Libertarian National Committee, Inc. NON PROFIT ORG 2600 Virginia Avenue, NW, Suite 200 U.S. POSTAGE PAID OKLA CITY, OK Washington DC 20037

PERMIT NO. 1541

They will face off in the April election to to election April the in off face will They led a successful petition effort to force a state state a force to effort petition successful a led

continued on page 4 page on continued

finishers in a runoff primary in February. February. in primary runoff a in finishers ballot box. Several years ago Doug Burlison Burlison Doug ago years Several box. ballot

Inside the Cover the Inside on the City Council. They were the top two two top the were They Council. City the on ...... Page 15 ...... Page partisan local government watchdog group. watchdog government local partisan the at off paid has community local your in

phens are running for the same general seat seat general same the for running are phens found the Missouri Liberty Coalition, a non- a Coalition, Liberty Missouri the found work hard where example another is This Upcoming Events Events Upcoming

city, libertarians Tom Martz and Robert Ste- Robert and Martz Tom libertarians city, in criminal prosecutions. Tom Martz helped helped Martz Tom prosecutions. criminal in 2007. in

In Springfield, Missouri’s third largest largest third Missouri’s Springfield, In missing from the City Clerk’s office resulting resulting office Clerk’s City the from missing Council City Springfield the to elected was

County Public Water Supply District #1. District Supply Water Public County sequently over a million dollars was found found was dollars million a over sequently Burlison Doug Council. City Springfield the

ed to represent Subdistrict 2 of the Jackson Jackson the of 2 Subdistrict represent to ed see who joins libertarian Doug Burlison on on Burlison Doug libertarian joins who see - Sub finances. City Springfield the of audit

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Missouri Libertarians Mike Ferguson (left) and Robert Stevens (right) Stevens Robert and (left) Ferguson Mike Libertarians Missouri

view Planning Commission and the Trans- the and Commission Planning view Affiliate News Affiliate

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community can lead to success at the ballot ballot the at success to lead can community

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M ed to the City Council in April. Mike has has Mike April. in Council City the to ed

...... Page 4 4 ...... Page Ward Alderman and will be elect- be will and Alderman Ward

News is running unopposed for Third Third for unopposed running is

ike Ferguson of Grandview, MO MO Grandview, of Ferguson ike Libertarian Party Libertarian

by Glenn Nielsen Glenn by

Municipal Elections. Municipal

ning for Office in the April 2009 2009 April the in Office for ning ...... Page 3 ...... Page

LP News - Run Libertarians Five has Missouri LP Editor

Missouri Libertarians Assured of at Least Two Wins in April in Wins Two Least at of Assured Libertarians Missouri Letters to the to Letters

GOP’r Turns Libertarian - Page 5 Page - Libertarian Turns GOP’r Annual Report - Page 8 Page - Report Annual

The Official Newspaper of the Libertarian Party Libertarian the of Newspaper Official The Volume 39, Issue 1 Issue 39, Volume February 2009 February

The Party of Principle of Party The

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Smaller Goverment - Lower Taxes - More Freedom More - Taxes Lower - Goverment Smaller LP . . ORG WWW Page 2 The Libertarian Party - www.LP.org February 2009 No Defending the Defense of Marriage Act by Bob Barr ward legalizing same-sex marriages. So the as their party’s presidential nominee, I have Ready to Renew first part of DOMA was crafted to prevent concluded that DOMA is neither meeting n 1996, as a the U.S. Constitution’s “full faith and cred- the principles of federalism it was supposed Your freshman mem- it” clause -- which normally would require to, nor is its impact limited to federal law. ber of the House State B to recognize any lawful marriage In effect, DOMA’s language reflects one- Membership? ofI Representatives, performed in State A -- from being used way federalism: It protects only those states I wrote the Defense to extend one state’s recognition of same- that don’t want to accept a same-sex mar- of Marriage Act, sex marriage to other states whose citizens riage granted by another state. Moreover, Renew through the mail: better known by chose not to recognize such a union. the heterosexual definition of marriage for Send a gift of $25 or more to: its shorthand acro- Contrary to the wishes of a number of purposes of federal laws -- including, immi- Libertarian Party nym, DOMA, than my Republican colleagues, I crafted the gration, Social Security survivor rights and 2600 Virginia Avenue, NW, its legal title. The legislation so it wasn’t a hammer the fed- veteran’s benefits -- has become a de facto Suite 200 law has been a flash-point for those arguing eral government could use to force states to club used to limit, if not thwart, the ability Washington, DC 20037 for or against same-sex marriage ever since recognize only unions between a man and of a state to choose to recognize same-sex Please note “Renewal” on the President Clinton signed it into law. Even a woman. Congress deliberately chose not unions. memo line if paying by check. President-elect Barack Obama has grappled to establish a single, nationwide definition Even more so now than in 1996, I be- with its language, meaning and impact. of marriage. lieve we need to reduce federal power over To renew online: I can sympathize with the incoming com- However, we did incorporate into DO- the lives of the citizenry and over the pre- Go to our web site at www.LP.org. mander in chief. And, after long and care- MA’s second part a definition of marriage rogatives of the states. It truly is time to get Click, “Member Center” at the top ful consideration, I have come to agree with that comported with the historic -- and, at the federal government out of the marriage right and then click “Renew Your him that the law should be repealed. the time, widely accepted -- view of the business. In law and policy, such decisions Membership.” The left now decries DOMA as the bar- institution as being between a man and a should be left to the people themselves. rier to federal recognition and benefits for woman only. But this definition was to be In 2006, when then-Sen. Obama voted You may also start a monthly pledge married gay couples. At the other end of the used solely to interpret provisions of federal against the Federal Marriage Amendment, online by clicking on “Make a political spectrum, however, DOMA has law related to spouses. he said, “Decisions about marriage should Donation” been lambasted for subverting the political The first part of DOMA, then, is a partial be left to the states.” He was right then; and on the main page of LP.org then selecting the option to start a monthly pledge. momentum for a U.S. constitutional amend- bow to principles of federalism, protecting as I have come to realize, he is right now in Monthly pledgers automatically renew. ment banning same-sex marriage. In truth, the power of each state to determine its defi- concluding that DOMA has to go. If one tru- the language of the legislation -- like that of nition of marriage. The second part sets a le- ly believes in federalism and the primacy of Renew over the phone: most federal laws -- was a compromise. gal definition of marriage only for purposes state government over the federal, DOMA Call the National Office at DOMA was indeed designed to thwart of federal law, but not for the states. That is simply incompatible with those notions. (202) 333-0008 between the hours the then-nascent move in a few state courts was the theory. of 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. eastern, and legislatures to afford partial or full rec- I’ve wrestled with this issue for the last Monday through Friday. ognition to same-sex couples. The Hawaii several years and come to the conclusion Bob Barr represented the 7th District court case Baehr vs. Lewin, still active while that DOMA is not working out as planned. of Georgia in the House of Representatives If calling after hours, please leave a DOMA was being considered by Congress In testifying before Congress against a fed- from 1995 to 2003 and was the Libertarian message and we will return your call in mid-1996, provided the immediate impe- eral marriage amendment, and more recently Party’s 2008 nominee for president. You as soon as possible. tus. while making my case to skeptical Libertar- can visit his Web site at http://www.Bob- The Hawaii court was clearly leaning to- ians as to why I was worthy of their support Barr2008.com.

Libertarian Party News Send News, Articles, (ISSN 8755-139X) is the official Essays or monthly newspaper of the LP News Photographs: Libertarian Party® of the United Libertarian Party States. Opinions and articles L P N E W S : 2600 Virginia Avenue, NW, Suite 200 published in this newspaper do not A publication of the Washington, D.C. 20037 necessarily represent official party Libertarian Party Phone: (202) 333-0008 positions unless so indicated. E-mail: [email protected] Produced by: Libertarian Party NATIONAL CHAIR: Headquarters Send Address Changes To: Libertarian Party Editor EMERITUS: William Redpath 2600 Virginia Avenue, NW, Suite 200 Karl Hess • 1923-1994 2600 Virginia Ave, NW, Suite 200 Washington, D.C. 20037 Washington, D.C. 20037 Or call: (202) 333-0008 E-mail: [email protected] The Mission Statement of the Libertarian Party: “To move public policy in a libertarian direction by building a political party that elects Libertarians to public office.” Vol. 39, Issue 1 The Libertarian Party - www.LP.org Page 3 advising the Chair that it was, in fact, in order. (This person was etters o he ditor actually hired by those opposed to the change to the Statement L T T E of Principles.) The Parliamentarian With LNC Parliamentarian M. Carling One of the arguments against the proposal, which would only have required a two-thirds majority, was that it doesn’t makes sense to be able to amend a Statement of Principles – pro- LP In-Fighting an Embarrassment tected allegedly by a 7/8 hurdle – by only 2/3. That’s more than Six Steps in the counter-intuitive, it seems like cheating. But there’s a problem was hoping to see the Libertarian Party boom after the 2008 with that argument: it is based only on a hunch, not on anything Life of a Motion election. While Bob Barr didn’t do as well as I hoped (he codified in Robert’s Rules or our Bylaws. The insistence that here are six wasn’t even on the ballot for me in Louisiana!), instead I the authors of the original Bylaws provision regarding modi- steps in the Isaw a whole bunch of bickering in the national committee on fication of the Statement of Principles INTENDED to impose a d o p t i o n the blogs I read about the Libertarian Party. How do you think such a restriction carries no weight, because Robert’s Principles ofT a motion: The that looks to the people hoping to come from other parties to the of Interpretation insist that original intent only matters if the maker makes the Libertarian Party? NOT GOOD AT ALL! provision in question is unclear or ambiguous. But Bylaws motion; someone I hope that you guys can all get it straightened out soon. Article 14, Section 2, is not the least bit ambiguous or unclear: seconds the mo- Let’s leave drama for the high schoolers, and get back to saving “Article 4, Section 1[specifying that the Statement of Principles tion (if required); America. may be amended only by a vote of at least 7/8 of all registered the Chair states delegates] shall not be amended by a vote of less than 7/8 of all the question on the Mary Doucet registered delegates at a Regular Convention.” motion; the body debates the motion (if Metairie, LA But how is Article 14, Section 2, supposed to be protected debatable); the Chair puts the question to unless the Denver delegate hunch is correct? The resolution of a vote; the Chair announces the result. this difficulty hinges on the answer to this question. Because if The first three steps bring the motion Article 14, Section 2 is not protected, one argument advances, before the body. Until these three steps New Director of Communications then another provision – Article 14, Section 3 – is required, have been taken, the motion belongs to the which protects Article 14, Section 2, and then an Article 14, maker and can be amended or withdrawn Doing Great Job Section 4, is needed to protect Article 14, Section 3, etc. This re- by the maker. After the Chair has stated gress is clearly vicious, because as soon as one stops – and one the motion, it belongs to the body and can he new Director of Communications [Donny Ferguson] must stop – then the last provision is itself unprotected, leaving only be amended or withdrawn with the is doing a great job! I love coming to the Web site and the entire cascade of protections vulnerable to amendment by permission of the body. The Chair’s state- always seeing a new blog entry. Bravo! 2/3. ment of the motion is critically important. T The answer, settled on by the Bylaws Committee in our It is the Chair’s statement of the motion, Al Brown deliberations on the procedural (as opposed to the substantive) not the maker’s original motion, that is Scranton, PA aspect of the Joint Proposal, was quite simple: reflexivity or, to debated, voted upon, and adopted by the use the language of philosophers, self-reference. Amend Article body. 14, Section 2, so that it protects not only Article 4, Section 1, but Whenever possible, the maker of a mo- itself as well. tion should give a written copy to the Thank You for Standing Up Against Thus the Joint Proposal, if adopted, would have finally left Chair before making the motion. Article 14, Section 2, to read, “Article 4, Section 1, and Article When putting the question to a vote, it the Stimulus Package! 14, Section 2, shall not be amended by a vote of less than 7/8 is the Chair’s responsibility to ensure that of all registered delegates at a Regular Convention.” Note that the members clearly understand the mo- Article 14, Section 2 would explicitly protect itself as well as tion they are voting upon and the conse- just wanted to thank the Libertarian Party for putting up a Article 4, Section 1. quences of adoption. He should clearly consistent and principled opposition to the stimulus package Once it is appreciated that this solution to the infinite regress state the question on the motion and ex- and what’s been going on with the financial crisis. It’s good problem is sufficient to protect the Statement of Principles, plain the consequences of its adoption. Ito hear fiscal conservatism is still “in.” I can’t stand those rotten it should also be instantly apparent that this enhancement of Following the vote, the Chair should an- liberals, who think they know what’s best for MY money. And Article 14, Section 2, is necessary, as well, to protect the State- nounce the vote, whether the motion is ad- people said communism is dead! Hah! ment of Principles. The members of the Bylaws and Platform opted or lost, any action items that follow Committee hoped that enough of the delegates would have read, from the motion, and finally the next item Russell Smith and understood, the entire proposal – including the concluding of business, if any. Hickory, NC ‘padlocking’ of the ‘backdoor’ by the reflexive amendment to For more details on the handling of mo- Article 14, Section 2 – that the compromise would have been tions, please see RONR (10th ed.), pp. accomplished. 31-54. Because if those opposed to any change to the Statement of Protecting the Statement of Principles -- Principles had truly realized and accepted that there is a back- door that allows modification by a series of 2/3 votes, then they M Carling is a member of the National the Right Way would have understood that our Joint Proposal agreed to padlock Association of Parliamentarians and the that backdoor in exchange for certain modifications. Rejecting American Institute of Parliamentarians the Joint Proposal in effect leaves the backdoor available – and and is credentialed as a Professional Reg- t the recent Denver Convention, a proposal reported this article makes it clear to every LP member what that means. istered Parliamentarian. He will answer jointly by the Bylaws and Platform Committees was On the other hand, the Joint Proposal also attempted to parliamentary questions related to the LP defeated when the delegates decided that the proposal or an affiliate if directed to mcarling@ wasA out of order – in spite of the independent Parliamentarian’s continued on page 14 gmail.com. Page 4 The Libertarian Party - www.LP.org February 2009 Libertarian Party Congratulates LP of Illinois Participates in Judge Jim Gray on Retirement Chicago “End the Fed” Rally Libertarian Superior Court Judge Retires After 25-year Career

visory Committee, was co-founder of the “Drive Alive” program to deter teens from drunk driving, worked with the “Stay In School” program at local high schools and was a co-founder of BLAST (Bert Blylev- en Leagues, After School Time) a program providing children with after school athlet- ics and recreation. Gray also help found the Association of Former U.S. Attorneys, and founded the William P. Gray/Legion Lex Inn of Court photo from http://www.welcome.freeenterprisesociety.com in conjunction with USC Law School. he Libertarian Party congratulates Named for his father, a respected federal Libertarian Judge Jim Gray on his judge, the program teaches ethics, educa- retirement from the California Su- tion, and professionalism to judges and photo from http://endthefedusa.ning.com/ periorT Court. lawyers. ifty members of the Libertarian Prazak, long time libertarian and radio “Libertarians thank Judge Jim Gray for Prior to taking the bench, Gray served Party of Illinois joined a peaceful host; Clyde Cleveland, author of “Restor- his decades of public service,” said Liber- as a staff judge advocate and criminal de- demonstration of 300 enthusiasts in ing the Heart of America” and 2002 candi- tarian Party National Chairman William fense attorney in the Navy JAG Corps. He Fdowntown Chicago on Saturday Novem- date for governor of Iowa; and Dan Druck, Redpath. “Because of his commitment to was awarded a National Defense Ribbon, ber 22. entrepreneur and two time U.S. congres- good law, California is a better and safer a Vietnam Service Ribbon, and a Combat The “End the Fed” rally, sponsored by sional candidate. place to live. We congratulate him on his Action Ribbon during his tour of duty. the Libertarian Party of Illinois, started Marchers handed out literature and retirement from the bench and look forward Gray later served as federal prosecutor in across the street from the Wrigley Building DVDs. Onlookers waved, snapped pic- to his future endeavors promoting liberty.” Los Angeles and a civil litigation attorney and traveled two and a half miles to end tures and voiced approval. Continuous Gray was appointed to the Santa Ana in a private law firm. across the street from the Federal Reserve chants of “Stop the Bailouts” and “End the Municipal Court in 1983 by Governor A respected jurist and public servant, Building. Fed” echoed through the streets of Chica- George Deukmejian. In 1989, Deukmejian Gray’s Jan. 24 retirement party was attend- The Chicago police were very helpful go, particularly at the end of the rally where appointed Gray to the Superior Court. A ed by Libertarian, Republican and Demo- during the rally, with one officer indicating the enthusiasm bounced off the nearby tall Libertarian, Gray was the party’s candidate cratic officials. that he wanted to make sure our rights of buildings in the empty financial district. for United States Senate in 2004. Gray is also known for his work in re- free speech and peaceable assembly were The rally received news coverage on He has served as a member of the Cali- forming drug prohibition laws, aimed at respected. a local Chicago television station. Event fornia Department of Alcohol and Drug breaking up street gangs and organized Three inspirational speeches highlight- organizers have promised that this is only Program’s Drinking Driving Program Ad- crime, and making communities safer. ed the march. The speakers were: Ken the beginning. Taxpayer Watchdog Political Action Committee LP Already Picks Up Two Seats in Local Missouri Races to Oppose Davenport Promise Program continued from page 1 non-partisan PAC, Opt4Better, has been formed to payers to be fully aware of the limited benefits and substantial In Chillicothe, MO Libertarians have an- promote limited government and lower taxes in the risks associated with approving this massive expansion of lo- other winnable election. Jeff Foli is running Iowa Quad Cities. cal government.” in a partisan race as a Libertarian for Coun- A “There is a need for regular, reasoned opposition to pro- Mark Nelson was born and reared in the Quad Cities. For cilman at large. Jeff was elected Mayor of grams expanding the scope of local government, and increas- the past 15 years, he has lived in Davenport, working as a Chillicothe in 2001 as a Libertarian. ing the burden on Davenport’s taxpayers,” says Mark Nelson, commercial real estate appraiser. Mark currently serves as the In St. Louis, Robb Cunningham is run- founder of Opt4Better. The PAC will follow local political Chair of the Davenport Park and Recreation Advisory Com- ning for Mayor as a Libertarian in a partisan activities, and engage in issue and candidate support. mittee. race. Robb was the Libertarian candidate for Its first project is assisting the taxpayers of Davenport in Nelson previously has worked on several City of Daven- the Missouri First Congressional District in working to defeat the Promise Program, in the March 3, 2009 port task forces, including Duck Creek, Fejervary Zoo and 2008 where he received 13.1% of the vote in referendum. “This program is an unnecessary and unsupport- Credit Island. He has also been active in politics, chairing his a two-way race. able burden on Davenport’s taxpayers,” says Nelson. precinct’s January 2008 Republican presidential caucus, run- In 2007 Missouri elected three out of five As noted in the Upjohn Study, conducted on behalf of the ning for local office, is a past Chair of the Libertarian Party libertarians running for local office. With City of Davenport, “a high level of uncertainty clouds the fis- of Iowa and the former Treasurer of the Libertarian National two libertarians already assured of being cal impact estimates of the Promise.” Nelson states, “Beyond Committee. elected and a third candidate in a winnable this ‘uncertainty,’ there are several assumptions within the For additional information you may contact Opt4Better’s race Missouri could very well repeat with report that compound the level of problems. We want the tax- Web site at http://Opt4better.org another three for five. Vol. 39, Issue 1 The Libertarian Party - www.LP.org Page 5 Indianapolis Councilman North Carolina Libertarians Becomes Libertarian After Fall-Out With Republicans Propose ‘Liberty Agenda’ Urge State Assembly to Focus on Schools, Property d w a r d Libertarian Party of Indiana, and the Re- C o l e - publican Party as well,” said Chris Span- Rights, Open Elections, End to Corporate Welfare man, a gle, Executive Director of the Libertarian memberE of the Party of Indiana. “Councilor Coleman’s he North Carolina General Assem- I n d i a n a p o l i s switch is the result of a personal journey bly should focus on annexation, C i t y - C o u n t y many former Republicans have found public education, open elections, Council, has themselves on in the last year or two. They Tand corporate welfare during the upcom- switched his af- feel as though the GOP has left them, and ing session, the Libertarian Party of North filiation from they are left politically homeless.” Carolina said today in announcing The Republican to “Former Republicans and Democrats Liberty Agenda for North Carolina. L i b e r t a r i a n . are looking for a Party where words mean “These are the major challenges facing Coleman was elected in 2007 to an At- something, promises are fulfilled, and prin- the people of North Carolina, because they Large position, and will serve as Indianap- ciples are important,” Spangle said. “The address fundamental rights,” said Barbara olis’ only elected Libertarian official. Libertarian Party is the only viable po- Howe, state party chair. During the 2008 money. Communities should only be an- “This is not a decision I take lightly, nor litical party that upholds true free market campaign, gubernatorial candidate Mike nexed with the consent of those annexed. did I come to it without deep reflection,” principles, true Constitutional government, Munger and several legislative candidates No government, at any level, should have Coleman said Tuesday. true personal freedom, and a decent fu- promoted this agenda. the power to take or seize private property “I have found that the direction of the ture for our Country. The Republicans and The four-point Liberty Agenda is: for any purpose, without the express con- Republican Party has changed, and it is not Democrats both are long on rhetoric, but 1. End forced annexation and stop pri- sent of the owner, and without just com- the same party I joined many years ago,” hold true to the failed policies of the past. vate property seizure under the power of pensation. he said. “Nor do I believe its current lead- Many who follow politics are beginning to eminent domain by amending the state 2. Improve public education through ers truly represent the ideals that the party understand this.” constitution. school choice and competition. markets and advertises to voters.” Timothy Maguire, Chairman of the 2. Improve public education through It has become fashionable to bash public Coleman said he faced the criticism of Libertarian Party of Marion County, has school choice and competition. education rather than sincerely seek ways his fellow Republicans when he opposed the interesting situation of being a former 3. Restore free, fair, and open elections to improve it. There are many good things the secretive and expensive affairs of the opponent of Ed Coleman. “Ed and I were to North Carolina by removing barriers to happening in North Carolina education. Capital Improvement Board. “The two old both candidates in 2007, campaigning for ballot access. The path to continued improvement is to parties want obedient followers, not lead- an At-Large seat on the City-County Coun- 4. End all corporate welfare and sub- foster choice. ers,” he said. cil. While we may have been members of sidies. The problem is that anyone who pro- As the Libertarian Party has long been different parties at the time, I came to find “Ending property theft by government, poses thinking out of the box when it a refuge for disillusioned voters, today’s that we were in agreement on matters of improving education, ending corporate comes to education is beat over the head announcement did not come as a great sur- public policy more often than not.” welfare, and restoring fair elections are with the supposed public school mandate prise to Libertarian officials. Coleman, was born in Indianapolis, only the beginning,” said Howe. in the state constitution. “I commend Ed Coleman on his cour- Indiana. He graduated from Warren Cen- The ultimate goal of the LPNC is to This selective devotion to constitu- age and his recognition that the Libertarian tral High School and Ivy Tech College, is reduce the size, scope, and power of gov- tional principle is curious, since the leg- Party is the only political party in Indiana a veteran with twelve years service in the ernment at all levels and on all issues, and islature freely ignores other parts of the and the United States that truly stands for United States Navy and National Guard consistently oppose any increase in the constitution, including the requirement limited, fiscally responsible government and has a medical industry background in size, scope, and power of government at that “all elections shall be free, fair, and and real respect for civil liberties,” said patient care. any level, for any purpose. open” by restricting the right of people to William Redpath, Chairman of the Liber- He was first elected in 2007 to the In- Following is the full text of The Liberty vote for anyone other than Democrats and tarian National Committee. dianapolis City County Council as an At- Agenda: Republicans. “I gratefully welcome him, as I hope to Large Representative in the 12th largest We, [the] Libertarian Party of North 3. Restore free, fair and open elections do with other elected officials who are tired city in America, and represents over one Carolina propose [and] present this agenda to North Carolina by removing barriers to of the now clearly unaffordable politics as million Hoosiers. for action to the 2009 General Assembly. ballot access. usual, and who yearn to join ‘The Party of Coleman is now the highest elected of- 1. End forced annexation and stop pri- North Carolina has one of the most Principle,’” Redpath continued. ficial in the Libertarian Party within the vate property seizure under the power of restrictive ballot access laws in the nation. “This is an important moment for the United States. eminent domain by amending the state These barriers are specifically designed constitution. by the Democratic-Republican duopoly Due to budget constraints, we regret to inform our readers that LP News is going to be Forced annexation and the seizure of to restrict the people’s freedom of choice, private property ostensibly for “public and to prevent independent and third par- issued quarterly for the foreseeable future. We urge you to sign up for our monthly gift purpose” is a violation of the fundamental ty candidates from getting on the ballot. program by using the enclosed envelope which would qualify you to receive Pledge News rights of Americans. Forced annexation is Elections laws also are used to restrict so you can receive monthly updates on Libertarian Party news and events. not about providing services, or control- continued on page 10 ling growth. Forced annexation is about Page 6 The Libertarian Party - www.LP.org February 2009 Gillibrand. on nomination papers to minor party and “We actually feel that given this par- independent candidates removed from the Af f i l i a t e Ne w s An d Ev e n t s ticular election, if there is a low turnout, ballot, the requirement of having at least 15 strange things can happen,” Sundwall, who percent of the registered voters in order to recently announced his candidacy, told the be recognized as a political party, and the Glen Falls Post-Star. failure to consistently count and record Mike Ferguson is running unopposed for To get on the ballot, Sundwall will need write-in vote totals. ILLINOIS a seat on the Grandview, MO City to collect 3,500 signatures within 12 days Council. of Gov. David Paterson scheduling the spe- Three Candidates Running for Tom Martz and Robert Stephens were cial election. the top-two finishers in a primary runoff for Local Office a seat on the Springfield, MO City Coun- TEXAS cil. The two libertarians will face off in he Libertarian Party of Illinois is the nonpartisan April Municipal election very happy to report that it has to join Libertarian Doug Burlison on the OREGON LPT Opposes Smoking Ban

three LP members running for local, Springfield City Council, who was elected Legislation nonpartisanT elections in the Chicago area. in 2007. State Convention to be Held Springfield is the third-largest city in Bill Stephens, of Carpentersville, is run- March 14 in Elizabeth n January 10, the State Committee ning for Dundee Township Library District Missouri. of the Libertarian Party of Texas Board. Chris Jenner, of Cary, is running Newport O(SLECT) approved two resolu- as an incumbent for his third term on the tions stating their opposition to a statewide Cary School Board. Mike Fogelsanger, of he convention will be held at the smoking ban in Texas. The resolutions Sycamore, is running for Sycamore City NEW MEXICO Shilo Inn Suites Oceanfront Hotel read: Council. Tlocated Newport 536 SW in Eliza- “The Libertarian Party of Texas supports beth Newport, OR. The convention will the rights of all property owners and only State Convention to be Held begin on March 14 and last through March those owners to determine whether or not 15. to allow smoking on their property. April 17 in Alamogordo For more information and to reserve “The Libertarian Party of Texas opposes IOWA your room you can check out www.lpore- proposed legislation for a statewide smok- he 2009 LPNM Annual State Con- gon.org. More information is also avail- ing ban on private property.” State Convention to be Held vention will be held April 17-19. able at http://libertarian.meetup.com/365/ The bills filed to impose a statewide TThe convention will be hosted by calendar/9651051/. smoking ban in Texas in the current legis- April 25 in Des Moines the Otero County LP in Alamogordo, New There will be a lunch on March 14 with a lative session are: House Bill 5, authored Mexico (no, you don’t need passports-- featured speaker to be announced at a later by Representative Myra Crownover [R- he 2009 Libertarian Party of Iowa we’re still part of the U.S.) at the Holiday date. Denton]; and Senate Bill 544, authored by state convention will be held Satur- Inn Express (575-434-9773). This convention has the potential to Senator Rodney Ellis [D-Houston]. Tday, April 25 at the Hilton Garden The schedule will include speakers, ban- shape the direction of the Librtarian Party Inn, Des Moines-Urbandale, located just quet and the Saturday afternoon business of Oregon for years to come because of North of the 86th Street exit off of I-35/80. session, including the election of officers the overhaul of the bylaws that are being This is the same location as our 2008 con- and the Central Committee (CenCom). proposed. Here is a link to the proposals vention. The new CenCom will have its first meet- submitted by the bylaw committee: http:// WASHINGTON In addition to our election of LPIA Ex- ing immediately following the Die-Hard www.lporegon.org/bylaws. ecutive Committee and platform discus- Breakfast speaker on Sunday morning. For more information, please contact sions, we’ll have guest speakers, petition- For information contact either Gil Christiana Mayer at christianamayer@ LPWA Takes on the Top-Two ing coaching, recognitions of achievement Heredia, email: [email protected], or gmail.com. Forward Primary System and other activities to be announced. Jay Vandersloot, email: yprocrastinate- Contact any LPIA Officer at www.LPIA. [email protected]. he Washington State Libertarians org, or see “Party” page for further details. have retained Orrin Grover as our We will convene at 9 a.m. and wrap up at PENNSYLVANIA Tlegal representative in the battle 4 p.m. against the “top-two forward’ primary. As NEW YORK currently implemented any candidate could State Party Joins Lawsuit Over claim to ‘prefer’ the Libertarian Party and that preference was on the ballot regardless Ballot Access Chairman Runs to Fill of how much that person did or did not rep- MISSOURI resent us or meet our standards for support. Vacant Congressional Seat he Libertarian Party of Pennsyl- There is also no clause for replacing a State Party Already Assured vania has joined a federal lawsuit deceased representative. ew York Libertarian Party chair- Tbeing brought by the Center for Richard Shepard represented the LPWA Two Election Victories man Eric Sundwall has filed a Competitive Democracy challenging por- until recently, and he did an excellent job Ncampaign committee to enter the tions of the election code of the common- going all the way to the Supreme Court, Missouri is already assured of two local special election for the 20th Congressional wealth. The suit will address the practice of working to help the Washington State Lib- election victories in April. District seat vacated by Senator Kirsten assessing costs for validation of signatures ertarian party in this struggle. Vol. 39, Issue 1 The Libertarian Party - www.LP.org Page 7 LPNY Chair Runs Libertarians Stand Alone With Voters Against Senate Plan For Vacant Seat by Donny Ferguson merica’s third largest party urged Senate Republicans and Demo- crats on February 6 to scrap their jointA plans for a $780 billion package of wealth transfers and expanded government spending. “Poll after poll shows voters agree with the Libertarian Party. Employers and fami- lies need tax relief to create jobs and save,” said William Redpath, Libertarian Nation- al Committee chairman. “What they don’t need is politicians exploiting their fears to explode the size of government and burden ibertarian Party of New York chair- our children with billions in new debt.” man and small businessman, Eric Recent polls show only 37 percent of Sundwall announced on February voters support such a plan, with opposition 10,L 2009, that he will seek the 20th Con- rising fastest among independent voters. siding against voters to explode the nation- gressional District seat vacated by Senator A Wednesday report by the Congressional with billions of dollars in tax relief for al debt and expand the government, it has Kirsten Gillibrand and do the near impos- Budget Office shows such a plan would employers and families. Recent polling become clear the Libertarian Party is the sible, run as an independent for a special cause long-term damage to the economy. by the Rasmussen firm finds 54 percent of only party with a fiscally responsible plan election. With interest on the borrowed funds, the voters support the Libertarian approach of to revive our economy,” said Redpath. “We will have 12 days to collect over total cost to future generations of taxpay- tax relief over the Republican/Democrat Libertarians support replacing the 3500 signatures to get on the ballot,” says ers would be around $1.1 trillion dollars. approach of drastically increased govern- wealth transfers and expanded spending Sundwall. “We accept this challenge be- “With both Republicans and Democrats ment spending. cause the people of the 20th District are tired of the machine politics of a smoke filled room. Jim Tedisco is a career tax Bob Barr: Stimulus Bill Just Pork in New Disguise and spend politician and Scott Murphy is a self-funded candidate reminiscent of by Bob Barr American. Sandy Treadwell. This special election But the true evil of this spending boon- gives us much better odds than an ordi- he venerable Oxford English doggle is not so much its title as its sub- nary general election.” Dictionary defines “stimulus” as stance. Virtually every pet project and con- Sundwall, a 41-year old information “something that promotes activ- stituency of the Democratic Party will be technology consultant, is from the Town Tity, interest, or enthusiasm.” If, as appears at the receiving end of the billions of dol- of Kinderhook in Columbia County, home almost certain, the federal government en- lars rushing down this latest federal money of the 8th President of the United States, acts legislation appropriating more than sluice. The disaster that is the “recovery Martin Van Buren. He lives in the ham- $800 billion in a so-called “stimulus pack- and reinvestment act” is made far worse by let of Niverville with his wife Kathryn, age,” the next edition of Oxford might the fact that every single one of its more a pharmacist at St. Peter’s and their two properly include further definitions for the than $800 billion bills is borrowed. children. His father John served on the already-overused term: “any massive fed- When all is said and done according to Kinderhook Town Board and was county eral spending program designed to funnel the government’s own estimate, this spend- chairman of the Conservative Party. taxpayer monies into pet political projects; ing measure will add more than a trillion Eric also produces and hosts Capital a term employed to disguise massive fed- dollars to our national debt which already Outsider, a cable access public policy pro- eral spending programs designed to funnel tops $10.2 trillion. gram that is seen throughout the state. taxpayer monies into pet political projects, Moreover, this appropriations vehicle Sundwall attempted a run in 2006 and but labeled ‘stimulus’ in order to secure comes on top of last year’s “Emergency took the NYS Board of Elections to Fed- votes necessary for passage.” Economic Stabilization Act” — the so- eral Court in an attempt to find the state Of course, as is par for the course in proposing and enacting called “bailout” — and the now small, $152 billion 2008 “Eco- election law unconstitutional. modern federal legislation, congressional leaders have attached a nomic Stimulus Act.” Thus does the true magnitude of the damage Sundwall plans to utilize the four-point high-sounding and misleading moniker to this latest and largest to the value of our currency and to the future economic health of model introduced by Ron Paul and used ever so-called “stimulus package.” our nation start to come into focus. by other third party candidates for Presi- The legislation, which passed the House last week and the “se- State and local government officials, including our own here dent. Foreign policy, privacy rights, the nior” chamber Tuesday, is entitled “The American Recovery and in the Peach State, are already gleefully counting the billions they national debt and the Federal Reserve Reinvestment Act of 2009.” are slated to receive from Washington’s “reinvestment” largess. were the key points of that plan. The cam- How clever be these members of Congress. They know you can These are the same spendthrift state and local governments that paign hopes to attract a coalition of inde- never go wrong by including the word, “American” or “America,” have failed for decades to keep their own spending under control. pendents and main party voters unhappy in the title of any legislation, since there is then always the im- continued on page 11 with the current financial bailouts. plication that anyone who votes against the bill is, of course, un- Page 8 The Libertarian Party - www.LP.org February 2009 Libertarian Party 2008 Annual Report An executive analysis of the Libertarian Party’s performance in 2008

★ FROM THE NATIONAL CHAIRMAN Libertarian Presidential Vote Results by Election Prepare Now for 2010 (Includes Adjustment for States Without Ballot Access) by William Redpath

hile I mainly want to address 2009 and the future in this column, I Wthink I need to first reflect on 2008 for the Libertarian Party. A lot of people worked extreme- ly hard in 2008 in the entire pro- cess of seeking elected office. We had a historically high number of candidates seeking the Libertarian Presidential nomination, including two former members of Congress. The Bob Barr/Wayne Allyn Root petitioning, is now ballot qualified presidential ticket was on the bal- in 27 states for the 2010 election, lot in 45 states (and before more and that is a record high for the LP voters than any ticket other than coming out of a presidential elec- the R and D presidential tickets), tion. Let’s use that as a spring- and received 523,686 votes, which board and aim for a record field 1992-2008 Revenue Summary was 0.40% of the vote. of candidates in the 2010 midterm Libertarian National Committee I know we all hoped for bet- elections. Revenues by Year ($1,000) ter results, but, in my opinion, Call me crazy, if you want, but Libertarian National Commmittee Revenues in ($,000s) both candidates were outstanding maybe the American people will 4,000 spokesmen for liberty and clearly be in serious search of real alterna- differentiated the Libertarian mes- tives come November 2010. sage from all other candidates and Sustaining membership (those 3,500 parties. Everyone involved in the donating $25 or more per year)

Barr/Root campaign made serious was up 8.3% in 2008, to 16,349 3,000 sacrifices in the pursuit of freedom at yearend. Zero dues members in our lifetimes, I profusely thank increased from 107,748 at the end them for that. of 2007, to 113,024, as of Decem- 2,500 We ran a total of 592 candi- ber 31, 2008. Libertarian Party dates for public office in 2008 (I voter registration is at 240,328 in 2,000 was among them as our US Senate the 24 states in which people can candidate in Virginia), which was register Libertarian and the states down slightly from the 634 we ran report the numbers (strangely, six 1,500 nationwide in 2006. Twenty-two states allow that, but don’t report of them won public office (I wish I the numbers). were among them). As of the end Now, on to 2009, the year af- 1,000 of 2008, the LP had 209 elected ter a presidential election, which public officials across the United is admittedly the relatively slow 500 States. political year in each presidential A non-trivial bright spot from election cycle. That said, there are 2008 election results is that the 0 continued on page 14 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Libertarian Party, without further Notes: * Year 2008 extrapolated from October 2008 figures. ** Year 2009 draft budget. Vol. 39, Issue 1 The Libertarian Party - www.LP.org Page 9 Libertarian Party 2008 Annual Report An executive analysis of the Libertarian Party’s performance in 2008

★ FROM THE NATIONAL TREASURER 2006-2008 LNC Financial Summary 2008 Rewarding, 2006 -- 2008 LNC Balance Sheet Summary 2006 2007 2008 2009 Challenging Total Assets 67,618 335,150 203,935 Total Liabilities 66,847 58,013 80,530 by Aaron Starr t y p i c a l l y d e c l i n e Total Net Assets 771 277,137 123,405 ast year was not easy, but it 30% the was rewarding. At the na- year after a 2006 -- 2008 Revenue & Expense Summary tional convention in Den- Presidential Lver, I predicted during the Trea- e l e c t i o n ; 2006 2007 2008 surer’s report that it was likely we and, people t y p i c a l l y Support and Revenue would consume all of our reserves Membership Dues 104,064 470,114 472,862 getting our candidate on the ballot cut back on Donations 574,577 652,092 496,470 in 2008. discretionary spending during a re- Recurring Gifts 326,157 317,956 297,018 Many more state party affiliates cession and it now appears that we Board Member Solicitations 96,125 86,738 72,729 than originally expected did not are in a major recession, the size of Projects 15,224 0 0 Ballot Access Donations 13,308 81,098 266,141 have the needed resources to get on which will likely dwarf any experi- Conventions and Events 101,956 0 7,620 the ballot without assistance from enced during the Libertarian Party’s Publications, Materials and Other Sales 58,380 5,730 24,300 the national party. 37 year history. So instead of spending approxi- Given this challenging environ- Total Support and Revenue 1,289,792 1,613,727 1,637,139 mately $250,000 on ballot access, ment we face a “perfect storm,” Cost of Support and Revenue as we did in 2004, we found that where it will be a stretch to even Fundraising Costs 128,075 208,665 242,255 we had to spend over $500,000 in meet the almost $1.2 million goal Membership Fundraising Costs 39,444 184,796 72,085 2008. And while the $1,637,000 we have for 2009. And while it Convention and Event Costs 120,203 0 40,479 Direct Costs 11,505 0 0 we were able to raise was $200,000 may be tempting to believe we more than we budgeted for 2008, could scale back our operations, Total Cost of Support and Revenue 299,226 393,461 354,819 this was more than offset by the in- now that the election season is over, creased cost of helping state parties this is precisely the wrong time to Net Support and Revenue Available for Programs 990,566 1,220,267 1,282,321 to get our candidates on the ballot cut back. Program Expenses this year. When you think about it, consid- Administrative Expense 334,004 366,329 409,445 The Presidential campaign cre- ering that we run a national organi- Compensation 404,076 396,920 393,059 ated enormous value for this invest- zation in D.C. with the budget of a Affiliate Support 86,936 9,396 3,231 ment, giving us a level of exposure small law firm, we probably offer Ballot Access 1,500 62,808 510,257 Brand Development 21,035 3,315 14,038 in the media we have not enjoyed one of the better values in the liber- Candidate Support 25,260 22,293 500 in recent election cycles and add- tarian movement. Media Relations 7,909 5,251 251 ing thousands of new members to We need to build upon our suc- Member Communications 60,435 56,838 85,705 our ranks. And to most everyone’s cesses so that we can have an even Outreach 6,203 21,075 19,568 delight, our Vice Presidential nomi- greater impact. Total Program Expenses 947,359 944,225 1,436,053 nee, Wayne Root, continues to pro- If we want to move forward, this mote our party through the media is the time to invest heavily on our Net Operating Surplus (Deficit) 43,207 276,042 (153,732) even though the election season is future to build on the progress we long over. made in 2008. Other Income 0 325 0 But, as I predicted last May, our And progress in 2009 is vital to Net Surplus (Deficit) 43,207 276,366 (153,732) net assets were depleted by this no- the future of our country. The folks ble endeavor and we now face a tre- who believe in and profit from big- * Note: Prior years' statements recast based on internal review, change in accounting method mendous test to our party’s financ- continued on page 14 es for two reasons: Contributions and post year-end entries. Page 10 The Libertarian Party - www.LP.org February 2009 Celebrating the Life of Book Review: Hamilton’s Curse by Austin Petersen too concerned with public liberty. Their t’s common to hear today from Ameri- pitched struggle for decentralized control LP Activist Stu Seffern cans that “if we knew then what we of the economy is one that is too often lost know today, we should never have in the politically correct miasma of public by Rolf goneI to Vietnam. “ Even my father who education. It is sad to see that Congress Lindgren served as a Green Beret and who agreed today is filled with Hamilton’s intellectual with the Iraq invasion visits his friends n January 1, names at the Vietnam Memorial with a tear 2009, Stu Sef- in his eye and regret in his voice. It’s easier Ofern, a friend of to look at Vietnam and understand the folly all Libertarians in Wis- of that action, but how many people today consin and his partner could knowledgeably argue against the ne- Debbie Loiselle tragi- cessity of the Civil War while tracing its cally passed away from root causes? Now, ask yourself how many a plane crash in Joilet, people could successfully trace today’s Illinois. economic problems directly to one found- Stu was a Libertar- ing father? Thomas DiLorenzo success- ian Party member since fully does just that. the early 1980s. He In “Hamilton’s Curse,” DiLorenzo evis- was a member of the cerates the Hamiltonian policies of Mer- Executive Committee cantilism. It’s no big surprise to libertarians of the Libertarian Party LP activist Stu Seffern with Libertarian Mayor Ed Thompson that the larger the government grows; the of Wisconsin and the Chairman of the LP of on the Internet could find out that this is not more incentivized businesses are to corrupt Dane County. He was a successful owner of a good idea.” it and impose laws that benefit them. In a carpet cleaning business for 29 years. My Stu also organized many neighborhood this book the blame for today’s system of heart goes out to Stu and Debbie’s families. walks to deter crime. As Stu stated in another crony capitalism is laid directly at the feet I’ve known Stu since 1995. In 1995, as a TV interview: “We found it was more effec- of Thomas Jefferson’s archenemy, Alexan- brand new member of the LP of Dane County, tive than millions of dollars of investment.” der Hamilton. I was given a list of people to call and invite These greats acts nominate Stu to the ranks DiLorenzo argues that it is the policies to the next local Libertarian meeting. One of of the greatest defenders of the taxpayer in of big government and central banking es- heirs, rather than Jefferson’s. those people I called was Stu Seffern. Madison history. poused by Hamilton that laid the seeds for The book is a quick and worthwhile read I don’t remember the first time I met Stu in On the personal side, Stu was a great per- the Civil War. Also, DiLorenzo condemns for those who are interested in understand- person, but I do remember talking frequently son to know, always happy, positive, inter- Hamilton’s intellectual descendents such ing the root causes for America’s problems. on the phone about political topics with him. esting and helpful. He had a great sense of as Henry Clay who imposed the “Tariff of DiLorenzo successfully argues that most of As a new and young Libertarian, Stu struck humor. We talked on the phone over a thou- Abominations” that drew the first line be- today’s problems of American Imperialism me as a very informed and articulate speaker, sand times, and often the conversation started tween the North and South. “Hamilton’s arise from the fact that, although it is Jef- very thoughtful on issues and great at analy- with jokes about the latest ridiculous actions Curse” does a great job of connecting the ferson we fondly remember, it is Hamil- sis. He was a pleasure to speak with. Stu’s taken by the government. Many times, I was dots in history for where conservative small ton’s system we live under today. As long presence livened the atmosphere of LPDC a guest at Stu and Debbie’s house. They were government policies were undermined by as America ignores its history and the per- meetings because when Stu spoke, he knew very hospitable people. Stu always threw in the central planners. ils of big government, more men will walk what he was talking about. one of his John Stossel videos when I was It’s entertaining to read about how frus- away from cold monuments with tears in Over the years, I’ve worked with Stu on over. Stu also took me out to Watertown a trated Hamilton was by Jefferson, who was their eyes and loss in their hearts. many projects. Among them, we worked in few years ago to show me his airplanes. We 2001 and 2002 on the Ed Thompson for Gov- walked around the hanger and he showed me Libertarian Party of North Carolina’s Liberty Agenda ernor campaign. We worked on the Recall the airplanes from all angles. I could tell that Governor Doyle project in 2003. We worked Stu’s airplanes meant very much to him. continued from page 5 Salem plant, built with nearly $300 mil- to oppose the Madison smoking ban in 2005. When word of Stu’s death reached Wis- free speech by limiting how much an in- lion in corporate welfare, demonstrates We worked together to raise awareness when consin on the morning of January 2, Madison dividual can contribute to the candidate that corporate incentives are ineffective as the government was railroading innocent Mayor Dave Cieslewicz, a frequent political of their choice. The people should have well as immoral. people. opponent of Stu, said: “I was very sorry to the unregulated and unrestricted right to Conclusion: Ending property theft by In addition to these projects, Stu worked learn of Stuart’s untimely death in a plane vote for and support candidates of their government, improving education, ending tirelessly for the Taxpayer Bill-of-Rights (TA- crash. While we didn’t always agree, Stu- choice. corporate welfare, and restoring fair elec- BOR). He almost single handedly stopped art was a tireless advocate for his south side 4. End all corporate welfare and sub- tions are our top four issues, the begin- the proposed trolley-car system in Madison. community. He committed a tremendous sidies. ning. The ultimate goal of the Libertarian Stu’s greatest Libertarian passion was the op- amount of time and energy to the betterment Economic incentives and subsidies, Party of North Carolina is to reduce the position of wasteful government spending. of his neighborhood, and his strong voice more properly called corporate welfare, size, scope, and power of government at Stu’s nuts-N-bolts analysis of the trolley-car will be missed.” are an immoral tax on individuals for the all levels and on all issues, and consistent- system, along with about 25 articulate radio The Wisconsin state legislature began its benefit of corporate profits. Recent news ly oppose any increase in the size, scope, and TV appearances, was crucial. Stu once 2009 session on January 6 with a moment of reports that the Dell computer company and power of government at any level, for quipped in a TV interview: “A 12 year old silence dedicated to Stu and Debbie. may sell their three year old Winston- any purpose. Vol. 39, Issue 1 The Libertarian Party - www.LP.org Page 11 Wayne Root: Welcome to Obamaville! Barr: Stimulus is by Wayne Root done once again! This just proves the fol- employees to be intimidated and coerced ly of allowing or empowering politicians into unionizing; and handout $200 billion Pork in Disguise or weeks I’ve to control our lives; confiscate our money; dollars of stimulus funding to states- to continued from page 7 been inter- transfer money from one group to another keep millions of state and local govern- viewed nonstop (a surefire conflict of interest); or make ment employee union members from be- Throwing even more federal money inF the media about decisions on our behalf. ing fired, downsized or having salaries their way simply rewards their irresponsi- President Obama’s This bailout travesty proves the accu- and pensions reduced. bility, and further disguises the necessity Economic Stimu- racy of what my friends at the Congres- This is all economic suicide for Amer- for state and local governments to rein in lus Plan. Again and sional Effect Fund have found. They have ica. their own spending. again, even conserva- studied the effects of Congress on our It will turn a deep recession into a Some of the details of the “reinvest- tive hosts said to me, economy for almost 50 years now. They long depression- just as FDR did in the ments” in the House’s version of the “Well we have to something. What would have found that whenever Congress is in 1930’s. Do you know how we got out of stimulus package are truly amazing. For you do?” My answer is that sometimes the session for the past half century, the stock the Great Depression? Only World War II example: best choice is to do nothing. The response market is up 1.7 percent. ended a more than decade-long depres- • A billion dollars will continue to sub- from talk show hosts and experts was al- When Congress is in recess (NOT in sion (1929-1940). By the way, for those sidize the perennial money loser, Amtrak; ways the same, “Huh? Are you mad? Do session) the U.S. stock market is up 17.6 who have forgotten history, unemploy- $20 billion expands the already bloated nothing?” percent. Do you get it? Politicians do ment rates were in the teens as late as the food stamp program. Well sometimes no decision is better damage to our economy every time they 1940’s- almost as high as when FDR took • About $2 billion is diverted from the than a rush-to-judgment. Sometimes “do open their mouths…every time they make over for Hoover. wallets of hard-working Americans to no harm” is more important (and more a decision…every time they pass a bill. It But the worst part of Obama’s social- subsidize childcare. Some $2.8 billion is successful) than “do something at all turns out that doing NOTHING is in fact ist stimulus giveaway is being ignored by slipped to global warming advocacy pro- costs.” Shouldn’t we have learned that preferable to letting politicians provide a the biased-liberal national media. All of grams. lesson from our decision to invade Iraq solution. If only politicians took a Hip- these government jobs being proposed by • $600 million will buy more and newer to stop Saddam Hussein from using his pocratic oath- ABOVE ALL ELSE, DO Obama will NEVER go away. The eco- cars for government bureaucrats, along Weapons of Mass Destruction (that never NO HARM. Based on historical data, this nomic stimulus will only pay for them for with $44 million to refurbish the Depart- existed)? would mean doing absolutely nothing. 2 years. After that, the stimulus money ment of Agriculture, $50 million for the Why rush our decisions? Why rush This is exactly what I’ve been saying and is gone- but we still have a huge bill left National Endowment for the Arts, and multi-billion or multi-trillion dollar deci- arguing for weeks on FOX News and hun- over to pay for these bloated government $150 million to spruce up the Smithsonian sions that could make or break our entire dreds of national and local radio stations employee salaries, pensions, and health buildings. American economy? Why not step back, across the USA. Perhaps we should put a care benefits for LIFE. • Another $650 million is earmarked for breathe deep, listen to economists on both common-sense S.O.B. (son of a butcher), As of now- before any new government helping consumers convert analog TVs to sides of the argument and slowly, deliber- small businessman, and citizen politician jobs are created- USA Today recently re- digital (because the government earlier de- ately make decisions after months of de- in charge of the economy. It could not be ported that the federal government retire- cided to halt analog television broadcast- liberations and debate. worse than the fools (and tax cheats) cur- ment system has an unfunded liability of ing). More than $400 million promotes Didn’t we already rush a trillion dol- rently in charge. $5.3 trillion- including $1.2 trillion for re- anti-smoking programs and programs to lar decision only a few months ago with The Fed has had the printing presses tiree health benefits. This is just the UN- fight sexually transmitted diseases. Those the bailout? Did that work out well? The working overtime since Fall to print all FUNDED portion. Does anyone under- are just the tip of the fiscal iceberg. bailout can only be described as a disaster. the money to pay for all these bailouts and stand the “Perfect Storm” of debt headed There are minor differences in the House Didn’t we hear the same arguments from handouts. The result will be catastrophic straight for taxpayers? Now Obama will and Senate versions, but overall the amount politicians? That without the bailout the double-digit inflation within two years. hire hundreds of thousands of additional of money spent and the amount of pork in economy will crater? Well we rushed to Once again government, just like under government employees- who will all re- each is outrageous and harmful; and be- judgment with the bailout because of the FDR, has found a way to make things quire salaries for the next 25 years; then sides, the House-Senate conference may hysteria. The result- we’ve wasted tril- worse and extend the economic crisis, pensions and medical care for another 25 very well add back in what the Senate took lions of taxpayer dollars, dramatically in- and turn a deep recession into a full-scale years. out but really just shifted around, in a typi- creased our deficit and national debt, dam- depression. Perhaps even the CBO didn’t The result? If not the kind of disaster we cal example of congressional legerdemain. aged (if not destroyed) capitalism and free have the heart to pass along this much bad experienced during the Great Depression, When all the dust settles, the only thing markets, and the result is…NOTHING. news all at once. we can certainly expect the kind of misery this fiscal monstrosity will “stimulate” is The bailout money has been spent (or FDR’s toxic solution was more govern- we experienced under President Jimmy making American citizens, businesses and should I say wasted)…the economy is in ment intervention; more spending; more Carter- sky-high interest rates, sky-high state and local government even more de- free fall; the stock market has continued debt; more taxes; and more laws hurting inflation, and dramatically higher taxes pendent on Uncle Sam than before; even as its decline; real estate values have contin- the private sector while strengthening la- for our children and grandchildren. we and our children and grandchildren are ued to melt away; jobs are being lost by bor unions. Obama’s solution is exactly the Welcome to Obamaville. rendered the poorer. the hundreds of thousands per month; and same. With his trillion dollar stimulus plan the companies that we gave the money to, (I call it “The Obama Socialist Agenda”), in many cases already need more money- Obama will hire hundreds of thousands Wayne Allyn Root was the 2008 Lib- Bob Barr represented the 7th District much more. And what have these compa- of new federal employees- all members ertarian Vice Presidential candidate. For of Georgia in the House of Representatives nies done with the money? Paid it out in of government employee unions; hire at more of Wayne’s views, commentaries, from 1995 to 2003 and was the Libertarian million dollar bonuses to executives that least 100,000 new teachers- all members or to watch his many media interviews, Party’s 2008 nominee for president. You oversaw the disaster in the first place. of teachers unions; pass Card Check leg- please visit his web site at http://www. can visit his Web site at http://www.Bob- Bravo! Quite a job that Congress has islation making it easier for private sector ROOTforAmerica.com Barr2008.com. Page 12 The Libertarian Party - www.LP.org February 2009 The Libertarian National Committee Welcomes Our Newest Members

New Members for 11/12/08 - 2/11/09 Peter Osepchuov Sean Blocker Gary Crandall Stephanie Frederick Diane Heim Michael Parks Pete Blome Luis G. Cribeiro George Freeman Verle E. Helsel Lifetime Kim Pino David J. Blunier John Cunningham Ryan Freitas Paul Hemingway Gerald Redd Michael Bock Joel Cupp Melissa A. Friedline Raymond C. Herman Tad Lumpkin Raymond Reynolds Jennifer S. Boggs Kevin Currie Michael H. Friedline William Herrmann Carrie-Anne Mosley Cheryl Riley Abdon Bolivar Ty Curro William Fries Ralph Hershberger J. D. Smith David Schultz Laura Bonafede Charles Daugherty Stephen Funk Hartman G. Hessel Patron Harlow Scribner Kore Bormann Gary Davis Joseph Galego Timothy W. Higgins Paul Simeone Anthony Bott John Davis Dale Gallimore Jay Hill Sponsor Michael Smith Kathleen Boucher Steven DeBartolo Michael Galperin Veronica Hinkle Derek West William Boughton Mark Decerbo Ryan Gannon Timothy Hipp Andrew Holloway John Wilson Michael Bouington John R. Decker Jr. David Garrison Kurtis Hoffer Kylee Kvassay Khurshid Abdul-Mutak- Dustin Bowden Justin K. Deeg Dave Garro Patricia Hone David Martin abbir Timothy Boyle Robert DeGroat John Gartland Donna Horning Mario Morales Timothy F. Ahern Cherie Braun Elliott Deilus John Gaynor Jeffrey Horning Amanda Owens Tahsin Alam Russell Brendel Chad Devonshire William Geffken Patrick Hortos Tom Pierson Edna Alderman James Brittain Travis Dicken Charles Geraci Judith Horvath Paul Spoltore Col. Jeffrey Alexander Steve Brodeur Jerry Disch Paul Geromini James Houck Frank Allen Brandon Brooks Frank H. Ditto Kristin Giannantonio Michael Howard Supporting Mark Allen Travis Brooks Troy Dober Bradley Giesbrecht Ryan Hudson Benjamin Allphin Brian Brown Jordan Dorman James Gilligan Michael Hughes David Baukol Elizabeth Anderson Carter Brown Heino Dossing Clint Gilliland Mark Humphreys Chris Birkett Shana Anderson RJ Brown Chris Dougan Christopher W. Gilson Jared Hungerford Bobby Bolin Robert Angelica Robert Brown Joshua Drake Charles Gipson Marc Huntley Jeffrey Borrowdale Eddie Angleton Steven Brown Jason Drakulic Bill Goggin Bradley Hurlburt Benjamin Bowie Adam Armstead Ken Brueckner Michael Dunlap Jonathan Gooch Bret A. Hurskainen Robert Bryant Jill Arnzen Nathan Bruer Anne Dunlop Aaron Gordon John Huson Jack Byer E. Thomas Ashworth III Jeffery Bruton Wallace Dunn Martha Gose David Hussey J.D. Campbell John Bacon Damon Burch Raymond Duval Timothy Goshinski John J. Hutchinson Robert C. Carew Andrew Badgerow Cindy Burger William Econe James Grady Charles Hyden Wayne Carson Jason Baehler Jordan Butcher Ran Edwards Bruce Granheim Charles Ide Al Cerkan Peter Bagnell Mary B. Buzuma Mikhail Efroimson Erin Grant Brian Imhulse Edward Chong Buck Bailey Cole Cade Ari Eickert Matthew Grau Peter Isaacson Kevin L. Cornwell George S. Bain Charles A. Camp William Ellingboe Michael Graziano Christopher Isbel Andrew Crecelius Archelle Baker Alan Campbell Dera Enochson Debbie Green Lee S. Jackson Amanda Cunningham Philip Baker Jonathan Campbell Rick Ernst Parc Greene Mike Jackson Nicholas DiDominicus Richard Balint Brett Canady Eteban Escareno David Grizzell Dianna Jaimes Mark Donegan Jeffery Barnes Mary Canady Rick Escareno Fred Gudgel Matt James Jayce Ericson Phred Barnet Lee Cape W. A. Evans Ronald Guenette Benjamin Janssen Josh Featherstone Wiliam Bartholomew Robert Carpenter Lawrence Ewaldt Casey Guenthner Jerome Jeal Robert Freedman Richard Bateman John Carter Craig Eyrich DeWayne Guimond Zayne Jenkins Nancy V. Gallagher Rebecca Bates Heather Cash Mervin L. Ezray Justin Guthrie Joshua Job Leon Galloway III Jason Bausili David Champion James E. Faidley Shawn Hadwiger D. Scott Johnson Alton Helm John Beckler Foston Chandler Luke Fain Joey Halbert Brenda Jones John Hoover John R. Beers II Todd Chapin Wendy Fairfull Jonathan M. Hall Hyrum Jones Jerrold Hughey Lisa Behe Jim Chesln Kyle Farrar Elizabeth J. Hallenbeck Jeffrey N. Jones Edward Keane David F. Bekus Jeff Chiarelli Thomas Faulkner Raymond A. Hallenbeck Peter Jones Bruce Kite Gene Bell Norman Childs Michael Fearheiley Katherine Haloburdo Robert Jones Fred Kurz Justin Beller Lane Clark Robert Ferrara Justin Hardt Thomas Jones Luke Landwehr Brendan Berg Tyler Clark Joseph Fetz Sarah F. Hardy Wesley Jones Lee Lin Aaron Bernard Kathy Cody Bradley Fiene Sean Harrington Raymond Joyner Dion Lowe Matthew Bianco Paul Coffey Benjamin I. Fischbein Mark Harris Victor Kace Garrett Mangum Daniel Bier Jerod Coker Mark Flederbach Andrew Hartline William D. Kaiser Robert Marian Clyde Billings George Comstock John Fleenor Rick Hasselbach Clinton Kam Marc Massar Matthew Bingham Robert R. Conley Benjamin K. Flores Jamie Hause Teresa Karcich Grant K. Mauldin Daniel Bjorndahl Matt Conlon Ryan Fogarty Katherine Hayes Piper Keairnes Michael Meehan Jeffrey Blair Jennifer W. Cook Madison Fox Kristen Hayes Cody Kelly Gretchen Moran Michael Blake Kevin Cornette Sean Francis Lori Hayes Dave Kendle Jeffrey T. Nelson Silas Bland Ray Costanzo Joel Franks James B. Hechim Eric Kenney Richard Nelson Mariko Bliss Chad Cottrell Douglas Frantz Daniel Heck Joseph Key Anthony Nickel Jonathan Blocker Edward Cozzette Anneliese Frazier Brian Heien Richard W. Key Vol. 39, Issue 1 The Libertarian Party - www.LP.org Page 13 The Libertarian National Committee Welcomes Our Newest Members

Hannah Kidd Patrick C. Maney Chad Nason Michael Quinten Randy Smith John Viterito Justin Kidd Elliott Marks Donald Navatto Robert Radich Andrew Snow Tara Vocatura Lorri Kieff James Marlow George Nelson B. Matthew Ragan Gilbert Snow Joseph Volz Jared Kile Matthew Marria Howard Nester Anne Ragsdale Matthew Snyder William Voris Daniel Kilgour Ed Martin James Nester James Raines Austin Speaker Jeffrey Vos Jonnathan King Nick Martin Luke Netjes Jason Reed Thomas Spencer Travis Voss Michael King Austin Mathews Jeffrey Newsom Thomas Reed Srivatsan Srinivas James Wagner William Kinkead Robert Mathis Richard Nicosia Keegan Reeves Wendy St. Dennis Neal Walerko Chris Kline Matthew Mattke Suzanne Nilsen Melvin Reeves Daniel Stamate Bill Walker Michael Klukinov Eric Matzke William Nisius Robert Repenning Steve Stanfield Richard J. Walsh Jeff Kocur James McCarthy Chris Noble Michael Revett Lewis Stanley Joshua Walters Joe Korode Samuel McChristian Andrew Norman Frank Ricotta Robert Staples Derek Walton Daniel Kossler Robert McClellan Matthew Norman Gladys Ringgenberg Todd Starkey Neil Walton Justin L. Krass George McDermith Pamela Norman David Ringler Trevor Stasik Joel Ward Matt Krier Branden McGee James S. Norton John Riopko Robert Staub Mitchell Ware Zachary Kriner Kyle McGinn Michael Nottleman Paul Ritter Charles Stewart Joshua Warren Seth Krupar Carolyn McGuire Karl F. Nyqvist Andrew Robinson James Stewart Scott Weaver Ross Kuhn Glenn Mcguire Jefferson Oakes Gregoire Robinson Randy Stewart Roger Webb Jiri Kukol Bruce McKalip Joseph O’Dell David Romano Richard Stewart Eric Webber Linda Kutzer Samuel McKay John O’Donnell Zachary Roski Bruce Stratton Heather Webster Joseph Kuzawski Joseph McLaughlin Michael O’Donnell James Rosnack Joseph Strickland William Wehling Ralph Lake Lee McLaughlin Michael G. O’Halloran Carolyn Ross Jeremy Sturdahl Tina Weisman Joann Langer Patrick McNary Thomas O’Neal Colin Ross Thomas Sturik Tom Weisman Jacob Laputka Sam Mehr Howard R. Onstott Jeffrey Rothermel Robert Surratt James Welch III John Latham Eric V. Melin Todd Opacinch Scott Rothwell Richard Swint Amy Wells Richard Latham Dawn Merryman Andrew Ormiston Matthew J. Ryan Dan Swofford Regina Welser Martin J. Lawler Kimberton-Ethan Messner Danielle Osborn Steven Rybicki Ryan Szukhent Tony Whitaker Whitney Lawler Jason Middleton Warren Overton Christina Ryder Ben Szymanski John White John P. Lawrence Kari Miler Robert Owen Leslie Sammis Adam Tabaka Michelle White Michael Lawton Robert Miles Nicholas Palkovic Neil Sarin Nicole Tammaro Frank Wickers Kenneth Lechner Les Milewski Joshua Palmer George Scheffer Richard J. Tappan Joseph Willett Joseph Lee Charles Millar Paul Palone William Schesser Douglas Tate Thomas William Joseph Leeper Tammy Miller Arthur Parent Jessica Schlegel Ronald B. Taylor Brian Williams James A. Legel Tyler Miller Shannon Parker Kim Schlitter Howard L. Theriot Chris Williams Edwardo Leon William Miller Fred Parrish John Schneider Michael Thomas Douglas Williams Jeremy Levine Joel Millerband E. M. Partridge R.R. Schneider Jr. James Thomason Edward Williams Derek Lewis J. R. Mills James Patterson Ryan Schnell Al Thompson Sandi Williams Michael Lewis Jess Mills Ryan Payne Christop Scneider Ben Thompson Alexandria Williamson Daniel Lichius Debbie Misiolek Meghan Peak Thomas Scola David Thompson Jared Wilsey Aaron Lievers Andrew Mitchell Neil Pedersen Jeff Sexton Jason Thompson Cathryn Z. Wilson Robert Liftig Robert Mitchell Charles Pederson Anthony Seyfarth-Lechner John Thompson Charles R. Wise Benjamin Lincoln Andrew Mladinich Barbara Pedoto Thomas Shevada Julie Thompson Matthew Wisniewski David Lindsey George Monahan Joseph Pedoto Patrick Shockey Samuel Tisdale Hang Kei S. Wong Kevin Liotti Derek Montemayor Russell Peltz Richard Shoemaker Scott Toland Yuning Woo Tim Liu Kevin Moore Eric Peterson William Shoots Edward Toppe Philip Woolman Doug Loeffler Ryan Moore Ken Phelan Russ Shore Robert B. Tormey Jerry Wright David Lord Victoria Moore Stephen Phoenix Serge Sibirsky John Towers Christopher Yonts Douglas Louks John Morandi Steven Piehl Cristendra Singh Josh Tracy Niklas York John Luchetti Lynne Morisette Zbigniew Pietranik Brandon L. Sipple Joan Treinas Terren Yost Richard Ludlow John Morris Randall Pike Jason Skalski James Troxell Andrew Young Danny Lukic Darrell Morton Matthew Pilon Edward Skelly Evelyn Tudor Jerry Yu Marvin E. Lund Sally Mosher Richard Pitcher Mike Skinner Kevin Turnmeyer Stanley Yuzuk Gary Lundeen Wade Moss Stephanie Poole David Skovgaard Keith Tweed Abraham Zamora George A. Lyman Darrick Mowrey Jeffrey Potter Brett Slansky Christopher H. Usndek Justin Zeth Dennis Lynch William Moxham Stephen Pratt David Slater Greg Van Ewyk Troy Zimmerman John Madden Sean Mulder Michael Prestwich Adam Sloan Jennifer Vasil John Zumbrum Jim Mainzer Charles Murphy Dan Price Betty Sloboda Patricia Ver Schneider John Makdad Daniel J. Murray Frank Proulx Stephen M. Sloboda Jennifer Verhey Mark Malaszczyk Adeela Mushtaq Richard Pruett Brandon Smith Matt Vestrand David Maloney James Nahra Robert W. Quilici Liam Smith Alexei Vinogradov Richard Malson Bennett Nason Alex Quintanar Megan Smith Thomas Visic Page 14 The Libertarian Party - www.LP.org February 2009 2008 Annual Chairman’s Report 2008 Treasurer’s Report continued from page 8 I wouldn’t have missed them for the world. I think you’ll feel the same way after your continued from page 9 children and grandchildren are serfs and the thousands of elections across our land this campaign (and, hopefully, your time in of- government their master. year, all of them state and (most of them) fice). ger government are not resting. The Obama We need your help now more than ever to local elections. There are enormous oppor- I will leave it to the LNC’s able Trea- administration is attempting to turn Ameri- spread the message of freedom far and wide. tunities for Libertarians to jump with both surer, Aaron Starr, to speak in more detail to ca into a land of socialism, similar to what Increase your financial support to the Lib- feet into elections in which they can make the current financial situation of the LNC. plagues Western Europe, with its high taxes, ertarian Party. Become a monthly pledger or an electoral splash. While, technically, we may not yet be liv- high unemployment and bleak future. increase your existing monthly pledge. This I will write this, however. Libertarians ing through the worst recession since the We are the only political party that truly steady source of cash flow makes it possible propose serious changes for society. If Great Depression, it sure feels that way. embraces and promotes the alternative of for our organization to focus on the future, you choose to run, you are proposing such That means that we are in one of the tough- personal freedom, individual responsibility rather than the crisis du jour. changes. So, get your ducks in a row. Study est fundraising periods in the history of the and limited government. Fill out the enclosed contribution form the issues and the governmental budget for LP. Monthly recurring donors (as I am at Without us … without you … there can be today. Or call the national headquarters right the office that you are seeking. Propose se- $83.34 per month, but please don’t consider no freedom. Without you … there is nothing now at 202-333-0008 and ask for Louise rious, salable libertarian solutions to public that a ceiling) to the LNC are needed more to stop the march toward a future where our Calise at extension 235. policy problems. now than ever. I’ve been a candidate for office four Please give Louise Calise a call at (202) times, and, while I won’t represent that it is 333-0008, x. 235, or send an email to louise. 2008 State Membership Report constantly fun, they have been among the [email protected] for a call back to set you up as most rewarding experiences of my life, and a monthly recurring donor today. STATE ACTIVE MEM STATE ACTIVE MEM AK 68 MT 59 Letters to the Editor: Protect the AL 235 NC 405 AR 101 ND 27 Statement of Principles Correctly AZ 324 NE 81 continued from page 3 changes the Joint Proposal reported, and CA 2,010 NH 155 then to padlock the backdoor. CO 475 NJ 352 placate those who wanted to change the This compromise was rejected, at least Statement of Principles – offering them partly by delegates who did not fully CT 202 NM 132 some desired changes in exchange for understand what we tried to do. I wrote DC 37 NV 201 closing and padlocking the backdoor. this article to overcome that weakness in It is my guess that neither ‘side’ our original proposal – and still harbor DE 46 NY 648 can muster the required 2/3. If the side a lingering hope that enlightenment will FL 982 OH 680 favoring modification could command bring the spirit of compromise to the next GA 633 OK 115 that fraction of the delegates, they could Conventions. make the modifications and then leave the HI 66 OR 197 backdoor open for future changes. But if Dan Karlan IA 124 PA 589 the side that opposes any changes could Waldick, NJ achieve the 2/3, then they could close ID 73 RI 36 the backdoor without any changes being IL 571 SC 185 made. That, too, is unlikely. The only Dan Karlan is the Region 5 Representa- IN 373 SD 34 way the required 2/3 can be achieved will tive on the Libertarian National Commit- be for both sides to agree – to make the tee. KS 150 TN 337 KY 142 TX 953 LA 131 UT 95 MA 309 VA 608 MD 302 VT 31 ME 77 WA 416 MI 552 WI 260 MN 259 WV 57 MO 296 WY 43 MS 59 OTHER 65

Total LP Members/Subscribers: 16,349 Zero Dues Members (Signed Cert.): 113,024 Vol. 39, Issue 1 The Libertarian Party - www.LP.org Page 15

Want to know what’s Event Date Location Contact going on in your state? LPKS State Convention March 7 Emporia, KS www.LPKS.org Here is a comprehensive LPOR State Convention March 14 Newport, OR www.lporegon.org listing of upcoming LPMI Regional Activist Conf. March 14 Grand Rapids, MI [email protected] events for which we have LPWA State Convention March 28 Issaquah, WA www.LPWA.org received notification. In LPNV State Convention March 28 Las Vegas, NV www.lpnevada.org the future, if there is an event we should be listing, LPF State Convention March 28 Jacksonville, FL www.LPF.org please let us know by LPMS State Convention April 4 Jackson, MS [email protected] contacting our volunteer LPMI Regional Activist Conf. April 4 Troy, MI [email protected] coordinator and provide LPNC State Convention April 17 Burlington, NC [email protected] what you can for details. LPNM State Convention April 17 Alamogordo, NM [email protected] The Volunteer coordinator CAN BE REACHED AT OUR LPGA State Convention April 18 Atlanta, GA www.lpgeorgia.com HEADQUARTERS OFFICE BY CALLING 202-333-0008. LPMO State Convention Apritl 18 Jefferson City, MO [email protected] LPCA State Convention April 24 Visalia, CA www.CA.LP.org LPNY State Convention April 25 Rochester, NY www.ny.lp.org LPIA State Convention April 25 Des Moines, IA www.LPIA.org LPO State Convention May 1 Perrysville, OH www.lpo.org LPPA State Convention May 2 Clarion, PA www.LPPA.org LPIL State Convention October 23 Colinsville, IL www.il.lp.org

Each issue, we’ll ask you a question, and the answer will be provided in the next issue of LP News. Discussion on the question is welcome in “Letters to the Editor,” space permitting.

Where will the 2010 Libertarian National Convention be held?

LAST ISSUE’S LP QUESTION: Who was the first Libertarian Presidential Candidate?

Answer: John Hospers was the first presidential candidate of the Libertarian Party, running in the 1972 presidential election. He and his vice-president running mate, Theodora Nathan, received 3,674 votes. LP STAFF

LP NATIONAL CHAIRman William Redpath

Acting EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Robert Kraus

Operations DIrector Robert Kraus

Direct Mail Manager Louise Calise

Communications Director Donny Ferguson volunteer coordinator Austin Petersen

Member Services Susan Dickson

Member Services Casey T. Hansen

THE LIBERTARIAN PARTY® 2600 Virginia Ave., NW Suite 200 Washington, DC 20037 Phone: (202) 333-0008 Fax: (202) 333-0072 Pictured (From Left to Right): Vince Mamo, Kimberly Moogalian, Robert Kraus, Austin Petersen, Louise Calise, and Erik Geib Web site: www.LP.org PHQ staff and interns weighed the pros and cons of getting arrested and possibly making the front page of the paper last week. When visiting the Senate and the House of Representatives, people are required to drop off their personal items in a drop box and grab a colored card to retrieve them when they return. Wishing to Office hours: 9 am-6 pm ET visit the Senate after the House, LPHQ staff made their way over to the opposite side of the Capitol when they were informed by the guard they could not enter the New Member Information: LSenate. They must ride the same elevator up to the house, and would have to ride it back down, walk to the other side of the building, grab their belongings, walk over to the other side of the building, drop off their belongings again, and then go back up the crowded elevators with a different pass to visit the Senate. No, you could not just Call (800) ELECT-US drop off your things in one location and then go visit the other side of the Capitol. That would have just made too much sense. After watching the house pass the pork laden E-mail: [email protected] “stimulus” bill, they were in no mood for complicated bureaucracy, and were ready to pick a fight until Austin Petersen stepped in and calmed them down. What have you missed recently on www.LP.org?

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