MINIMUM GOVERNMENT • MAXIMUM FREEDOM LP.ORG

Award Recipients, Pages 8–9

August 2018 The Official Newspaper of the Libertarian Party Volume 48, Issue 3 In This Issue: Fabulously successful national convention Chair’s CornerLP...... 2 News n July 3, we concluded our 2018 Libertarian National Convention in Vice Chair Alex Merced...... 3 New Orleans. It was a great success. OAt press time, preliminary figures indi- LNC reps share vision...... 4, 6, 10 cate this year’s convention may have sur- passed the 2016 presidential nominating Immigration platform plank...... 5 convention in both attendance and fundrais- ing! This is impressive for any convention in any year, but especially for one held during a Platform protects sex workers...... 7 non-presidential election year. This is a solid indicator of major growth! Award recipients...... 8–9 Conventioneers included 843 creden- tialed delegates and alternates from 49 states Ron Paul endorses Sabrin...... 10 and D.C., who participated in electing party officers, at-large representatives, and com- Delegates reelected 2018 Phoenix may- the new vice chair; electrical engineer Tim mittee members; making changes to the par- oral candidate and small-business owner Hagan retained his position as treasurer, a Unilateral free trade...... 11 ty’s platform, such as the taxation plank; and Nicholas Sarwark for an unprecedented post he has held since 2012; and LNC re- passing resolutions, such as urging the presi- third consecutive term as LNC chair, and gional rep and Historical Preservation Com- Affiliate Updates...... 12–16 dent to pardon Ross Ulbricht and opposing new LNC representatives were elected. Fi- mittee Chair Caryn Ann Harlos, a paralegal, H.R. 2851, a bill that would empower the at- nancial-industry trainer and 2017 New York was elected secretary. The representatives are Media Buzz...... 16 torney general to expand drug prohibition. City comptroller candidate Alex Merced is continued on page 7... LP state affiliates in both Illinois and Ohio secure 2018 ballot access n two exciting new ballot access victories, Now that we’ve completed the work in Illi- we have secured 2018 ballot access in both nois and Ohio, our next priorities are New York Illinois and Ohio! These victories required and Connecticut. Ithousands of hours of volunteer and staff effort In order to achieve ballot access in New York and hundreds of thousands of dollars in finan- and Connecticut, the national party needs to cial support. raise and spend up to $40,000. Many thanks to all of you who have pitched If you’d like to be part of this critical work, in with your time, talents, and dollars. please donate to the Ballot Access Fund: With your help, we are making major prog- LP.org/2018ballotaccess ress on behalf of Libertarian candidates in these By doing so, you are putting Libertarian can- states and elsewhere. Even when the two old par- didates on ballots. ties write the laws, rig the system to be unfair, and These victories in Illinois and Ohio required spend millions to deny the voters a Libertarian teamwork, with thousands of Libertarians from option, we rise together and overcome. across the country pitching in. Indeed, all politi- Our team is working aggressively, strategi- cal progress requires teamwork. Please be part cally, and methodically, year-round toward ensuring that the biggest barriers now so that we can focus on other of this same winning team in accomplishing ballot access our 2020 nominees have ballot access in all 50 states plus critical things, like candidate support, closer to elections. in Connecticut and New York and putting Libertarians on Washington, D.C. A critical piece of that is overcoming We now have 2018 ballot access in 40 states plus D.C. ballots there! Page 2 The Libertarian Party — LP.org August 2018

Working toward a world set free in our lifetime Chair’s Corner took bold stances on immigration and the student loan ertarian candidates. Even when the two old parties write crisis, and became the only national political party in this the laws, rig the system to be unfair, and spend millions to By Nicholas Sarwark, LNC Chair country to clearly stand for the rights of sex workers. deny the voters a Libertarian option, we rise together and Minor arguments and differences don’t matter when we overcome. We will do the same in New York and Con- ur 2016 presidential are working together to stand for the rights of all peaceful necticut. Wherever the old parties abuse the voters, we nominating conven- people to pursue happiness in any way they choose. will fight and we will win. tion set fundraising With the two old political parties abandoning their As I enter my third term as your chair, I am humbled Oand attendance records and led historical positions every day, leaving their supporters and honored by the responsibility and trust you have to the most successful Libertar- feeling disappointed and cheated, we sent a clear message placed in me. As I said to the delegates in New Orleans, ian presidential ticket in his- that we stand for authentic American principles like in- although I have made mistakes and will make new mis- tory. In the first few days of July, dividual liberty and limiting the power of government to takes in the future, my pledge to you is to do everything in however, those records were control our lives. This message resonates and stands out my power to help you achieve our shared goal: a world set shattered at our 2018 national as a beacon in a political wasteland of unserious establish- free in our lifetime. convention. We sold more tick- ment parties and politicians. You are the most important person in the Libertarian ets and raised more money for Nicholas Sarwark As with the abolitionists who brought down slavery, Party, and I am proud to fight with you. the Libertarian Party than we justice is on the side of the Libertarian Party and our Yours in liberty, did in 2016. principles. We will never, ever back down from a fight for There were contentious and controversial issues lead- those principles — and we are winning those fights. ing up to the 2018 convention, but once nearly 1,000 Lib- In Illinois and Ohio, through thousands of hours of ertarians were in the same room, differences faded away volunteer effort and hundreds of thousands of dollars in and libertarians of all different stripes came together. We financial support, we have secured ballot access for Lib-

Libertarian Party News LP.org (ISSN 8755-139X) is the official newspaper of the LP News Send news, articles, Libertarian Party® of the United essays, or photographs: States. Opinions and articles The Libertarian Party (LP) and its state affiliates work to advance the right E-mail: [email protected] of individuals to be free, so long as they do not forcibly interfere with the published in this newspaper do not Address changes: equal rights of others. The party runs candidates for public office, elects necessarily represent official party Libertarians, supports and opposes ballot measures, lobbies, and takes Phone: (202) 333-0008 positions unless so indicated. positions on public policy aimed at removing, reducing, and nullifying government E-mail: [email protected] laws, regulations, prohibitions, taxes, spending, debt, and foreign interventions. National Chair: Postal mail: Nicholas Sarwark 1444 Duke St. E-mail: [email protected] EDITOR: Eric D. Dixon ASSISTANT EDITOR: Elizabeth Brierly Alexandria, VA 22314 Phone: (202) 333-0008 CONTRIBUTORS: Richard Fields, Bob Johnston, Lauren Daugherty, Elizabeth Brierly, Nicholas Sarwark, Alex Merced, Caryn Ann Harlos, Tim Hagan, Jim Lark, Steven Nekhaila, William Redpath, Elizabeth Van Horn, John Phillips, Thomas Knapp, Wes Benedict, Eric D. Dixon, state affiliates Vol. 48, Issue 3 The Libertarian Party — LP.org Page 3

DONOR Appreciation Newly elected LNC Vice Chair Alex Merced The following individuals became Beacon of Liberty contributors: addresses delegates at the 2018 Libertarian National Convention in New Orleans.

David Pratt Demarest R.J. Lyman The bigger we get, the smaller we must feel By Alex Merced, LNC Vice Chair As vice chair, I hope to be quite involved in the dis- cussion of how to move the national party forward in n 2013, I was an active small “l” libertarian vlog- building our membership, our resources, and our infra- ger wrapped up in intellectual exploration and structure. As a former Region 8 alternate LNC represen- Sean T. O’Toole Emily H. Salvette contemplation, but then that all changed. A New tative and a member of the recently formed Blockchain IYork City mayoral candidate by the name of Michael Committee, I look forward to deliberating on interest- Susan Michelle Mosher Ruiz Sanchez reached out to me, asking to fill an empty ing proposals. I will soon be working with other LNC spot for public advocate on the citywide slate of can- members to craft language and purpose for ideas such as didates. I was honored for the consideration, accepted, an outreach committee, to help connect candidates and and spent the next several months campaigning with affiliates with subject experts, and a retention committee The following individuals became the campaigns of Sanchez for Mayor and Hesham El- to discover ways to increase retention, gather informa- Pioneer of Freedom contributors: Meligy for Comptroller, an office I’d run for several tion on why people stay or leave, and serve as a sound- years later. After the votes were counted, I experienced ing board for members who feel frustrated. Regardless, David Aschmann James E. Palidar libertarianism from a new angle — from the relation- my door, my ears, and my heart are always open to any Roger D. Barris Kyle Varner ships I made with Michael, Hesham, and many other members who need their morale boosted and optimism Paul Bilyeu William F. Weld New York City Libertarians. I came for the ideas, and I renewed. stayed for the community. I also hope to bring a new level of connection and Daniel E. Hayes To me, fostering community and unity within the relationship to the National Committee by proactively Libertarian Party is not just a nice thought or a good keeping you all informed via my vice chair Facebook way to keep people focused on elections, but a proof of page: FB.com/AlexMercedforLNC The following individuals became concept of a Libertarian world. How many within our There you can view updates and give me feedback on Lifetime Founder contributors: ranks have given each other a ride, babysat each other’s party business. We are growing, and this growth is ironi- children, or provided financial and emotional support cally signaled by the very things that frustrate many of Thomas C. Arnold Andrew P. LeCureaux during difficult times? We live libertarianism and the us. The fact that more traditional politicians are seeking Jessica J. Belle Jeffrey P. Lyons voluntary mutual support it brings every day in our ac- us out and more internal caucus factions are appearing William K. Biles Leslie Marshall Joseph D. Bishop-Henchman Jennifer McCormick tions, choices, and relationships. It’s one of our stron- may seem like reasons for pause, but it’s a signal of our Stephanie M. Black Jess L. Mears gest selling points. I want the world around us to see the growth that people see the value in what we’ve built and Martha L. Bueno Alex Merced world we are creating within our membership, a world that there are enough of us to form subdivisions. Shaun M. Cahill Kenneth C. Moellman Jr. of mutual respect, aid, and effort. I want them to see a We are growing and having an impact. There is ev- Bowen W. Chapel Bennett W. Morris Robert S. Clarke Lindsay Olson world they’ll want to be part of. ery reason for optimism, with amazing candidates like Stephen L. Dasbach Steven P. Perkins If we can be Libertarian together, we will not only be Larry Sharpe, Ken Krawchuk, Kash Jackson, Phil An- Stephanie Dreher Brett H. Pojunis more welcoming to new members and improve reten- derson, Mark Tippets, Travis Irvine, Jeff Caldwell II, Joseph Duncan Richard J. Poljan tion of existing ones — which also helps to build our and so many others running for governor. There is every Richard Fast Jacob Rickoll Tim Ferreira Honor M. Robson resources for national infrastructure — we will show reason for hope with Dale Kerns, Murray Sabrin, Craig Jeff Green Frank A. Rossa people the value of our ideas not just in theory, but in Bowden, and more running for U.S. Senate. We have the Timothy J. Harris James W. Rowley practice. A diverse Libertarian Party where people can most amazing opportunity in working to reelect Laura John Carl Hjersman Lisa F. Schaper coexist means that we can reach more people, because Ebke, Brandon Phinney, and Caleb Dyer. As we grow Stoner E. Horey Preston R. Smith Jeffrey Kaszubinski Keith Thompson every voice is unique, as is its reach. This means that to bigger and better, we need to foster our community to William G. Kelsey Susan Thompson bring more people to libertarianism, we need more peo- feel smaller and close knit. We need to make sure that, Brendan W. Laide Nathan A. Watts ple being themselves along with people who appreciate no matter how far we reach and what successes may Tom J. Laurent Gregory A. Woods them advocating for liberty. We all have a role to play. come, we are always Libertarian together. Page 4 The Libertarian Party — LP.org August 2018 LNC secretary promotes culture of transparency, accountabilty, accessibility By Caryn Ann Harlos, promoted in my campaign. — how ’bout those bylaws, eh? tating a more interactive and collaborative LNC Secretary The following comprised my vision So how precisely do I intend to achieve culture between the party membership statement and campaign promises: these goals? First, by listening to what you and the national party. ello, my • Promoting a culture of transparency, ac- want, because many minds are much more I have started by writing short “toolkits” name is countability, and accessibility brilliant than one alone. But to start, I plan for incoming LNC members, so that they C a r y n • Preserving and disseminating institu- on authoring a regular secretary’s column don’t feel baffled and lost in a new environ- HAnn Harlos and tional knowledge in LP News or the LP.org blog and initi- ment. These will be archived into an easy I am honored to • Providing mentorship and organization- ating contact with state chairs in order to “hand-off” packet to give to my eventual have been elect- al support help them get the help they need from na- successor. All too often, a new person in ed to serve as I had already gained a reputation as “the tional, if at all possible — to be the person an existing seat has to reinvent the same the Libertarian records whisperer” from my work with the who can point them in the right direction. wheel over and over and over and over. A National Com- party’s historical archive, and I see that role I will also be producing video tutorials healthy board continually plans for succes- mittee secretary as highly complementary to that of secre- on “How do I _____” with regard to in- sion and develops durable resources that for the next two Caryn Ann Harlos tary, who often is an organization’s refer- ternal party functions, such as: “How do I outlive any particular term of office. years. I would ence librarian and institutional educator. become a delegate?” “How do I write min- I would love to hear your thoughts and like to introduce you to some of the ideas I I have the unusual skill of being able to utes?” “Where can I find party resources?” ideas, so feel free to contact me at (561) have for my position, and the values that I make dry material bearable — even funny All of this will be done with a goal of facili- 523-2250 or [email protected].

Moving public opinion with electoral and policy victories Ballot access, election reform remain Libertarian priorities By Elizabeth Van Horn, point of having ballot access is to field candidates and LNC Region 3 Representative win elections. It’s through this process that we reduce By William Redpath, the scope and size of government. We know the two LNC At-Large Representative s the Region 3 rep- major parties aren’t interested in doing this, or they resentative on the would. So, we must appeal to voters who want to see know this will shock (or not) a Libertarian Nation- these goals achieved. Too often, the libertarian mes- lot of people, but I intend to con- Aal Committee, here are my sage is directed to libertarians, but we’re already on tinue to work on ballot access. priorities for the Libertarian board. We need to bring in other groups and voters to IThe major parties are again likely to Party. help us achieve our goals. This means reaching out to put up a couple of horrible choices 1. Move public opinion like-minded voters and groups, and creating coalitions for president in 2020. We need to with electoral/policy victo- with broader demographics. have our ticket on the ballot in all ries. 3. Messaging and winning locally first; from the 50 states again. Fortunately, we have I started voting for Lib- ground up (“grassroots”) much better ballot access now than at ertarian Party candidates in Elizabeth Van Horn I’d like to see state affiliates focus locally, as there any time in the past, so the expendi- the early 1990s, and I was so are opportunities for LP candidates to be elected and tures will be lower. William Redpath happy to finally find a political party that I believed appointed to positions in state, county, and city gov- Obviously, we need to be con- wanted to reduce taxes, shrink government, and give ernment. Just one LP member on a park board, town cerned about more than the presidential ticket. While it autonomy to the people. As I learned about the LP, I council, or school board can make a major difference has become easier to get presidential candidates on the began to realize that much of the promise of the LP in how policy is handled. These ground-level posi- ballot, it remains very difficult in some states to get lower- was going unfulfilled. After more than 20 years, the LP tions not only change public perception, but have a level candidates, including for the U.S. House of Repre- was still struggling to gain supporters and even me- real impact on the lives of our citizens. The LP can sentatives and state legislative offices. We not only need dia attention. Even so, I was convinced that the LP was win the hearts and minds of the voters if we show to lobby legislatures and sue when we think it would be the answer to the draconian public policy of reduc- we care, and that comes from being engaged in our efficacious, but do more to inform the public of these egre- ing rights, outrageous spending, and horrible wars in communities. It’s not enough to have ideas on how gious ballot access barriers — to take it to the court of pub- which our government engaged. Fast forward to 2018, to change the world if voters don’t want our policies. lic opinion. now more than 40 years later, and the LP is still seen Volunteering locally and getting out into the world The most important thing for the future election of as a third-party spoiler. Today, though, we have an un- of non-libertarians is vital, as the voters that we need Libertarian Party candidates to public offices is electoral precedented opportunity with the major two parties to join with us are all around in our communities. reform. Ranked Choice Voting in single-winner elections being rejected by many voters. Now is the time for the Building bridges, and winning hearts and minds, will continues to make headway, as it is now used statewide in LP to gain a foothold and impact public policy, and we also win elections. Maine and in more than a dozen U.S. cities. An even more do this through winning elections. We can’t hope that While on the LNC, I’d like to assist with moving the important development in 2017 was the introduction of the others will reduce government; we must do it. LP into the next stage of taking on the duopoly. This Fair Representation Act in Congress, which would mandate 2. Coalition building and finding more voters that means ballot access, tools for state affiliates, and fund- the use of multimember U.S. House districts where feasible, can align with the LP. raising. It means focusing on messaging and outreach. with candidates elected through Ranked Choice Voting. If We need millions more people voting for LP candi- Because the two major parties go round and round, that were to come to pass, I don’t think it would be long dates in order to impact public policy. If we’re going to like a wheel, taking turns being on top. We don’t want until we would have Libertarian Party candidates elected to have ballot access we have to make it work for us. The to just stop that wheel, we want to break the wheel. Congress. Vol. 48, Issue 3 The Libertarian Party — LP.org Page 5 LP platform strengthens commitment to open borders By Thomas Knapp, Platform Committee

n 2008, delegates to the Lib- ertarian National Convention in Denver, Colo., adopted an Iamendment to the party’s plat- form plank on Free Trade and Migration that ended the plank with the following sentence: “However, we support con- trol over the entry into our country of foreign nationals who pose a credible threat to se- Thomas Knapp curity, health or property.” I was one of those delegates. This year, I was privileged to serve on the Platform Committee which recommended deletion of that sentence — in fact, I sought appointment to the committee specifically so that I could champion its deletion — and as a delegate to the convention which ac- cepted that recommendation. What happened? What changed? Why now? I’d like to offer a few thoughts on how this change serves as a won- derful explanation of how and why our platform looks like it does in general. The 2008 Platform Committee and convention dele- gates were no less well-intentioned, no less well-informed, and no less principled than their 2018 successors. There’s always tension within the party over certain issues. Two of the big ones are the role of government generally and immigration policy specifically. While our principles do not change, the world around us does. That, in turn, changes our understanding of how those principles can and should be applied. The Platform Commit- tee’s job is to help the party figure out how best to apply its principles in the world we live in now and expect to live in two years, or 20 years, from now. It’s a moving target. The Platform Committee proposes, and the national con- vention disposes. I must say that the 20 Libertarians (plus just as America was doing. “individual” to the sentence to clarify our opposition to alternates) I worked with on this year’s Platform Committee Secondly, that shift caused a sentence which had collective immigration bans. are among the most principled, dedicated, and hardworking seemed innocuous when applied to terrorism and crime A second minority report mined the party’s previous plat- Libertarians I’ve been privileged to know in the two decades in 2008 to take on new meaning. I heard people — in- forms for more robust pro-immigration-freedom language. since I joined the party. We spent literally hundreds of hours cluding some party members — assert, sometimes even The issue was contentious. On all sides, disagreement over several months trying to get it right. For the most part, approvingly, that the sentence placed the party in support among committee members was principled and intended the delegates seemed to agree that we did. of collective immigration bans based on nationality, eth- to make the platform better. Because it was contentious, In 2008, terrorism remained a tender spot on the souls nicity, or religion. our proposal appeared at the end of our report, in which of Libertarians and of all Americans who went through The party does not support collective immigration we ordered proposals based on the number of votes they 9/11. It didn’t seem unreasonable to most of us to acknowl- bans based on nationality, ethnicity, or religion. It never received in committee. edge a government role in protecting us from attack with has done so, it does not do so now, and I know that my fel- Fortunately, the delegates did not quail from conten- a proactive and vigilant border regime aimed at stopping low Libertarians will never allow it to do so. The “threat” tion and suspended the rules to hear this proposal first those who would harm us from ever coming among us. of cultural change from the influence of new arrivals is instead of last. For this I am grateful. The most conten- By 2018, though, two things had changed which forced not a threat to security, health, or property. In fact, it’s not tious issues are the issues the party most needs to address. us to reconsider our 2008 amendment. a “threat” at all. It’s what makes America great, and Liber- The delegates, in their wisdom, chose the committee’s First, America’s political center of gravity had moved. tarians are foremost among its cheerleaders. proposal over either minority report and passed it over- Terrorism and crime, while still very much a concern, So the sentence needed to go. But how? whelmingly. For this I am also grateful. Our platform will took a back seat in the public mind to other things, in- The Platform Committee’s majority agreed that it never be perfect, but we made it better, more relevant, cluding immigration as an economic and cultural phe- should simply be deleted, and that’s what we recommend- more in line with our principles, and more in keeping nomenon. Our party’s principles speak to those issues as ed in our report. with the vision of a world set free in our lifetimes. well, and it became time to move them front and center, One minority report suggested simply adding the word What’s next? Page 6 The Libertarian Party — LP.org August 2018 Remaining united as a party, a body, and a movement By Steven Nekhaila, tive Committee member of the Libertarian is positive. The work is invaluable, so we alities and backgrounds creates a diverse LNC Region 2 Representative Party of Florida, and am currently serving needn’t remind ourselves the importance atmosphere that I believe represents the as the Region 2 representative on the Liber- of our duty as the third-largest political membership well. have been tarian National Committee. party of the most powerful nation on Fast-forward two years, and I now sit a libertar- My dream and passion is to set the Earth. at the table as the official Region 2 rep- ian my entire world free with liberty, as I truly believe The true spear tip, however, is the resentative. My vision for the party is Ilife, I just didn’t that freedom is mankind’s ability to mold membership. The LNC is merely the feath- simple: support our affiliates, back up our know it yet. My its future, and that the only environment er that keeps the arrow afloat and on tar- candidates, and promote the Libertarian name is Steven in which to do that is liberty. get. The membership’s job is to pierce the Party and the Libertarian message in the Nekhaila, and I believe most people are libertarians, illusions of statism. I might add that this United States and around the globe. My I have been a but they have been tricked into support- tip is getting sharper and fiercer each and job is to help the party remain the cen- member of the ing statists out of convenience or fear. As every day. trifugal force for liberty in society and Libertarian Party the Libertarian Party, our job is to be the In my prior position as an LNC alter- politics. since 2012, when Steven Nekhaila disillusionists of politics, to free the world nate, my interactions with the commit- I am hopeful and looking forward to I got involved in from the ideological and physical bonds tee were more limited in some respects, working with my colleagues, some old campus activism and cast my first ballot of authoritarianism. but I gained valuable experience and faces and some new ones. We must never for Gary Johnson in the presidential elec- I was delighted to serve my last term gained a greater understanding of the forget our roots, nor why we are here. No tion. Since then, I have gotten involved in on the Libertarian National Committee direction of the body. The LNC worked matter our differences, we fight together the Libertarian Party at the local, state, and as the Region 2 alternate under represen- well together. Of course, there were mo- for the same common goal. So long as national levels. I have most notably served tative Ed Marsh, where I represented our ments of contention, and sometimes we remember that, we will always remain as a founding member of the Libertarian members in Florida, Georgia, and Ten- deep schisms erupted, but it was all united — as a party, as a body, and as a Party of the Florida Keys, and as an Execu- nessee. My overall impression of the LNC taken in stride. The mixture of person- movement. New LNC Region 6 rep hopes to continue LP’s big-tent expansion By John Phillips, Ann Harlos has always impressed me with her passion and set him a number that must be met by the end of LNC Region 6 Representative and drive, and after working on the platform commit- July. We need to be able to support these candidates. We tee this year I was even more impressed. I did not know heard it over and over last election about getting people y name is John Phil- LNC Treasurer Tim Hagan until this convention, but on the down ticket ballots, and the party listened. We lips. I am the new people I know and respect spoke very highly of him, have great candidates running from school and county representative to the and in the short time I have been on the LNC he has boards all the way up to governor and U.S. Senate, and MLibertarian National Com- born that out multiple times. we need to be able to support them — including in the mittee from Region 6, which The leadership looks great, and I am excited to be battle for ballot access. This is one of the toughest battles includes my home state of Il- working with all of them. The at-large reps are a great mix many of our candidates face, with so many restrictive linois, Missouri, Wisconsin, of experience, principle, energy, and ideas, as are the other rules and the deep pockets of our opposition that enable Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, regional reps. The potential in the group is amazing, and I them to hire lawyers to sue and get people thrown off North Dakota, and now — as of look forward to the next two years learning, working, and ballots. This happened not only in Arizona this year, but this convention — South Da- expanding our party with them. all over the country. kota. I had asked about the po- John Phillips Going forward, I do have some ideas I would love to How do I plan to achieve these things? One step at sition and its responsibilities, work on. First and foremost: continue our big-tent ex- a time. I started with volunteering to serve on the Bal- and was encouraged to pursue it by both our previous pansion. We have the best ideas, and when phrased in lot Access Committee. I have petitioned for that access state chair and our current one, as well as several others the right manner they appeal to a huge part of the popu- across multiple states and campaigns, and have been on in the party. lation. both winning and losing sides, learning all along the I am excited to have been chosen by our region, and To accomplish this, we need to push a few different way. had a great opponent in the race, Tyler Danke, who I look initiatives. The first is fundraising. Our volunteers do -ab I excel at remembering what people are good at, reach- forward to doing great things in the national party, as he solutely amazing work, but for some things there is no ing out to them for their expertise, and connecting them already does in his state. We ended up with an amazing substitute for money. I have heard some great ideas from with the people that need those skills. I have already start- alternate, Phil Andersen, who I might have had to vote for the LNC members already on this. I have a bit of fundrais- ed doing that with members of the LNC, as well as people if he had run against me! ing background, and very knowledgeable people on the I know in my region and across the country. My great- I absolutely love the officers and at-large representa- subject close to me. est asset in reaching these goals is my ability to see mul- tives who were elected. I supported and voted for every Candidate support is my second chosen initiative, tiple sides of a discussion and recognize their strengths. single one of them. I have admired LNC Chair Nicho- and another one where fundraising will be a big part I love the radicals and the pragmatists, the left and right las Sarwark for a long time, even if we do not always of the backbone. Again, we have great volunteers, but libertarians, the audacious and the unobtrusive. They all agree. LNC Vice Chair Alex Merced and I have been sometimes cash is king, as we all know. In my region have strengths that we can build upon, they all have valid friends since I formed my county chapter a few years right now, we currently have a governor candidate, Jake points, and I am good at finding where those strengths back, and his ideas and energy are contagious, while his Porter of Iowa, trying to get in the debates. The organiz- and points overlap and help us all keep moving toward principles are without question. LNC Secretary Caryn ers have told him they base inclusion on fund raising, freedom and liberty. Vol. 48, Issue 3 The Libertarian Party — LP.org Page 7 New platform plank protects sex worker rights By Tracy Ryan, LP Hawaii Chair side may include mainstream feminists, nocchios. TheGuardian of London pub- What sex workers want is “decriminal- liberal feminists, libertarian feminists, and lished a story a few years ago that started ization,” which means simply repealing the his article black feminists. But the radical feminists dis- when 71 immigrant women were identified criminal laws against consenting adults in this is meant miss all others and claim they are the only as sex workers in London. No one talked to business, including managers, buyers, and sex to help Li­ feminists. Their views are based on the phil- the women to determine their situations. workers. This is the most libertarian model. Tbertarians­ discuss osophical writings of a handful of people. The fact that they were immigrants selling The alternative is “legalization,” which implies and understand Some of them hold to the extreme views of sex was enough to label them as traffick- an organized and regulated brothel system the new plank Andrea Dworkin that all sexual penetration ing victims. Then the media, politicians, that may continue to criminalize workers who supporting sex is exploitation, and women should limit their and rescue industry began spinning the choose to work independently. worker rights. relations with men to cuddling. Another numbers involved. Remember, the number The recent take down of Backpage under Candidates may writer, Janice Raymond, insists that male-to- was 71 people. After circulating it back and federal threats and the indictments against wish to know female transsexuals are part of a plot by men forth, the number swelled to an estimate of its owners is a chilling new twist in Amer- what the anti- Tracy Ryan to infiltrate women’s space. To her, trans- tens of thousands of sex slaves. The actual ica’s war on the sex industry. Now anyone prostitution lob- sexual surgeries are a form of rape. She is a evidence of sex slavery was none. The con- who sells advertising can be held criminally by has to say and how to respond to it. We founder of the Coalition Against Trafficking clusion was tens of thousands. liable for ads posted that may involve sex may also find opportunities to involve our- Women, a large and influential U.S. group. The laws in many states are very harmful. trafficking. Where this concept ends and selves with active sex worker rights groups. Radical feminism is dogmatic. Evidence that They are poorly written and may allow for how it will affect all advertising platforms as contradicts their views is simply dismissed. felony conviction of sex workers who work Congress adds new “offenses” remains to be Who are the opposing sides? They believe all commercial sex acts entail together as they are “trafficking” each other. seen. There are serious First Amendment The anti-prostitution side is led by the the exploitation of women, and no actual In some states, having condoms in one’s issues involved. The upshot of this is that radical feminists, who are allied with social woman’s claim to the contrary is accepted. purse can be used as evidence of intent to many independent workers can no longer conservatives and supported by the federal Anti-prostitution advocates promote engage in prostitution. In some cities, zones find clients, and are being re-approached by government. The sex worker rights side in- what has become the dominant narra- have been set up where one can be charged pimps in order to continue to make a living. cludes various sex worker–led organizations, tive thanks to millions of dollars spent with “manifesting prostitution.” This means Increases in street-based sex work are being Amnesty International, the American Civil to spread it. In this story, a very young a woman in sexy clothes can be arrested and complained about in communities as part Liberties Union, many public health or- white girl from a good family is lured or charged if she is on the street in these zones. of this negative consequence. ganizations, and several leading gay rights kidnapped by an adult male and forced I have been told that many of the zones are groups. A cottage industry of rescue organi- into prostitution. She becomes emotion- in black neighborhoods. This race aspect Following up zations, mostly faith-based, has cropped up ally attached to and afraid of this man, has angered many African-Americans. The You can learn more at various websites. in the last 17 years with an aim to save people who is identified as her “pimp.” However, Black Lives Matter people were well repre- They include lots of information and ar- from the sex trades. Millions of dollars are the word “pimp” may describe anyone sented at the most recent national sex work- guments that can be used to support our available to fund these efforts. The rescue who manages prostitution without fitting er conference. Racial profiling of black men plank. You can find ways to work with sex industry and law enforcement both receive into the dominate narrative. So the word and women is very problematic. worker organizations. You should also find funding based on the notion that there are is first used to describe a horror story and Many anti-prostitution advocates favor out what your state and local laws actual- a large number of “sex slaves” to be rescued. then, without notifying the listener, caus- the so called Nordic model. This started in ly say. How many ways can they be used Many exaggerated figures have been circu- ally used to include a whole assortment of Sweden and has spread to other countries. to turn adult sex workers into felons for lated to support the flow of cash. cases involving consenting adults. Their laws apply only to the buyers and things like supporting each other, giving There are, of course, real trafficking -vic managers, but not to the sellers of sex. The advice on safety issues, or as “co-conspir- tims and agencies that offer assistance in a Spinning the numbers theory is that all sex workers are victims ators” in their own trafficking? harm-reductionist and pragmatic way. The Vast numbers of sex slaves are claimed. and all the men who hire them abusers. You may wish to visit bayswan.org, largest association of these groups is the South Sex trafficking victims seem to be every- It is similar to statutory rape laws in that swopusa.org, durbar.org, gaatw.org, and Asia–based Global Alliance Against Traffic where. Actual evidence suggests otherwise, the victim’s consent is not relevant. Putting similar sites. You may also check out Reason in Women. They support sex worker rights. but doesn’t get much airtime. Common adult women into the same class as chil- magazine’s numerous articles exposing the They are neither morality-based or beneficia- claims of 20 million to 40 million traffick- dren is somehow figured to be feminism. falsehoods of the anti-trafficking campaign, ries of the U.S. government money train. ing victims are repeated endlessly, but there To a rational person, though, this is clearly as well as the Washington Post’s fact checker. If you Google “feminism” you will find is no actual evidence of such numbers. The an attack on the sellers of sex because it at- I can be reached at [email protected] many subcategories. The sex worker rights Washington Post gave these claims four Pi- tacks their source of income. if you would like additional information.

Successful national convention tal in the party’s preparation for the elections this fall. K. Zakhari, Joseph Thompson, John Shuey, Gregory ...continued from page 1 Many thanks to the members of the Convention Over- Hertzsch, Judge Jim Gray, Daniel Hayes, Dr. Aaron Sigler, sight Committee, who worked for months, even years, to Ending Addiction Movie, and Lloyd Princeton. listed at: LP.org/libertarian-national-committee plan this event: Daniel Hayes (chair), Erin Adams, Whit- Lastly, and most importantly, thanks to the many Lib- The convention gala, held on July 2, raised more than ney Bilyeu, Sam Goldstein, Alicia Mattson, Drew Layda, ertarians who came from all over the country and served $110,000, driven in large part by generous members mak- and Ken Moellman. as delegates, alternates, attendees, and activists, and made ing donations to help fellow members upgrade to Lifetime And many thanks to the sponsors of this event, es- this event the blockbuster success that it was. Memberships (currently set at a donor level of $1,500 with- pecially the Welcoming Committee: Michael Dodd, The 2020 Libertarian National Convention will be in in a 12-month period). The funds raised will be instrumen- the Gaztañagas, Roads to Freedom Foundation, Nivine Austin, Texas. We hope to see you there! Page 8 The Libertarian Party — LP.org August 2018 5 Libertarians inducted into LP Hall of Liberty By Tim Hagan, LNC Treasurer there wasn’t much of a decision to make.” As political director, he spearheaded multiple efforts, Bergland is the author of the book Libertarianism in from getting Bob Barr defeated in his 2002 reelection bid ive recipients of the Lib- One Lesson and a former adjunct professor of law at West- to providing a Libertarian Party presence at multiple anti– ertarian Party’s Jefferson ern State University’s Colleges of Law in Fullerton and Ir- War on Drugs events. He participated in protests and es- Award were inducted into vine, California. tablished Libertarian campus organizations. Four Hall of Liberty during the Bergland received the Jefferson Award in 1998. He was also involved with various partisan and non- 2018 Libertarian Party’s national partisan groups and organizations, such as the Committee convention in New Orleans. John Perry for Libertarian Majority and the November Coalition. In In 2012, the Libertarian Par- In 2001, John Perry was an 2000, Campaigns and Elections magazine named Cricken- ty established the Hall of Liberty avid Libertarian Party member berger a “rising star of politics.” It cited his role in increas- to honor a lifetime or significant and a New York City police offi- ing by 400 percent the number of Libertarians holding achievement having a lasting cer. On Sept. 11, Mr. Perry was public office. He was the Libertarian Party of Virginia’s 8th effect on the Libertarian Party Tim Hagan at police headquarters in lower District congressional candidate that year. or libertarian movement. Pre- Manhattan to file his retire- Crickenberger worked with the November Coalition viously, the Thomas Jefferson Award had served as the ment papers. He was planning and other drug law reform groups on the issues of the award for lifetime achievement, the highest honor the to leave the police force to join failed war on drugs. He was architect of the Libertar- Libertarian Party could bestow. Also in 2012, the awards a small immigration law firm. ian Party’s Drug War Focus Strategy. His opposition committee changed the purpose of the Jefferson Award When notice of the catastro- to the War on Drugs was his signature issue, an issue to recognize “outstanding leadership, high character, and phe at the World Trade Center John Perry on which public opinion has moved heavily toward the dedication to the principles and goals of the party.” came in over the police radio, libertarian perspective. Crickenberger passed away in These two changes inadvertently created a discontinu- Perry immediately left to help rescue citizens from the 2004. ity in the awards. To resolve this, in December 2016, the burning buildings. He was last seen on the mezzanine Crickenberger received the Jefferson Award in 2004. Libertarian National Committee moved to induct into the of the south tower shortly before it collapsed. When Hall of Liberty all who had received the Thomas Jefferson the building began to collapse, a police captain warned Ruth Bennett Award for lifetime achievement prior to the 2012 changes. Perry to evacuate, but he insisted on staying as long as Ruth Bennett is a former The motion was adopted without objection. there were people still inside. The captain barely got out chair of both LP Washington Four recipients of the Jefferson Award prior to 2012 in time, and he saw Perry disappear into the dust as the and LP Colorado. She has served already had been inducted in the Hall of Liberty: David building fell. as regional representative, at- Nolan, Ed Clark, Harry Browne, and Bill Redpath. Five Perry was a member of the Nassau County Civil Liber- large representative, and secre- pre-2012 Jefferson Award recipients had not been induct- ties Union, was active in the Police Brutality Commission, tary of the Libertarian National ed into the Hall of Liberty. So these five Jefferson Award and had volunteered for Norman Siegal’s campaign for Committee. Bennett has served recipients — David Bergland, John Perry, Ron Cricken- public advocate. as the vice chair of Outright Lib- berger, Ruth Bennett, and Jim Lark — were inducted dur- “As a libertarian and a police officer, John was dedicat- ertarians. In addition, she was ing the LP’s biennial convention held this year, June 30 ed to defending everyone’s right to life, liberty, and prop- the lead organizer for the 1981 through July 3. erty,” said Richard Cooper, former chair of LP New York. and 1987 Libertarian national Ruth Bennett “He was a true hero. He was a great Libertarian.” conventions. David Bergland Prior to joining the NYPD, Perry had worked as an In 2000, Bennett ran for lieutenant governor of Wash- David Bergland was the immigration lawyer. He also worked as an extra in many ington on a platform of abolishing that very office. In 1976 Libertarian vice presiden- films, and as a recurring character in the television soap 2004, she ran for governor of Washington, a race in which tial candidate. In 1978, in his opera Another World. she was the only candidate to support the legalization of run for state Senate, he was the Perry received the Jefferson Award in 2002. same-sex marriage. first candidate to appear on the Bennett is the executive director of the Funeral Con- ballot as a Libertarian in Cali- Ron Crickenberger sumer Alliance of Arizona and is a past president of the fornia. He was the Libertarian Ron Crickenberger was a national board of the Funeral Consumers Alliance. presidential nominee in 1984, highly visible and continuous Bennett received the Jefferson Award in 2008. and later supported another activist in the Libertarian Party. presidential candidate, Harry He served as the LP’s politi- Jim Lark Browne, as campaign co-chair. David Bergland cal director from 1997 to 2003. Jim Lark served as the Lib- Bergland served as the party’s Crickenberger was a member of ertarian Party’s national chair national chair from 1977 to 1981, and again from 1998 the Libertarian National Com- from 2000 to 2002, and has to 2000. mittee from 1989 to 1997. He served several terms on the Bergland’s libertarian values and beliefs were formed also served as the chair of the LNC; currently, he is the Re- long before he officially joined the party. Libertarian Party of Georgia gion 5 representative. He is a “I recall being a teenager and becoming involved in and was the southeast coordi- Ron Crickenberger member of the LNC’s Executive discussions, and — without having a name for it — always nator for Ron Paul’s 1988 presi- Committee, and since 2014 has coming out on the side of personal responsibility and in- dential campaign. He also managed Bruce Van Buren’s served as the LNC’s representa- dividual liberty,” he has said. “Upon discovering that there winning campaign for the Avondale Estates (Georgia) tive to the International Alliance was a political organization that was along the same lines, City Commission in 1995. continued on page 9... Jim Lark Vol. 48, Issue 3 The Libertarian Party — LP.org Page 9 2018 Libertarian Party award recipients By Jim Lark, Awards Committee (among other things) founding he recipients of the 2018 Libertar- a local party, serv- ian Party awards were announced ing as a candidate on July 2 during a ceremony at the at several levels, TLibertarian National Convention in New serving as an offi- Orleans. The announcements were made cer of Libertarian by the 2018 Awards Committee (Tim organizations, and Hagan, Daniel Hayes, Jim Lark, Keith serving as a mem- Laube, and Hap Werther). ber of the Liber- The recipients of the awards are: tarian National Julie Fox • Samuel Adams Award: Joe Johnson (Col- Committee. orado) and Alicia Mattson (California) The Paine • Benjamin Franklin Award: Jeff Hewitt Award is present- (California) ed in recognition • Patrick Henry Award: Mark Miller of outstanding (Texas) communication of • Thomas Jefferson Award: Julie Fox (Il- Libertarian ideas, linois) principles, and • Thomas Paine Award: Carla Howell Awards Committee member Keith Laube (center) presents the Adams Award for effective values­­ through activism to Joe Johnson and Alicia Mattson. (Virginia) written, published, The Adams long record of activism and service in Ten- Mark Miller was or spoken com- Award is present- nessee, Nevada, and California. Her recent recognized for munication. Carla Carla Howell ed in recognition work on campaigns and initiatives in Ox- his campaign for Howell was rec- of effective activ- nard, Calif., (along with Aaron Starr) was Texas Railroad ognized for her many years of advocacy of ism in building cited by her nominators. Commissioner Libertarian ideas during her campaigns for Party member- The Franklin in 2016. He was public office, and for her work in teaching ship, organizing Award is present- endorsed by ma- Libertarians how to communicate more community out- ed in recognition jor newspapers effectively. reach, or commu- of outstanding in Texas, includ- During the national convention in New nicating Libertar- campaigns for ing the Dallas Orleans, Ruth Bennett, David Bergland, ian principles. Joe Joe Johnson public office at Morning News, Mark Miller Ron Crickenberger, Jim Lark, and John Johnson was rec- the local level. the Houston Perry were inducted into the Libertarian ognized for his Jeff Hewitt was Chronicle, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Party’s Hall of Liberty. Induction into the many years of ac- recognized for and the San Antonio Express-News. He Hall of Liberty represents the Party’s high- tivism and cam- his campaign and received more than 5 percent of the vote, est honor, given in recognition of lifetime paigns, including election as mayor Jeff Hewitt guaranteeing ballot access for the Liber- or significant achievement that has made a his winning cam- of Calimesa, Cali- tarian Party of Texas. lasting impact upon the Libertarian Party paign for town fornia. His work as mayor was the subject The Jefferson Award is presented in and/or libertarian movement. You can trustee of Freder- of a story in the Orange County Register in recognition of outstanding leadership, high read more about the Hall of Liberty in- ick, Colo. January. character, and dedication to the principles ductees appears on page 8 of this issue. Alicia Matt- The Henry Award is presented in rec- and goals of the LP. Julie Fox was recognized Information about previous award re- son was recog- ognition of outstanding campaigns for for her many years of service at the local, cipients and Hall of Liberty members is nized for her public office at the state or federal level. state, and national levels, which includes online: LP.org/lnc-award-recipients Alicia Mattson

Hall of Liberty inductees advisors of Students for Liberty. program at the University of Virginia. ...continued from page 8 He has served as chair of the Advocates for Self-Gov- Lark received the Jefferson Award in 2008. In addition, ernment, and currently serves as secretary of Liberty In- he is the recipient of the 2004 Samuel Adams Award and of Libertarian Parties. He has also served on the Platform ternational (formerly the International Society for Indi- the 2012 Thomas Paine Award. Committee numerous times and on the Bylaws Commit- vidual Liberty). Lark frequently gives invited addresses at tee. He was a founding member of the board of directors libertarian events throughout the world. Hall of Liberty members of the Libertarian National Congressional Committee. He is a member of the Foundation for Economic Edu- • 2012: Ed Clark, John Hospers, Roger MacBride, David Lark is heavily involved with campus outreach, both cation’s faculty network, and received the foundation’s Nolan, and Tonie Nathan for LP Virginia and the national party. He advises college 2017 Leonard E. Read Distinguished Alumni Award for • 2014: Harry Browne and Richard Winger and high school libertarians throughout the country, and Leadership. • 2016: Ron Paul and Bill Redpath has conducted several campus-organizing tours on behalf Lark is a professor in the Department of Systems and • 2018: Ruth Bennett, David Bergland, Ron Crickenberg- of the Libertarian Party. He is a member of the board of Information Engineering and the Applied Mathematics er, Jim Lark, and John Perry Page 10 The Libertarian Party — LP.org August 2018 Ron Paul endorses Murray Sabrin for US Senator from NJ o r m e r Sabrin is also campaigning to restore congress- civil liberties to the American people, man and to end corporate welfare and the war on Fthree-time presi- drugs, to reduce burdensome federal regu- dential candidate lations, to sponsor comprehensive health Dr. Ron Paul has care reform in a free-market direction, to endorsed Liber- support of the entire Bill of Rights includ- tarian candidate ing the Second Amendment, to protect Murray Sabrin property rights as a way of preventing for U.S. Senator damaging environmental externalities, from New Jersey. Murray Sabrin and to protect American’s right to freely “I am pleased trade among themselves as well as with to endorse my good friend of 35 years vivors, is a professor at the Anisfield Col- at Sabrin’s campaign website. people of other countries. Murray Sabrin for United States Senate,” lege of Business at Ramapo College of New Also on his campaign website, Sabrin The Senate race in New Jersey, a long- Paul wrote in a statement. “Murray’s dedi- Jersey. He also served as Paul’s New Jersey quotes honest money advocate Ralph Ben- time blue state, is competitive this year. The cation to, and knowledge of, the principles spokesman during Paul’s 2008 presidential ko’s observations about how both of the federal trial of incumbent Democratic Sen. of liberty will make him an effective advo- primary campaign. dominant political parties can be counted Bob Menendez on conspiracy, bribery, and cate for freeing the people of New Jersey— “I am honored to receive Dr. Paul’s en- on only to serve their own interests. Only honest services corruption charges ended and the Nation–from excessive taxes, debt, dorsement,” Sabrin said. “For more than Libertarian candidates provide a true al- in a hung jury. The self-funded Republican and inflation, as well as ending the ongo- four decades Dr. Paul was America’s lead- ternative to the status quo based on indi- candidate is big-pharma CEO Bob Hugin. ing violations of our right to free speech, ing advocate of limited government at vidual freedom. Polls, which inexplicably exclude Sabrin, property, and privacy. Murray will also be home and a non-interventionist foreign “Politicians will spend,” Benko wrote. show that a huge number of voters are un- an outspoken Senator for peaceful rela- policy. He also was a critic of the Federal “That’s what politicians do. Republicans decided. The most recent poll, conducted tions with other nations, and work to en- Reserve’s destabilizing policies, which will spend on the Warfare State. Demo- by Fairleigh Dickinson University, shows sure that our immigration policies adhere have been responsible for the economy’s crats will spend on the Welfare State. 46 percent undecided with a 4 percent to common sense solutions like his pro- booms and busts. If elected to the Senate, They’ll collude. If you don’t cut my boon- margin of difference between Menendez posal to have immigrants obtain sponsors, I will continue to be a voice like Dr. Paul doggle I won’t cut yours. It’s what they do. and Hugin. That 46 percent is larger than so they can assimilate and become finan- who always spoke Truth to Power in the The power to end the charade is ours and support for either Menendez or Hugin. cially independent.” House of Representatives and in his presi- ours alone. It’s up to us and nobody else. This year, the Libertarian Party is run- Ron Paul was the Libertarian Party’s dential campaigns.” American citizens are waking up to how ning a record number of credible candi- 1988 presidential candidate, and was a To celebrate the Paul endorsement, the vastly the world has changed, how poten- dates with an incredible chance of making candidate in Republican primaries for Sabrin campaign is emulating Dr. Paul’s tially vast is citizen power, and how we can a difference in America’s political land- president in 2008 and 2012. Murray Sa- campaign’s money bomb technique. They transform the world to one of prosperity scape. Murray Sabrin is a dynamic mem- brin, whose parents were Holocaust sur- are asking for $35 money bomb donations and peace.” ber of that nationwide group. LP has several opportunities to achieve major progress By Jim Lark, ber are as follows: ture literature needs. (We need “inreach” literature as LNC Region 5 Representative • To provide exemplary service to the state affiliates in my well as “outreach” literature.) region, in terms of both my representation of affiliate • Increase the number of “friend of the family” organiza- preferences regarding LNC actions and in assisting af- tions with which the LP works effectively. s we enter the 2018-2020 filiate activities. • Increase the number of organizations to which the LP term, I believe the Lib- • To improve our youth outreach program, particularly conducts regular outreach. ertarian Party has sev- with respect to college and high school students. Aeral important opportunities to • Increase the number of active Libertarian student orga- • To improve the way the LP encourages, recognizes, and nizations and campus contacts in advance of the 2020 achieve major progress. In par- rewards activism. presidential election. ticular, I believe we have a rea- • To help the LNC improve its ability to engage in strate- Incidentally, there are many outcomes that I hope sonably good chance to take two gic planning and to evaluate properly the performance important steps forward: of our activities. to help bring about during this term. I have listed • When people of libertarian • To serve the (U.S.) Libertarian Party well in my role as the ones for which I may have special competence in disposition decide to become the LNC’s representative to the International Alliance of achieving, and which can be achieved at a relatively active in politics, they do so by Jim Lark Libertarian Parties (IALP). low cost. becoming active with the Lib- Some outcomes I hope to achieve during this term Allow me to express my gratitude to my fellow LP ertarian Party at various levels. are: members for their work to build a society of liberty and • The Libertarian Party is clearly recognized as the only • Institute a process that (a) evaluates our current litera- personal responsibility. Those members who believe I can “third party” worthy of consideration. ture needs, (b) develops our literature, (c) evaluates the be of assistance to their efforts are welcome to contact me The general goals I have set for myself as an LNC mem- effectiveness of our literature, and (d) evaluates our fu- at [email protected]. Vol. 48, Issue 3 The Libertarian Party — LP.org Page 11 US, UK, all countries should embrace unilateral free trade By Bill Etheridge, If the steel industry only exists in America U.K. Independence Party, because of tariffs that price foreign steel Member of European Libertarian out of our markets, then steel lobbyists National will forever beg the government to keep Parliament Committee Executive or raise those tariffs to protect them. Ev- and Wes Benedict, Director Wes ery business that uses steel will suffer from Libertarian Party Benedict higher prices and lower quality. Executive Director meets with When representatives from the U.K. Bill Etheridge, Member of Independence Party (UKIP) recently met esides the Declaration of Indepen- European with Libertarians at the U.S. Libertarian dence of the United States, another Parliament Party headquarters in Alexandria, Va., the seminal event occurred in 1776. from the U.K. issue of free trade stood out as a priority BAdam Smith published The Wealth of Na- Independence among all our areas of common concern. Party, at tions. As he explained, “In every country it Libertarian The United Kingdom has a long history of always is and must be in the interest of the Party supporting free trade, as does the United great body of the people to buy whatever headquarters States, so why are we embroiled in new they want of those who sell it cheapest.” in Alexandria. trade restrictions and threats of still more Nothing has happened in the succeeding salvos in the world’s growing trade skir- 242 years to refute Smith’s remarkable in- mishes? sight. sumers in the country that levies the tariffs. magazine, the top five countries with the “I firmly believe that for a nation to be Much of the world seems to have forgot- Americans are poorer because they pay lowest trade barriers are Singapore, Hong prosperous, happy, and at peace it must ten that lesson today, though, as countries more for bananas. Ecuadorians are poorer Kong, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and implement free trade,” said Member of hike tariffs in an ongoing war of punitive because sell fewer bananas. The politically Finland. According to Business Insider, European Parliament Bill Etheridge, of the retaliation. It shouldn’t be this way, though. connected North Dakota banana growers the five countries with the highest trade U.K. Independence Party. “A post-Brexit By moving resources to more productive and their lobbyists are better off, but only barriers are Iran, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Ne- U.K. has a major opportunity to adopt a and valued uses, trade makes everybody at the coerced expense of everybody else. pal, and Pakistan. According to the CIA new approach and lead the way with uni- better off. This remains true no matter what The same logic applies to steel, alumi- Factbook, the average per capita income of lateral free trade. Pressing ahead with uni- kinds of tariffs or sanctions other countries num, and all the other goods being target- the top five free-trade countries is $57,520. lateral free trade would be a bold, peaceful impose. Trade barriers hurt the countries ed by the Donald Trump administration’s The average per capita income of the bot- move that would put us firmly on the map that impose them most of all. quack economist Trade Representative tom five is only $9,960. as an open free trading nation once again. The most important economic princi- Robert Lighthizer. Complaints about an Many people know that most econo- For too long the U.K. has been linked to a ple to help us understand gains from trade unequal balance of trade are meaningless. mists think free trade benefits everyone, protectionist block that has forced prices is “comparative advantage.” When people If a country sells more to us than we sell but they mistakenly think that this has to up for consumers and helped impoverish specialize in the goods and services they to them, the difference comes back as for- be a two-way street. Hardly anybody re- the third world. Let’s use Brexit as a posi- can produce more efficiently, then trade eign investment in our country. We have alizes that a country can implement free tive mechanism to rectify decades of ex- for the rest, they create wealth and grow a trade imbalance with China, but China trade unilaterally and still reap the benefits pensive isolated trade as a result of being the economy. is also the largest holder of U.S. Treasury of free trade regardless of what the rest of a member of the European Union’s protec- For example, it is theoretically pos- debt and is making direct investments in the world does. That’s the great news. tionist racket.” sible to grow bananas in North Dakota American factories. The Chinese company “Trade wars are completely unneces- The United States should follow suit, with an immense investment in green- Shangdong Tranlin Paper recently built a sary and completely unwise,” Benedict and abandon the long-discredited eco- houses and electricity for grow lamps. brand-new paper mill near Richmond, Va., said. “Either side — or both sides — can nomic fallacies that the Trump administra- They would be very expensive bananas, creating many new American jobs. When win, simply by refusing to impose tariffs. tion has resurrected. Mountains of empiri- though, compared to those that can be countries freely trade with each other, the While tariffs are bad, retaliatory tariffs are cal evidence and sound economic theory inexpensively imported from Ecuador, balance of payments includes both trade even worse, wholly foolish, unnecessary, both show that tariffs and trade wars only where bananas grow like weeds. If a lobby and investment activity, and these are al- and counterproductive because they ex- serve to impoverish American workers. for North Dakota banana producers made ways in balance. acerbate trade wars. When countries stop “More than anything else, economic enough noise about protecting American “Countries with free trade are rich and trading with each other, this often leads to fallacies inform this president’s trade banana-producing jobs, and made enough strong,” said Wes Benedict, executive di- shooting wars.” views,” wrote Daniel J. Ikenson, director of strategic campaign contributions, it could rector of the U.S. Libertarian Party. “Coun- When the United States imposes tariffs the Cato Institute’s Center for Trade Policy persuade Congress to raise tariffs on ba- tries with high tariffs are sick, corrupt, and on goods from Canada or China, most of Studies, about President Trump’s recent nanas from Ecuador. When those prices weak. There are some exceptions to that the damage happens to the United States. actions. “Unlike his predecessors, he sees rise high enough, North Dakota bananas rule, because trade isn’t the only factor If Canada and China are smart, they would trade not as a win-win proposition, but as would become competitive at the grocery that determines wealth, but every country refuse to retaliate. If they were wise, they’d a zero-sum game with distinct winners and store — but consumers would pay more with trade restrictions would be wealthier go further and reduce their own tariffs and losers. Exports are Team America’s points; to purchase them, and have less money to if they unilaterally eliminated their own other trade restrictions to zero, reaping the imports are the foreign teams’ points; the spend on anything else they want to buy. tariffs — whether or not other countries benefits of lower prices, higher purchasing trade account is the scoreboard.” Tariffs and other trade restrictions ef- follow suit.” power, and a growing economy. Trump is using the wrong measure- fectively function as higher taxes on con- According to Financial Management Trade barriers also create dependency. ment to keep score. Page 12 The Libertarian Party — LP.org August 2018

they raised two kids and they now have five erty adjuster. He was active in Boy Scouts, grandchildren. Frank has also given back to earned Eagle Scout, and spent many sum- the community by volunteering for the lo- mers at Camp Maubila providing instruc- AFFILIATE Updates cal fire department, as well as helping take tion on topics ranging from swimming care of the elderly in nursing homes. He is and boating to environmental science and nature studies. Michael continues to offer ton University. Elijah serves as the vice chair also a member of American Legion Post 140 tutoring in his spare time and is eager for Alabama of the Libertarian Party of Madison County and the Lee County Voters League, and has Candidates confirmed for upcoming ballot the opportunity to help better prepare our and is a member of BamaCarry. emceed the Notasulga Christmas Parade for ith the coming elections in Novem- children for their future. Elijah was a delegate at the Libertarian two years. He has made it his goal to chal- ber, Alabama membership is grow- The Alabama secretary of state has con- W National Convention in New Orleans, and lenge corruption by bringing accountabil- ing, albeit slowly. firmed that Matt Shelby has qualified and introduced a resolution calling for the im- ity, fiscal responsibility, and transparency Activism is picking up and new county af- will appear on the November 2018 ballot as mediate removal from office of Attorney to the lacking Macon County government. filiates are starting. The LP Tennessee Valley the Libertarian Party candidate for House General Jeff Sessions. Needless to say, the Dillman said that his first act as commis- consists of Lawrence, Limestone, and Mor- District 96. Matt is a Baldwin County na- resolution was well received and adopted by sioner would be to “broadcast the county gan Counties; they’ve elected officers and are tive, and his family’s roots in the area go back the body of delegates. meetings so the information would be more starting up regular meetings. Montgomery, until the early 1900s. He received a bach- The Macon accessible to the public.” Bibb, Mobile, and Escambia counties have elor’s degree in philosophy from Auburn County judge of The Baldwin chairs pro tem who are working towards be- University and went on to the University Of probate has ver- County probate coming recognized affiliates. Alabama School Of Law on a Dean’s Merit bally confirmed judge has con- We recently hosted a reception in Bir- Scholarship. After graduating with his juris that Frank Dill- firmed that Lib- mingham for everyone running for national doctor degree in 2008, he returned home to man has quali- ertarian Michael office, as well as speakers from Alabama Baldwin County, where he served until De- fied and will Reeves will be on NORML, the Mises Institute, and several of cember 2009 as an assistant district attorney appear on the the ballot for the our candidates. Swag bags and other items before going into private practice. He cur- November 2018 office of Baldwin were auctioned. The reception was well at- rently practices law at the Citrin Law Firm ballot as the Lib- County Board tended, and we are looking forward to a in Daphne. Matt lives in Daphne with his ertarian Party Frank Dillman of Education, similar event in the fall. Michael Reeves wife, Jennifer, and their three children. He is candidate for District 2. This Alabama has four candidates on the bal- a member of Christ the King Church. He was Macon county commissioner, District 4. makes him the second Libertarian to be lot for the November elections. Originally active in the 2008 and 2012 presidential cam- Frank is no stranger to the local political confirmed for Baldwin County. All of the there were six, however, one had to with- paigns of Republican Ron Paul, as well the arena and has been active since the early controversy surrounding the Board of Edu- draw and one did not make it through the 2016 presidential campaign of Libertarian ’90s. He has written articles for the Tuskegee cation and Superintendent Eddie Tyler has validation process. All of our candidates pe- Party presidential nominee Gov. Gary John- News, testified before numerous legislative shown the people of Baldwin County that titioned with the help of friends and family, son, and currently serves as the secretary of committees and has been a vocal critic of they need more choices than the Repub- not spending any money for signatures! We the Libertarian Party of Baldwin County. the county’s suspicious business practices. lican and Democratic candidates. Michael are most thankful to everyone that helped He has promised to fight government cor- He also manages and speaks on behalf of earned a bachelor's degree at Georgia State with signature gathering. ruption through his support for term limits. the LetBamaVote.org campaign. Frank is 69 University in Atlanta. He returned to the The secre- Matt wants to address an overloaded justice years old and is retired from the U.S. Navy. Gulf Coast, where he has spent more than tary of state has and prison system through criminal justice He moved to Macon County with his wife a decade working in IT and finance for a confirmed that reform. “We spend too much money arrest- of almost 48 years, Dorothea, in 1990 where locally owned and operated national prop- Elijah Boyd has ing, prosecuting and jailing people for drug qualified to ap- crimes,” he said. “Through my time as the pear on the ballot Baldwin County drug prosecutor, it became as the Libertarian obvious that we need to treat nonviolent Party candidate drug offenders as what they are: people with for House Dis- an illness. By focusing on rehabilitation over trict 10. Initially, incarceration, we will lighten the load on the Elijah was denied Elijah Boyd courts, law enforcement, and the pocket- ballot access but book of the Alabama tax-payer.” Matt Shelby appealed the ruling and won. House District will appear on the ballot for the Nov. 6 gen- 10 covers Southwest Madison County, in- eral election. cluding portions of Madison and Huntsville, The Alabama Executive Committee Triana, and Redstone Arsenal. Elijah and his has been busy documenting processes family moved to the city of Madison in 2012. and procedures for the future members to He and his wife of 17 years, Tiffany, have ensure continuity and alleviate the huge been foster parents for four years serving the learning curve that new Executive Com- children of Madison County, recently being mittee members encounter. We’re also blessed as adoptive parents. A U.S. Army vet- putting in place tools to track upcoming eran, Elijah served in Iraq and Germany. He elections, recruit and train candidates, and graduated from Central Methodist Univer- grow membership. Everyone is excited sity with a bachelor’s degree in computer sci- about the future of the Alabama LP. ence, and also holds an MBA from Amber- Matt Shelby, LP Alabama candidate for House District 96, with his family. continued on page 13... Vol. 48, Issue 3 The Libertarian Party — LP.org Page 13

AFFILIATE Updates

...continued from page 12 Hinkle said. “In 2016, we had about 10 volunteers who met hundreds of quiz-tak- ers, and we distributed an estimated 1,000 Arizona buttons. This year, we’ve distributed well Organizing a series of write-in campaigns over 100 buttons in just the first two days. rizona candidates, kicked off the ballot Among the most popular are ‘Pro-choice Aby political operatives, are organizing a on everything,’ ‘Think: It’s not illegal yet,’ write-in effort to qualify their candidates in and our ‘No wall’ button.” The LP Indiana delegation to the 2018 Libertarian National Convention in New Orleans. the closed Libertarian primary, and if suc- The 2016 team found that fair-go- cessful, these candidates will be on the gen- ers — including farmers and ranch- filed petitions for state representive, Jon ertarian National Committee, and Region eral election ballot in November. ers, amusement seekers, fellow exhibi- Harlson filed for U.S. Congress, John Phil- 3 selected Elizabeth Van Horn as its repre- Arizona Libertarian candidates include: tors — ran approximately 55 percent lips Jr. filed for Macon County Board, and sentative. • Adam Kokesh for U.S. senator libertarian. With about a dozen volunteers Ian Peak filed for Jefferson County Board. As a panelist in her breakout session, • Barry Hess for governor lined up this year, Hinkle expects to build Unlike the statewide candidates’ petition, Hagerstown Judge Susan Bell discussed get- • Ernest Hancock for secretary of state on the success they had two years ago. there were objections to the petitions for ting elected and serving in office. Mark W. • Michael Kielsky for attorney general “The fair is a uniquely relaxed and fun op- Mathey, Freed, Harlson, and Phillips. Un- Rutherford, chairman of the Indiana Public • Kim Ruff for state mine inspector portunity to talk with voters about the Lib- fortunately, all of those objections were Defender Commission and candidate for In- • Zhani Doko for U.S. Congress, C.D. 1 ertarian principle of individual freedom, and sustained. Ian Peak was successful in col- diana secretary of state, spoke on a panel at • Jenn Gray for U.S. Congress, C.D. 9 how that benefits them directly,” he said. lecting enough signatures and surviving the the Libertarian Pragmatist Caucus meeting. • Kevin McCormick for state Senate, L.D. 15 challenge period. He will be on the ballot in Also, Hoosier Evan McMahon worked All Arizona Libertarian voters are en- November for Jefferson County Board. on Nicholas Sarwark’s bid for re-election couraged to participate in the primary Illinois McLean County has nine candidates run- as national chair, and McMahon will Full slate of statewide Illinois candidates election on Aug. 28 and write in our write- ning for partisan office in November as a -re work on Sarwark’s campaign for mayor of in candidates. fter a three-month petition drive sult of achieving established party status in Phoenix. Former LPIN Executive Director Follow updates at the LP Arizona web- Aled by Ballot Access Director Krysta that county in 2016. McLean County voters Chris Spangle hosted the We Are Libertar- site: arizonafreedomteam.com Walker, the Libertarian Party of Illinois will have one of the most competitive ballots ians booth, and he interviewed delegates turned in 47,690 signatures for a full slate of ever, with only two local races unopposed for his popular podcast. Goldstein and Joe statewide candidates, almost doubling the compared to 13 unopposed races in the Hauptmann both ran for vice chairman, California minimum requirement of 25,000. Top vol- State fair team builds on 2016 experience last election cycle. In addition, the McLean and both remained in the final ballot. unteers Jason Spyres and Justin Tucker, col- County chapter is circulating a petition for his summer, LP California reached out lected more than 1,600 signatures each. Bill a referendum on the November ballot that to people from all walks of life, at its Redpath of Virginia travelled to Illinois and Iowa T would allow voters to choose whether or not State’s first televised LP primary debates booth at the state fair, which ran July 13–29. generously volunteered his time and col- to eliminate one of the two duplicitive elec- Mark Hinkle, LP California’s member- lected nearly 1,000 signatures in only a few tion authorities in the county. owa Libertarian gubernatorial candi- ship committee chair and a former LNC days. With such a high validity rate and vol- Kate Nadolski was appointed to a newly Idates Marco Battaglia and Jake Porter chair, again spearheaded the effort. In ume of signatures, the two old parties chose created party archivist position within the made history in the first televised Liber- 2016, he took advantage of the LP’s state not to challenge the petition, which moves Libertarian Party of Illinois. Having a mas- tarian primary debates, held on the Iowa affiliate development specialist Andy the statewide candidates’ campaign time- ter’s degree in library and information sci- Public Television Iowa Press program. Burns, who had run successful state fair lines up six to eight weeks, enables more ence, Nadolski is uniquely qualified to take Additionally the candidates were featured booths for LP Minnesota. effective fundraising, and guarantees ballot on this role. She will coordinate the collec- on the CBS, NBC, and ABC local affiliate “Andy was tremendously helpful, both access for the general election in November. tion, retention, and accessibility of historic programming, including Sunday morn- with remote pre-planning and on site,” John Eldon Mathey and Thadeus Freed items and documents. She looks forward ing shows devoted entirely to our race. As to meeting with longtime members, mak- well, Jake Porter was endorsed by the Des ing new discoveries, and engaging with the Moines Register in our primary race, an- LNC’s Historical Preservation Committee. other first for our party. Long-time Iowa participated in the major party pri- LP California mary elections on June 5. Jake Porter bested activist Barbara Indiana Marco Battaglia in our contested guberna- Engelhardt Hoosiers represented at LP convention torial race, and will appear on the general reaches out oosier Libertarians sent 29 delegates ballot as our nominee for governor. Lynne to folks at and one alternate to represent Indi- Gentry will be on the general election bal- the California H State Fair’s ana at the 2018 Libertarian National Con- lot as Porter’s lieutenant governor nominee; Libertarian vention. Six alternates also served with in Iowa, gubernatorial candidates run as a Party booth. states that couldn’t fill their delegations. team on the ballot. Convention delegates chose Sam Gold- Porter has also been invited to partici- stein for at-large representative to the Lib- continued on page 14... Page 14 The Libertarian Party — LP.org August 2018

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...continued from page 13 pate in the Sioux City NBC affiliate tele- New Hampshire State representatives run for reelection vised debates alongside the Republican and Democrat gubernatorial nominees. Porter aving achieved ballot access via the accepted, and if the other two candidates Hgovernor’s race in 2016, the Libertar- accept, this will be the first time a Libertar- ian Party of New Hampshire now has more ian candidate in Iowa has debated the other than two dozen candidates on the ballot for major party candidates on television. the fall 2018 elections. For the first time in We held post-primary nominating con- its history, the party will have a contested ventions on the district and state levels, primary for governor. In addition, 17 can- placing five statewide candidates and two didates are running for state representative, U.S. Congressional candidates on the gen- including incumbents Caleb Q. Dyer and eral election ballot. Iowa now has all state- Brandon Phinney. Other party members are wide and federal races with a Libertarian running for other federal, state, and local of- fices. LP North Carolina candidate for U.S. House of Representatives Jeff Matemu won a candidate for the first time in Iowa history. landmark case defending immigrant rights. Major-party status has afforded us the abil- In 2018, Rep. Phinney saw three of his ity to place these candidates via convention sponsored bills passed into law. He and have similar remedies. All PJCs and similar Rep. Dyer are working hard on their re- North Carolina devices can no longer be used by immigra- without petitioning requirements, saving Landmark immigration case victory us from gathering more than 10,000 signa- election campaigns, and other Libertarian tion judges as a basis for deportation deci- he Libertarian Party candidate for tures. Multiple county parties will also con- candidates hope to join them as members sions or denial of immigration benefits. U.S. House of Representatives, North vene nominating conventions. Iowa now of the New Hampshire Libertarian House T Matemu’s campaign is attracting great Carolina District 2, Jeff Matemu, struck a has 29 partisan candidates filed for office, a Caucus next year. interest in North Carolina and beyond. For powerful blow for immigrant rights in a state record. Libertarian congressional candidate more information on his campaign please Justin O’Donnell earned media attention case decided on June 27. Marco Battaglia, former gubernatorial visit his website: jeffmatemu.org recording a video while traveling through The case involved an immigrant from El candidate, has accepted the LPIA’s nomi- a “border” checkpoint that was more than Salvador who was denied the right to apply nation to run as attorney general. With no 70 air miles from the border in Wood- to remain in the country by an immigration Republican nominee, this will be our first Ohio stock, including a mention in an article judge in Charlotte. The petitioner entered More than 100K petition signatures filed two-way statewide race, against a long time in the D.C.-based publication The Hill. In the United States illegally, a victimless of- Democrat incumbent, greatly increasing he Libertarian Party of Ohio filed the video, O’Donnell said, “I feel that hav- fense. The petitioner was assessed a prayer our opportunity to maintain major-party Tballot access petitions containing ing to be asked that question at a warrant- for judgement continued (PJC) to misde- 102,762 signatures with the Ohio secretary status. less checkpoint seems like a violation of meanor possession of marijuana, a victim- of state on July 2. Signatures came from all my Fifth Amendment rights.” The entire less offense. Thirteen years later, the Depart- 88 counties, and amounted to nearly twice Louisiana state of New Hampshire is within the 100- ment of Homeland Security charged the the 54,965 valid signatures required by LP convention a tremendous success mile zone that Customs and Border Patrol petitioner with removability by interpreting law. Candidates are now permitted to so- he most important news out of Louisi- agents use to conduct suspicionless check- a prayer for judgement as a conviction. licit signatures for their own petitions and Tana is, of course, the tremendous success points. Earlier this year, a New Hampshire Matemu argued against this interpreta- begin work on their campaigns. of the 2018 Libertarian National Convention judge threw out evidence of drug posses- tion in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the The filing concludes a year-and-a-half in New Orleans! sion found last year when CPB agents, Fourth Circuit and prevailed, reversing the campaign that required a major financial The Libertarian Party of Louisiana conducting a checkpoint, illegally searched Board of Immigration Appeals decision commitment at both the national and state would like to thank everyone who attend- vehicles after a marijuana festival had taken and preserving the rights of immigrants to levels, and consumed an estimated 20,000 ed. We all greatly enjoyed hosting you, and place in northern New Hampshire. receive just and equitable treatment under volunteer hours. It was made necessary we hope everyone had a wonderful time in In other news, the LPNH recently add- the law. by a protest made in 2014 that invalidated the Big Easy. As has been reported by the ed a local affiliate for the Upper Valley that Matemu filed an appeal from the im- gubernatorial candidate Charlie Earl’s peti- national party already, the convention was covers all of Sullivan County and most of migration judge’s decision to deport Jose tion, making it impossible to obtain the 3 an unprecedented success. We hope that Grafton County. The party continues to Santos Guzman, but the Board of Immi- percent of the gubernatorial vote required Austin 2020 continues to build on this suc- develop its infrastructure and local affili- gration Appeals concluded that the previ- by state law to retain ballot access. cess, and is even better! ates and intends to have affiliates in all -ar ous judgement was correct. He then took “We are stronger knowing that 102,762 We would especially like to thank Dan- eas of the state as soon as possible. If you the fight to the Fourth Circuit Court of voters signed their names to give Ohio iel Hayes, chair of the Convention Over- can support us in our efforts to strengthen Appeals and sued Jeff Sessions, the Justice more and better choices to address our eco- sight Committee and former LNC at-large liberty in New Hampshire, either by vol- Department, and the entire Trump admin- nomic and social issues,” said LPO chair representative, for his incredible work in unteering or providing financial support, istration. And he won. Harold Thomas. “Ohioans want solutions, putting this convention together. Daniel please visit our website at LPNH.org and This has far-reaching implications for and sense that the way forward might lie works as hard as humanly possible for this click on either the “volunteer” or “donate” immigrants throughout the United States. in less government instead of more. The party, and we are proud to have him as one link. A prayer for judgment continued is unique establishment parties will try to fill your of our own. to North Carolina, but other states may continued on page 15... Vol. 48, Issue 3 The Libertarian Party — LP.org Page 15

AFFILIATE Updates

...continued from page 14 tal of around $57,000 raised. While other minds with misconceptions about us. We candidates in the past have had higher con- are not ‘Republicans lite,’ we are not a group tributions, all others self-funded their can- of spoilers whose primary purpose is to didacies for the most part, setting him apart throw elections in any direction except that as actually having support of people willing of liberty, and we are not anarchists bent on to see the campaign succeed. social chaos. I invite all Ohioans to embrace The Libertarian Party of Utah has also the Libertarian Party and its candidates as been at the forefront of a medical cannabis we represent a true choice. We will not only initiative, which is officially headed to the show how to fix a broken system, but make ballot in November. While the party will continue to push for full decriminalization/ it robust enough to secure the blessings of LP Utah had a presence at six events liberty for ourselves and our posterity.” legalization, this is seen as a crucial step in a statewide on July 4. Above, the Denyse Cox The secretary of state has until Aug. 3 to deeply red state toward increases in liberty, campaign for state House. To the right, 2nd notify the party of his decision on the valid- especially for patients who will benefit from District congressional candidate Jeffrey Whipple (center). ity of the ballot access petitions. the use of cannabis should this pass. districts are so gerrymandered that our 3rd South Carolina Virginia Congressional District was the basis for the Four new county affiliates organized Major opportunity for major-party status Supreme Court lawsuit from 2016. Our five regions are based on the major media he South Carolina Libertarian Party he Libertarian Party of Virginia is cre- markets, and will focus on having three has an incredible opportunity to make an continues to grow, with four new ating history. We have a sixth state- T T positions to work directly with affiliates: a impact. For more information, visit his counties organized in the spring before the wide candidate in seven years, which has media liaison, an event coordinator, and a website: porter4us.com national convention and an expected four never been accomplished in Virginia’s his- volunteer coordinator. We appreciate all Pete Wells is an avid activist in Rich- or five more to be organized in August, tak- tory by a minor party. The Matt Waters for our volunteers and are grateful for their ef- mond’s downtown area. He is running for ing us to an anticipated level of 30 or 31 of U.S. Senate campaign is looking for paid forts in our state affiliate’s strong history. We the 4th Congressional District seat held by 46 counties organized and registered with and volunteer campaign staff to fill out continue to look to grow our party’s mem- Don McEachin. Pete is an incredible ambas- their clerk of court, and with the ability to an incredible opportunity for ballot ac- bership and effectiveness. sador for the Libertarian message. He will run partisan candidates for county races. cess and a potential major win in Virginia. We also have three incredible candi- be a great candidate for us, assuming we can We were at 22 counties last November, up Waters is running against Tim Kaine (yes, dates for U.S. House of Representatives. Joe overcome an error in the processing of his from 10 counties in November 2015. the good guy to Hillary’s evil on their 2016 presidential ticket) and Corey Stewart, a Walton is the former chair of the Board of petitions and we are appealing his ability to candidate who won’t disavow the alt-right Supervisors for Powhatan County. In the be on the ballot. This has never been done Utah that primarily supports his campaign. He 7th Congressional District, he is going up in the commonwealth’s history. This sets the LP candidates at Utah’s July 4 parades supported the actions that occurred in against Dave Brat, who knocked off House stage for future changes to election law with Majority Leader Eric Cantor for the first the administration of this process. Any- he Libertarian Party of Utah and its Charlottesville and the Republican Party time in history, and Abigail Spanberger, body that can help Pete’s campaign, please nominated candidates for office were in Virginia is siphoning off activists and T who is an ex-CIA operative. The soon-to- visit: FB.com/petewellsforliberty in a full sprint in June and July. With a elected officials by the boatload. We have be Dr. Walton brings incredible experience The LPVA is grateful to Andy Burns for record number of events held in commu- a significant opportunity to garner 10 per- and brilliance to the stage in a hotly contest- his incredible work on the CRM project. nities throughout Utah. U.S. Senate candi- cent to achieve major party status in Vir- ed and highly notorious race. Joe will get a This is the most important thing we can do date Craig Bowden and a group of county ginia. We are piggybacking off very suc- lot of credible attention in this race and he to empower local affiliates across the coun- volunteers headed up one of the largest cessful campaigns by Rob Sarvis in 2013 may be able to swing it in his favor. This is a try. The more of us who use the system, parades in the state for July 4. Also on (7 percent) and 2014 (3 percent) and Cliff major battleground in Virginia politics, and the more we have continuity of volunteers, July 4 were outreach booths and parades in Hyra in 2017 (3 percent). We are looking we have a very credible candidate to show. stability in our institutional memory, and Southern Utah and Western Utah, where to sue the Virginia Bar Association for For more information, visit his campaign a lower-cost burden for all state affiliates. candidates and volunteers with the cam- inclusion in their U.S. Senate debate. To website: joeforvirginia.com Please consider getting your state on board paigns of Denyse Cox, Jefferey Whipple, volunteer, please contact the Waters cam- Stevan Porter is running in the 11th with this crucial project. Barry Short, Justin Bake, Amber Chris- paign at [email protected]. Congressional District. Northern Virginia tiansen Beltran, and Daniel Holloway were We have restructured our state organiza- is possibly the most political area in the able to coordinate resources for a total of tion and are looking for people to volunteer country, and he will be among four candi- Washington, D.C. six consecutive events throughout the state for various roles inside the party structure. dates on the November ballot. It is where Full slate of candidates for Nov. ballot on the same day. We need political, communications, IS, most federal employees tend to live, and n March, John LaBeaume became acting Bowden also broke a fundraising record outreach, and policy directors. These will statism runs rampant. His experience is in chair of the D.C. Libertarian Party with for third party–nominated candidates in require about two to three hours per week I information technology and fire and rescue. the task of getting candidates onto the ballot Utah. According to FEC reports, Bowden's of your time and will vary depending on His qualifications for this office are as stout for the June 19 primary election. Thanks to U.S. Senate campaign has raised more than the time of year. We are also partitioning as any of the other candidates, and Stevan $35,000 from individual donors, with a to- into five regions, since our congressional continued on page 16... LP Contact Upcoming LP conventions Media Buzz “With the two major parties more ® LIBERTARIAN PARTY August 25: Michigan concerned with partisan bicker- 1444 Duke St. ing and scoring points than ac- Alexandria, VA 22314 For updates, visit: LP.org/events Phone: (202) 333-0008 tually getting together and work- Fax: (202) 333-0072 ing for the good of the nation, Website: LP.org 2020 could be the year of the Libertarian. The latest fad on NATIONAL CHAIR social media is the #walkaway Nicholas Sarwark movement, where people are expressing their disillusion with STAFF the Democratic Party. So where EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR to turn now that your own party Wes Benedict has betrayed you? Welcome to OPERATIONS DIRECTOR the new normal folks, and cross Robert Kraus over to the Libertarian Party.” EDITOR & Chicago Sun-Times, 7/9/2018 TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER Eric D. Dixon “Factionalism and bitter fights PRESS SECRETARY are just as prevalent in the Lib- Richard Fields ertarian Party as they are in the CANDIDATE & AFFILIATE broader lower-case-l libertarian SUPPORT SPECIALIST movement, if a tad more color- Bob Johnston The LP Wisconsin delegation at the 2018 Libertarian National Convention in New Orleans. fully dressed. But unlike the lat- CANDIDATE RECRUITING ter grouping, the former has a SPECIALIST Affiliate News egates. Tyler Danke, chair of the Radical single banner under which they Cara Schulz ...continued from page 15 Caucus; Patrick Baird, treasurer of the all manage to cooperate, with Pragmatic Caucus; and Robert Burke, del- CAMPAIGNS ADVISOR a charming and idiosyncratic Apollo Pazell LNC help in 2016, the DCLP has automatic egation chair, were especially active and affection for their occasionally ballot access as one of four recognized par- influential. In addition, LPWI Chair and vast differences. For now, the SPECIAL PROJECTS ties. To keep that status, at least one of our gubernatorial candidate Phil Anderson Nick Dunbar direction seems to be people District-wide candidates must win at least was elected Region 6 alternate to the LNC, coming in the tent to fight for ASSISTANT EDITOR 7,500 votes in each November general elec- and Andy Craig sponsored a resolution their beliefs, rather than taking Elizabeth C. Brierly tion. That will be about 4 percent of the vote from the floor commending the airlines their balls and going home.” that refused to cooperate with the Trump STATE AFFILIATE in 2018. Reason, 7/4/2018 DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST We’re pleased to report that while D.C. administration’s child immigrant policy. Andy Burns has not yet certified everything, it looks like Bravo, delegates, and thanks to the entire “On Aug. 7, voters in Michigan's we will have a full slate of candidates on the convention for a great experience! DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR 2018 primary elections will have Lauren Daugherty November ballot for each District-wide of- LPWI is running two statewide candi- three ballot options to choose fice: Martin Moulton for mayor, Bruce Ma- dates and seven state Assembly candidates GRAPHIC DESIGNER from instead of the usual two: Denise Luckey jors for delegate, Chris Massari for council in fall elections. The statewide ticket, Phil chair, Denise Hicks for at-large council, and Anderson for governor and Patrick Baird Republican, Democrat and Lib- MEMBERSHIP MANAGER for lieutenant governor, are running as a ertarian. ... Jess Mears Joe Henchman for attorney general. The Republicans were not so fortunate, failing team: TeamGuv. Phil and Patrick are al- “The new distinction for Michi- MEMBER SERVICES MANAGER to nominate or file write-in status for any ready scheduled to be offered in the au- gan Libertarians has brought Matthew Thexton District-wide office, so they are in real dan- thoritative polling held in Wisconsin, some challenges. Candidates ger of losing their automatic ballot status for sponsored by the Marquette University normally chosen by convention Contact info for state affiliates: had to collect signatures to run LP.org/states 2020 (they could petition back on as a new Law School, beginning in late August. party, or petition individual candidates). During Phil’s U.S. Senate campaign in for the offices they seek, and Contact info for Libertarian Additionally, Joe Bishop-Henchman was 2016, he entered the polling at 9 percent the party itself had to undergo National Committee: elected as the new DCLP chair by a vote of among likely voters, and subsequently re- a series of logistical changes to LP.org/lnc-leadership 115 to 1, taking office on July 1. He may be ceived almost 90,000 votes — so hopes and comply with the law. reached at [email protected]. expectations are high this cycle. TeamGuv But overall, Michigan Libertar- Thinking of running for office? will begin accepting Bitcoin donations ian Party Chair Bill Hall said Just want to learn more? in late July, despite the Wisconsin Ethics many party faithful see this election cycle as a big moment Go to LP.org/run and send us your Wisconsin Commission’s refusal to comment on a 19 WI delegates at national convention for Libertarians in the state. inquiry. You’ll receive information from poorly written election statute. Phil and he Libertarian Party of Wisconsin Patrick, and the entire membership of ‘It certainly is historic, both for your state LP affiliate or from the national Tparticipated in the Libertarian Na- the LPWI, aren’t afraid to confront state Michigan and for Libertarians,’ LP headquarters that you need to get tional Convention, held from June 30 to government! Follow the campaign at: he said.” started on your campaign. July 3 in New Orleans, sending 19 del- TeamGuv.org MLive, 7/18/18