votes this time to prevent the Too bad for the Mountain Party, MEMBER SERVICES & AFFILIATE ...continued from page 15 GOP from winning control of the RELATIONS MANAGER crowed Wilson, “We’re no. 3!” “Out of five Senate. The 2016 elections could Casey Hansen and will integrate with the previous IT de- parties on the scene in WV, the LPWV has be another story if the libertarian velopments of LP Texas, such as the Proj- now clearly emerged in third place,” Wil- threat isn’t quashed.” SPECIAL PROJECTS ect Libertas database initiative completed son said. “It may be we’re not yet competi- American Thinker, 11/7/2014 Nick Dunbar from 2013–14. tive with the Republicrats, but for the first time ever we eclipsed the Mountain Party “The Libertarian Party stands in a major statewide race.” The still non- with the oppressed, speaks for West Virginia recognized Constitution Party is in fifth those who society cannot hear, First time as third-largest party in WV place. and offers hope for those who Evidence of the LP’s breakout is three- have given up any belief that the he West Virginia LP can boast for fold. As of December 2014, the LP had 1,913 world can improve. A vote for a the first time that it’s the no. 3 politi- registered voters (up 28 percent since No- Libertarian is a vote against al- cal party in the Mountain State, says vember 2013), compared to 1,563 Mountain lowing the murderer of Eric Gar- Tstate Chair Michael Wilson. Party–affiliated voters. In addition, the U.S. ner to go free, a vote against the While many state LPs can already Senate candidacy of Libertarian John Buck- warfare state, and a vote against THE LIBERTARIAN PARTY® claim that status, in West Virginia, the ley drew 7,408 votes, trouncing the 5,501 torture. 1444 Duke St. Mountain Party — the state affiliate of the votes of the Mountain Party candidate, who “Wherever a person is brutal- Alexandria, VA 22314 national, left-wing/environmentalist Green had run statewide twice before. Finally, as ized or killed by government, we Phone: (202) 333-0008 Party — has previously dominated the state’s a state that still allows “straight ticket” vot- are with them. Wherever people Fax: (202) 333-0072 protest against unjust institutions Website: www.LP.org third-party politics. Indeed, the Mountain ing, the LPWV drew more straight-ticket Party has had official party status for a -de votes than the Mountain Party in 45 of the and systematic racism, we are cade and a half (the threshold in West Vir- 55 counties. with them. Now I ask you to stand Want even ginia is just 1 percent, but the only race in In addition to Buckley’s U.S. Senate with us and help us to fight these which that counts is the quadrennial contest race, Libertarian Davy Jones came in third depredations.” more frequent for governor). The LPWV achieved party in his race for U.S. House (2nd District) with Middletown Press letter to edi- recognition status in the late 1990s, lost it a hefty 5 percent, edging out the Mountain tor from Joshua Katz, Chair, updates from through most of the 2000s, but gained it Party–endorsed candidate. LP Connecticut, 12/23/2014 back in 2012 with the candidacy of David “To paraphrase our state motto, ‘Mon- “We weren’t listening to Libertar- LP Headquarters? Moran, who garnered 1.3 percent on a shoe- tani Semper Libertarian,’ ” proclaimed Wilson. ians 10 years ago. We are now.” Glenn Beck on The Glenn Beck Become a monthly pledger What have you missed recently on LP.org? Program, 1/21/2015 and receive Liberty Pledge. • Two Libertarians to be appointed to Alaska Public Offices Commission “Wisconsin Libertarian Andy • Louisiana Libertarian wins runoff election Craig ... waited less than two Your monthly • Iowa, Texas, Georgia Libertarians running in special elections months after the midterm elec- contributions will be used • New York LP featured in U.S. News article hailing decline in arrests for minor offenses tion for Wisconsin’s 4th US Con- gressional seat to announce his to grow the Libertarian • An open letter to U.S. House leaders to prohibit mass surveillance • LP Chair Nicholas Sarwark says 2016 Libertarian candidate for president will offer candidacy for the post in 2016. Party and make it new ideas; two old parties will run ‘sequels and reboots’ Andy Craig is a young Libertar- • Ohio LP vice-chair op-ed published in online site for the state's largest newspaper ian in a heavily Democratic dis- stronger. • Oklahoma GOP lawsuit against Colorado is cynical and shameful trict. But he’s saying and doing all • Democrats, Republicans silencing ‘voices of freedom’: LP Political Director Carla Howell the right things, setting the stage Visit lp.org/contribute to • Harry Browne’s New Year’s resolutions for selling liberty effectively for an exciting and competitive race.” • 2012 LP vice-presidential candidate to appear at Democrat Liberty Caucus in SC make your pledge today! Opposition News,1/17/2015