shrinking BIG Government • advancing liberty WWW.LP.ORG

Appreciating behind-the-scenes Libertarians

Pages 8–9

February 2017 The Official Newspaper of the Libertarian Party Volume 47, Issue 1 In This Issue: Libertarian Sen. Ebke elected to chair Nebraska Chair’s cornerLP...... 2 News Judicial Committee Networks black out candidates....3 n January 4, Nebraska State Senator Laura and a Libertarian, and elected me without op- LP campaigns...... 3, 5, 11 Ebke was chosen by the state unicameral position, from both of the old parties. I’m grate- legislature to head the Judiciary Commit- ful for their support.” How to start an affiliate...... 4 Otee. She also sits on the Education Committee. “In the Nebraska legislature, all bills are en- Ballot access update...... 6 Committee chairs are elected by a secret bal- titled to a hearing,” she continued. “The Judiciary lot of the legislature. Out of 19 legislators who Committee is responsible for hearing bills that Republican officials join LP...... 6 were elected to chairmanships, Ebke was one of deal with criminal and civil procedures, correc- only two who is not a Republican. Democrat Jus- tions issues, issues that touch on assorted civil Appreciation of Libertarians...8–9 tin Wayne was elected to chair the Urban Affairs liberties and constitutional rights. The chair is Harry Browne’s resolutions...... 10 Committee. responsible for scheduling hearings on all legis- “In a legislative body dominated about two lation coming to the committee, and once hear- Libertarians in the arena...... 10 to one by Republicans, elected on a non-parti- ings have been held, for scheduling executive san ballot, I’m honored to have been elected to sessions which would either move a bill onto the Featured lifetime member...... 12 chair the Judiciary Committee by colleagues,” floor, or hold it in committee.” Ebke said. “They know I’m both a libertarian continued on page 5... LNC meeting highlights...... 12 Laura Ebke Affiliate updates...... 13–15 “I’m honored to have been elected to chair the Judiciary Committee by colleagues. They 2017 state conventions...... 16 know I’m both a libertarian and a Libertarian, and elected me without opposition, from both of the old parties.” –Sen. Laura Ebke (L–Neb.) Media buzz...... 16 Federal court hearing in LPF v. FEC gives hope for more open debates glimmer of hope finally appeared in required by law to be nonpartisan and to • Expert reports showed that, to meet the a lawsuit against the Federal Election use objective criteria for determining who CPD’s requirement for candidates to Commission (FEC) aimed at requir- may participate in their debates. poll at or above 15 percent, a candidate Aing it to enforce the laws that the Commission Key points argued by LPF’s lead attor- must achieve 60–80 percent name on Presidential Debates (CPD) is violating. ney, Alexandra Shapiro, included: recognition, at a cost of at least $265 On Jan. 5, Judge Tanya Chutkan heard • The chairs and most of the board million. oral argument in the case, in which the Lib- members of the CPD are Democratic Shapiro pointed out that the CPD’s ertarian National Committee is a co-plain- and Republican partisans, and many rules present a Catch-22 for independent tiff, in a federal court in Washington, D.C. contributed to Democratic and and third-party candidates. They need to The lawsuit, filed by Level the Playing Republican presidential candidates raise $265 million to acquire the name Field (LPF), arises from an administrative during the last cycle. recognition necessary to be included in complaint the group filed with the FEC. • The CPD uses subjective candidate- the debates, but can’t raise that money The FEC dismissed the complaint with selection criteria designed to unless they possess a reasonable chance little acknowledgement of the bountiful exclude third-party and independent of being included in the debates. evidence provided by LPF. Judge Tanya Chutkan candidates. continued on page 7... As a nonprofit organization, CPD is Page 2 The Libertarian Party — www.LP.org February 2017

Chair’s Corner Donor Appreciation

All freedoms, all Americans, The following individual became a Beacon of Liberty contributor: The following individuals became Beacon of Liberty contributors: all the time John R. Kuhn by Nicholas Sarwark, Chair special elections and gearing up for the 2017 elections in those states which hold odd-year elections. The Lib- he election is over. ertarian Party is fighting for ballot access in those 13 One old-party presi- states where we didn’t get or retain ballot access from The following individuals became Lifetime Founder contributors: dent has left after the record-breaking 2016 presidential election show- Peter B. Anderson Jayton Gill Henry Posne III Teight years of increasing gov- ing. Our legal team is working to strike down bad laws Don Bruckner Joseph C. Johnson Cherif Sedky ernment spending and debt. about access to ballots, presidential debates, and any Teresa Cartwright Linwood Lacy Michael Stapel David Pratt Demarest Sonja B. Loar Laura Ann Valle Another old-party president other place where the old parties have colluded to stop has been inaugurated with the Libertarian voice from being heard. promises of rolling back the We couldn’t do any of this without you. Member- The Libertarian Party grants lifetime membership to free markets and open soci- ship in the Libertarian Party has risen to over 20,000— individuals who contribute at least $1,500 during any ety that made America great. 75 percent above where it was a year ago. To all of you 12-month period. Call 202-333-0008 to find out how Nicholas Sarwark As Libertarians, we rec- who have found your new political home: thank you for much more you would need to donate to become a ognize that both old parties fight against the freedoms joining. If each one of you reading this column would that Americans hold dear. They may differ in the small convince just one of your friends or family members to Lifetime Member today. details, but both old parties want to take more of your join the Libertarian Party this year, we would double money to fund more government control over the our impact on American politics. We already punch far David F. Nolan Memorial economy, the world, and your personal life. Only the above our weight; will you help us take it to the next Office Fund donors Libertarian Party stands proudly for individual free- level? dom over government control: all freedoms, all people, It’s hard to predict what a new president will do. Founder of Liberty: John R. Kuhn, Esq. all the time. What we can be sure of is that the Libertarian Party As we enter the new president’s term, the Libertari- will support any moves to expand individual freedom Benefactor of Liberty: Dr. Curry B. Taylor an Party will stand as a real opposition party. An oppo- and that the Libertarian Party will stand up against any sition party with a distinct vision for America, a vision moves to expand government control. Doing that—no Defender of Liberty: David Neumann that is not left or right, a vision that is just free. While matter the issue and whether or not there is any short- Friend of Liberty: Christopher Richter the two old parties are busy jockeying for position to term political gain—is what distinguishes us from the determine which one can give your tax dollars to their old parties and makes us the true opposition party in Advocate of Liberty: Andrew LeCureaux corporate cronies, the Libertarian Party will be coun- America. Thank you for standing with us for all free- Plaques are now on display at the Libertarian National tering big-government proposals, whether they come doms, of all Americans, all the time. Committee office space in Alexandria, Va., that recognize our from the left or the right, with small-government pro- Yours in liberty, top donors. To have your name appear on a plaque, posals, and upholding the best principles that America Nicholas J. Sarwark or if you’d just like to help pay off the mortgage, mail in was founded on. your donation or visit LP.org. Libertarian Party candidates are already running in Contribute today: LP.org/office-fund

Libertarian Party News www.LP.org (ISSN 8755-139X) is the official LP News newspaper of the 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. Postal mail: National Chair: Nicholas Sarwark 1444 Duke St. E-mail: [email protected] Alexandria, VA 22314 Editor: Carla Howell Assistant Editor: Elizabeth C. Brierly Phone: (202) 333-0008 CONTRIBUTORS: Bob Johnston, Sandra Kallander, Laura Ann Valle, Nicholas Sarwark, Christopher Goins, Alicia Mattson, Richard Winger, state affiliates Vol. 47, Issue 1 The Libertarian Party — www.LP.org Page 3 NC Libertarian for governor blows past tight margin, retains ballot access by Christopher Goins and In another showing of the party’s im- them in so many ways, at so many levels.” Carla Howell pact, Libertarian David Ulmer handily Cecil says he received e-mail after the beat the margin in his race for State House election from both sides “screaming” that or the third time in a row, the North District 49 in Wake County. Democrat he stole the election from their particular Carolina LP (LPNC ) preserved its Cynthia Ball unseated incumbent Republi- candidate. ballot access status for the next four can Gary Pendleton by 852 votes in one of “Next morning I got [e-mail] from Fyears, when Lon Cecil won more than the most expensive general assembly races them swearing that I should turn my votes 2 percent of the vote for governor in the in the state. Ulmer pulled in 2,258 votes, over to their favorite candidate,” Cecil said. November 2016 election. The Libertarians well more than twice the margin of victory. “The reality of it is, as a Libertarian I was are the only party in North Carolina his- “We’re sure the Republicans and Demo- running so that people had an ability to tory to achieve this other than the Demo- crats will continue to spread the falsehood express their opinion and desires beyond crats and Republicans. that we Libertarians are ‘spoilers’ or ‘steal’ the two major parties, by retaining ballot Cecil received 102,977 votes, more access.” than ten times the margin of victory be- “We’re sure the Cecil says that voters told him in the tween the Democrat, Roy Cooper, and Republicans and Democrats lead-up to the election that they couldn’t the incumbent, Republican Pat McCrory. vote for McCrory or Cooper and declared Cooper won the election just 10,277 votes will continue to spread their intentions to vote for him. (0.2 percent) ahead of McCrory. Lon Cecil the falsehood that we “I definitely got votes from both sides,” Cecil secured party status by squeez- The party made another historic first Libertarians are ‘spoilers’ he said, but notes that “there’s no doubt” ing by the 2 percent requirement with 2.19 his presence in the race caused Republican percent of the vote, saving the LP over when Gary Johnson earned 2.72 percent of or ‘steal’ votes from them,” the vote for president. McCrory to lose. $100,000 in petitioning costs that would Irving said. “But the truth Cecil met voters at gun shows, street have been needed to regain ballot status. “It is indeed a great year to be a Lib- ertarian,” said Brian Irving, LPNC chair. is, we don’t. People are just fairs, and other public events. He worked “We’re extremely proud of this double ac- fed up with the two-party with LP county affiliates and even high- Cecil received 102,977 schoolers, who passed out literature, to votes, more than ten complishment. It’s a fitting testament to duopoly that has failed the hard work of thousands of volunteers spread news of his campaign. times the margin of victory and all of our candidates.” them in so many ways, at He says many of them planned to vote between the Democrat, While gubernatorial votes were being so many levels.” for Donald Trump for president and to leave blank the rest of the ballot. But he Roy Cooper, and the tabulated in the days following the elec- tion, Irving noted, “Regardless of which believes he persuaded them to at least vote incumbent, Republican Pat establishment-party candidate wins, it’s votes from them,” Irving said. “But the for himself and Sean Haugh, the Libertar- McCrory. clear the Libertarian Party made a signifi- truth is, we don’t. People are just fed up ian U.S. Senate candidate. with the two-party duopoly that has failed cant impact on this race.” continued on page 5... Networks black out third-party candidates Time spent covering presidential candidates on ABC, CBS, and NBC evening f all the ways that the powers that be discriminate an analysis by the Media Research Center. newscasts from Jan. 1 – Aug. 31, 2016 against alternative parties in American elections, Republican Donald Trump received nearly 10,000 times more airtime than Johnson, while Democrat Hillary Clinton perhaps none beats the mainstream news media’s Trump Clinton Johnson Oformidable power to black out ballot-qualified candidates. received more than 5,000 times as much. Total Despite the fact that in 2016, Libertarian Gov. Gary John- If the networks were not biased, such a massive dis- 106,380 61,200 11 son received approximately 10 times more media coverage crepancy in news coverage would suggest that Liber- seconds than any other presidential candidate in the party’s history, tarians were on track to win just one vote out of every Percent 63.46% 36.51% 0.01% he received just 0.01 percent of the airtime on ABC, CBS, thousand cast. But Johnson received 33 votes out of every of airtime and NBC national evening newscasts between Jan. 1 and thousand votes cast, and would have been included in Vote Aug. 31 — the critical period during the election year when the debates and received many times more votes had the 45.95% 48.04% 3.28% candidates need to build name recognition — according to news regularly covered his campaign. totals Polls in 2016 repeatedly showed that a solid majority Source: NewsBusters.org “Our Libertarian candidate’s ability of Americans wanted more choices for president than just Clinton and Trump. They would have welcomed news of to pull in four and a half million ABC or CBS evening news broadcasts during that period, more choices. although he appeared on ABC’s “This Week” and was dis- votes while the networks black us “The networks’ bias against alternative parties clearly cussed on CBS’s “Face the Nation” and “CBS This Morning.” out is a testament to the popularity demonstrates that they have a political agenda that is a high- In spite of this crushing bias, Johnson received 4,488,919 er priority than good ratings,” said Carla Howell, political of our ideas and voters’ growing votes, or 3.28 percent, of the total vote. director for the Libertarian National Committee. willingness to vote outside the box.” In an article about the analysis published by NewsBusters, Johnson was mentioned once on “NBC Nightly News,” author Rich Noyes wrote, “Not since Ross Perot in 1996 has —Nicholas Sarwark, LNC Chair for a total of 11 seconds. He was not mentioned on any continued on page 12... Page 4 The Libertarian Party — www.LP.org February 2017 Is it time to start or expand a local Libertarian affiliate in your area? by Laura Ann Valle filiates is that they want- ocal affiliate groups are the backbone of the Lib- ed more materials and Tips for forming a local LP affiliate ertarian Party. They play a critical role in recruit- support from the state ing and supporting candidates, growing the party, party,” said Wilford. Now 1. Consider attending meetings of other andL garnering media attention. In a handful of states, she and McKennon get local affiliates. This can give you ideas. such as Virginia and Texas, state law also requires local to know the new leaders, Some may agree to come to your first affiliates to nominate candidates in their districts. and provide them with few meetings to help get things started. resources and constant Do you live in an area with no local LP affiliate? Try 2. Ask your state leadership for access support. starting one! to a list of members and prospects in Before the 2016 con- Undoubtedly there are other liberty-minded mem- your area. Find your state’s contact bers of your community. Wouldn’t you like to meet them vention, the total num- information here: LP.org/state-affiliates and see whether they are interested in creating a Liber- ber of county affiliates Kerry McKennon 3. Consider getting a list of registered tarian Party affiliate with you? They may be thrilled to had dropped from a high of about 80 down to 50. Libertarians voters in your area, if get your call. available. Bob Johnston, who is the affiliate and candidate sup- Since then, they have launched 12 more, and have 10 port specialist for the national LP and has been the suc- more starting up. 4. Find a local business, restaurant, or other cessful Maryland LP state chair for 12 years, suggests, “Our goal is half of the 254 [counties], by 2018,” said suitable location that will allow you to “Decide on a project to focus on. It could be recruiting McKennon. host regular meetings. candidates, regular outreach events, or lobbying, for ex- Texas Libertarians are willing to share their county 5. Plan your kick-off meeting several weeks ample.” This gives the group an immediate sense of pur- starter kit with Libertarians in other states. To get a copy, in advance. pose, against which to measure results. send an e-mail message to the county support team at 6. Use any combination of social media, [email protected] and ask for a copy. print flyers, postcards, phone calls, and “Decide on a project to focus on.” The national LP also offers resources for affiliates at ads in local print media to promote your —Bob Johnston, chair of LP Maryland its LPStore.org and LPAction.org websites. They provide event. A Meetup subscription costs $3–5 information and branded LP materials such as litera- per month. ture, signs, stickers, pop-up banners, business cards, and When Libertarian Alex Appleby of Stockton, Calif., 7. Visit LPStore.org or contact your state shirts. found there was no local chapter in his area, he got one party to get materials you may want to Former LP Washington state chair C. Michael Pick- started. He ran for congress in 2016 in U.S. House Dis- hand out. trict 9, so growing the local party was a natural way to ens suggests creating local round-table events or dis- 8. At your meetings, always have sign- build support for his campaign. As an army veteran and cussion panels, and inviting local community leaders, up sheets laid out to gather contact professional financial planner, he already had the lead- authors, business owners, and elected officials. This gets information of everyone who attends, ership experience to step up to the challenge. conversation going about issues from a Libertarian per- especially newcomers. His state leadership initially mailed out postcards to spective. “Talk to your local Chamber of Commerce, everyone in his area that they had on their contact list. Rotary Club, Toastmasters, or other community groups. 9. Recruit volunteers to fill functions you Then Alex went to work, generating excitement for the Network and get to know people in your area, and find need, such as social media, recruiting or first kick-off meeting. out what issues matter most to them,” he said. vetting candidates, managing your list, “I created a flyer to advertise our first meeting, and “You only need three things in order to grow your and fundraising. for weeks I just talked to everyone I could,” said Appleby. local party affiliate: your community has to know you, 10. Keep in touch with attendees before and “I targeted everyone.” like you, and trust you,” advises Pickens. “Be proud of after meetings. your party affiliation. Be proud to be a Libertarian.” At his first meeting, he had about 15 attendees, with 11. Hold meetings at the same place, day, more than half coming from his new contacts. More re- Some local affiliates have become inactive, which can and time every month. cently, he has seen as many as 25–30 come out for events. happen as leaders move away or lose interest. By spread- 12. Be patient, and know that it may take In the Texas LP, Kerry Douglas McKennon of Pe- ing out the work among many members, groups can continue to thrive, even when key players move on. several meetings for the number of tersburg and Anastasia Wilford of Jacksonville head attendees to grow. up the county coordination team for new affiliates. After the Libertarian National Convention in Florida They have created a coun- in 2016, Derek Ryan found that his Orlando affiliate 13. Be sure to follow state and local law ty affiliate starter kit, with needed a new infusion of members, with many of the regarding election paperwork filings, step-by-step instructions. local leaders having held the same positions for years. fundraising, business meetings, and election of local officers. It includes specific advice Meeting attendance had dropped off and they needed for what a new county help supporting Libertarian candidates in the run-up to 14. Feel free to contact national LP staff leader should do within the November elections. members Bob Johnston, candidate and the first few months of “When the older members and I sat down and talk- affiliate support specialist (Bob.Johnston@ forming an affiliate. ed about where we had areas of mutual agreement, we LP.org) and Andy Burns, state affiliate “The biggest complaint found our goals were essentially the same: to grow the development specialist (Andy.Burns@ we have heard over the Libertarian Party,” said Ryan. “Since then, we have seen LP.org) for suggestions and assistance. Anastasia Wilford years from new county af- tremendous excitement and growth.” • Vol. 47, Issue 1 The Libertarian Party — www.LP.org Page 5 Libertarian earns key endorsements in special election More 2016 by Sandra Kallander “Corey would be a endorsements ith barely a month to cam- tremendous advocate for paign for a special election in fter publishing a list of candidate Virginia’s 9th Senate District the people of Virginia’s endorsements in the December Wseat, Libertarian candidate Corey Fauco- 9th District and as such, issue, LP News learned that Bob AWilson, who ran for a seat in Delaware’s nier earned two key endorsements, created I strongly encourage you House of Representatives District 7, had two websites, wrote a campaign song, and to support him to be your knocked on the doors of voters. received the endorsement of Planned For his Libertarian position on the Sec- next Senator!” Parenthood, and that he had also received ond Amendment and the right to bear arms, —State Sen. Tom Garrett the maximum allowed donation from Law Fauconier secured the endorsement of Vir- PAC of Delaware. • ginia Citizens Defense League PAC, whose form, government transparency, and chair, Bob Sadtler, said, “Corey Fauconier “opening the market” in education to in- clude home schooling, charter schools, Lon Cecil has gone on record with a very pro-gun sur- ...continued from page 3 vey.... Corey Fauconier is the only option for public schools, online schools, and voca- the preservation of individual liberties.” tional schools, He pledged to work tire- Haugh received 165,163 votes, or 3.57 lessly to “protect the rights of gun owners percent, the highest vote total among the “Corey Fauconier is the only and ensure that every Virginian can de- Corey Fauconier Libertarian candidates on the North Caro- option for the preservation fend themselves and their property.” lina ballot. of individual liberties.” Fauconier jumped at the chance to ing efforts in the snow. On January 10, he Libertarian Jacki Cole, who ran for lieu- run for state office when the incumbent, received 691 votes against McClellan, who tenant governor, received 130,252 votes, or –Bob Sadtler, chair of Virginia a 20-year veteran of the Virginia General won in the heavily Democratic district. 2.85 percent. Citizens Defense League PAC Assembly, won a seat in the U.S. House in Fauconier has had experience with Lib- Lon Cecil also credits his success to his November, triggering a special election. ertarian campaigns, having been the com- willingness to talk about issues that North Once the special election was sched- State Senator Tom Garrett, a self-de- munications director for J.J. Summerell’s Carolina voters cared about, such as medi- uled, he had to move fast. Helped by about scribed constitutional conservative who had 2016 campaign for U.S. House District 1 cal marijuana, school choice, and coal-ash 20 volunteers, he had just five days to col- in North Carolina and campaign manager just won a second term in November, also pollution. His opponents mainly focused lect 250 valid signatures. His team turned for Carl Loser for Virginia State Senate in endorsed Fauconier. On his Facebook page, on H.B. 2, the infamous “bathroom bill” in 400 signatures at 4:57 p.m. on Decem- 2015. In both, he used hip-hop music to Garrett said, “Everyone in Virginia’s 9th which requires individuals to use the bath- ber 5, 2016, with three minutes to spare. express why liberty is important to him, Senatorial District, please vote for my good room according to the sex listed on their friend Corey Fauconier for State Senate on Another, perennial candidate was re- writing songs for each candidate. ported to have caught a cold and failed to Fauconier currently serves as the com- birth certificate. January 10th. Corey would be a tremendous Neither the Democrat nor Republican advocate for the people of Virginia’s 9th Dis- file, making it a two-way race. munications chair of the Libertarian Party Fauconier used his Facebook page to of Virginia. • would talk about marijuana, which the trict and as such, I strongly encourage you state taxes even though it’s illegal. If a per- to support him to be your next Senator!” rally support and get out the vote, post- Campaign website: son is caught with marijuana that does not Fauconier ran on criminal justice re- ing photos of his door-to-door canvass- FriendsForFauconier.us include a state-issued stamp, the State Tax Commission sends the offender a tax bill Sen. Ebke in Nebraska of $3.50 per gram, or $3,500 per kilo, that ...continued from page 1 Considering a he must pay on top of criminal penalties. LNC Chair Nicholas Sarwark said, “I’m ter with parties that qualify, and would re- run for office? Coal ash was another hot issue for glad to see that her colleagues recognize move the cost of verifying signatures when voters. For years, crony-capitalist power Sen. Ebke’s qualifications to be a thought- a party that has lost party status petitions Plan your race for companies have been dumping coal ash in ful, pro-liberty chair of the Judiciary to regain ballot status. 2017 or 2018 ponds, which has polluted the water tables, Committee in the Nebraska legislature. LB167 would include cannabidiol forcing many residents to use bottled wa- Her perspective and leadership in that po- (CBD) as a Schedule V controlled sub- now. ter. After testing the water, the state’s De- sition will be a benefit to Nebraskans from stance in Nebraska if it is rescheduled by partment of Environmental Quality (DEQ) across the political spectrum.” the FDA as Schedule V. Visit declared it to be unsafe. Republican politi- Ebke has sponsored several bills for the LB299 would lessen the state’s authority LP.org/run-for-office cians, including McCrory, subsequently current session. in regulating some professions which cur- ordered the DEQ to retract its statement. LB34 changes a provision in election rently require a state license. If passed, it and send us your inquiry. From Lon Cecil helped to fuel voters’ distrust law to allow parties which have already es- would open up jobs and stop the state from your state LP affiliate or national of politicians about this issue, contributing tablished themselves in the state through imposing itself in the labor market in most LP headquarters, you’ll receive to McCrory’s loss. the petition process to remain recognized cases. information you need to get Cecil also credits his inclusion in gu- if they have at least 10,000 registered vot- Sen. Ebke was elected to the legislature started, file your campaign, bernatorial debates with helping his vote ers. To do so currently, a party must receive in 2014 and switched to the Libertarian comply with your total. The final debate, rebroadcasted on at least 5 percent of the vote in a statewide Party in 2016. Her term lasts until 2018. • state’s election laws, PBS, exposed him to at least 125,000 race. This bill would allow voters to regis- Sen. Ebke’s website: LauraEbke.com and get on the ballot. viewers, he says. • Page 6 The Libertarian Party — www.LP.org February 2017 Washington SOS breaks precedent to deny LP ballot status by Bob Johnston and Carla Howell not evaluate write-in ballots for their validity. This means choose all their nonpresi- ibertarian Parties in 37 states plus D.C. have ballot that the votes for non-persons such as Harambe and Mick- dential nominees an entire status, the highest ever for the LP after an election. ey Mouse are counted against the LP’s ballot status. year before the election. But should it be 38? Hypocritically, the secretary did not include write-ins ei- The LP won this lawsuit LThe Libertarian Party of Washington is consider- ther in the election-returns page on its website or in the cer- in U.S. District Court, but ing a lawsuit to challenge a ruling by Secretary of State tificate showing votes received by each candidate for presi- the state is appealing. It is Kim Wyman, who denied the LP party status by count- dential elector that it is required to file with the national likely that the LP will win ing write-in votes among the total votes cast for president archives. Washington state, which has a write-in filing pro- in the eighth circuit as well. when figuring the vote percentage achieved by the LP’s cedure, does not require write-in presidential candidates If so, the legislature will presidential candidate, Gov. Gary Johnson. to submit a list of presidential elector candidates, which need to revise several bal- Typically, a candidate’s vote percentage is based on the means that presidential write-ins in the state are not valid. lot-access laws. It is hoped total votes cast for candidates whose names appear on the “The state has admitted that the presidential write-ins that the same bill will also ballot or who are running a registered write-in campaign. are not valid, because if they were valid, the state had a relax the vote test, which duty to list them on its certificate,” said Richard Winger, is 3 percent for president Washington Secretary of State Kim Wyman changed the rules Wyman ignored 24 years of publisher of Ballot Access News. “Other states include or governor. In November to exclude Libertarians. write-in votes for president in their certificates.” 2016, Gary Johnson just precedent in deciding to include Here’s the status of some of the state affiliates who are missed with 2.64 percent. write-in votes in the total, which not recognized parties or who are working to improve California ballot-access requirements in their state. lowered Johnson’s vote result to 4.85 Richard Winger of Ballot Access News reports signs of percent.... “The state has admitted Alabama hope for overturning the state’s draconian top-two open that the presidential write-ins are LP Alabama does not have party status, and it remains one primary system that makes it nearly impossible for Lib- of the most difficult states in which to run candidates. Lib- ertarians to appear on general election ballots, except in not valid, because if they were valid, ertarians have been lobbying legislators to improve ballot races with only one Democrat or one Republican. the state had a duty to list them on access. Sen. Cam Ward (R) has said he will re-introduce a Democratic lawmakers, who make up more than two its certificate,” said Richard Winger, bill to reduce signature requirements to 1.5 percent, down thirds in each chamber of the legislature, might put a mea- publisher of Ballot Access News. from the current requirement of 3 percent for governor sure on the 2018 ballot to repeal “top two.” They oppose in the most recent general election. Representatives of the it because they don’t like Democrats bashing each other Huntsville LP have said that Rep Mike Ball (R) will intro- in important races, including in general elections where By this measure, Johnson won 5.1 percent of the vote, duce the bill in the House. sometimes both contenders are Democrats. It keeps the exceeding the 5 percent threshold required to achieve bal- Arkansas party disunited and soaks up millions in additional cam- lot status. paign expenditures. Wyman ignored 24 years of precedent in deciding to The Arkansas LP plans to begin petitioning in March 2017 Led by the Los Angeles Times, the big media in Califor- include write-in votes in the total, which served to sup- to get on the 2018 ballot. Subject to final approval, the nia advocated “top two” when it was on the ballot in June press Johnson’s vote result to 4.85 percent. LNC has allocated $30,000 to help fund the drive. 2010, but have now turned against it. The Times has run Despite precedent and a nearly 100-page document de- The party is currently in court in the eighth circuit, tailing what constitutes a vote in the state, the secretary will opposing the law that forces newly qualifying parties to ...continued on page 7 Two more Republican officeholders join LP ankakee County Board Representative Jim Byrne March 2011. He won re-election in November and will of Illinois, and Ed Zielinski, an elected council- serve a four-year term. He will remain as an elected Re- “I had received no support for man of Elsmere, Delaware, have joined the Lib- publican official. liberty legislation,” said Zielinski ertarianK Party. “I have joined the Libertarian Party of Illinois, not be- about switching parties. “The Byrne announced in December that he has officially cause POTUS-Elect Trump was just elected or what Gov. council has continually pushed for joined the Illinois LP, and now serves as vice chairman of Rauner is doing in Springfield, said Byrne. “I joined the spending and tax increases.” the new Kankakee County Libertarian Party central com- Libertarian Party because, as I said to the Daily Journal on mittee that was formed last fall. my first day on the board back in 2011, I am a Ron Paul Byrne has served on the Kankakee County Board since Republican, a Libertarian who believes in small govern- tion to the Libertarian Party in September. His seat will be ment that is accountable and transparent to the people.” up for election in April 2017. “I joined the Libertarian Party because, Byrne’s future plans on the board include consolidating “I had received no support for liberty legislation,” said as I said on my first day on the and eliminating redundant taxing bodies, and downsizing Zielinski about switching parties. “The council has con- board, I am a Ron Paul Republican, the county board. He also wants to work toward offering tinually pushed for spending and tax increases.” Kankakee County citizens greater government transpar- “We’re proud to have Ed join the Libertarian Party of a Libertarian who believes in small ency by video-streaming meetings online and putting the Delaware,” said Scott Gesty, chair of LP Delaware. “Ed has government that is accountable and meetings on public-access television. always been a strong advocate of liberty and we’re hon- transparent to the people,” said Byrne. Zielinksi was elected to the nonpartisan Elsmere town ored to have him representing the people of Elsmere as a council seat in April 2015. He switched his party registra- Libertarian.” • Vol. 47, Issue 1 The Libertarian Party — www.LP.org Page 7

LP ballot access get on the ballot, and has identified several ballot drops significantly, from 1,500 signa- didates of all parties, including Democrats ...continued from page 6 representatives who may sponsor it. How- tures to 296. The signatures needed for state- and Republicans, must petition for inclusion three recent commentaries critical of top ever, the speaker of the house is expected to wide office went down from 1,500 to 1,000. on their own party’s primary election ballot. two, and none in support of the law. sideline the bill in the rules committee. Retention of major-party status is dif- LPMA is considering filing legislation to ease To get a candidate onto the ballot for ficult, requiring a gubernatorial or presi- ballot requirements, but does not believe the Georgia state legislature or U.S. House, the state dential candidate to receive more than legislature is likely to change the law. Georgia retained ballot status because three requires signatures equal to 5 percent of 300,000 votes, or about 20 percent of the A nonprofit group named Citizens for statewide candidates in 2016 received over the votes cast for that office in that dis- vote. No Libertarian candidate for gover- Voter Choice, which advocates Ranked 1 percent of the vote. However, LP Georgia trict. Under this rule, between 9,000 and nor or president has ever received more Voter Choice (RCV), has formed in Mas- (LPGA) does not qualify for automatic bal- 17,000 signatures are needed to get a can- than approximately 59,000 votes in Iowa. sachusetts. lot access for local candidates. didate for U.S. House onto the ballot. Maine Its members may form a ballot commit- Georgia’s ballot-access laws for president The party can get all its statewide can- tee to put RCV on the statewide ballot in were struck down in 2016 in a case filed by didates on the ballot by filing 25,000 valid As part of a settlement to satisfy the fed- 2018. Whether they follow through will be the Green and Constitution Parties. The signatures in the election year. The party eral district court in a lawsuit that ruled determined by polls they plan to conduct to state is appealing, and at the time of this typically turns in about 45,000 to overcome in favor of the LP, the Maine Secretary of see how likely the measure would be to pass. State has forwarded to the legislature two writing the oral argument was scheduled inevitable challenges to their petitions. Minnesota for late January. Assuming the lawsuit wins LPIL is also preparing to defend a ruling bills that will make ballot access easier for again in the eleventh circuit, the state will it won in federal court last year that declared alternative parties. Minnesota does not have ballot access be- be forced to improve its ballot-access laws. Illinois’s full-slate requirement to be uncon- One of the bills would require a party to cause the requirement is prohibitive. Cur- It is hoped that in doing so, the state stitutional. The full-slate requirement means have 10,000 registered voters, and require rent law grants party status if (1) at least 5 will also correct a draconian ballot-access that to be on the statewide ballot or on any that at least 10,000 of those voters show percent of the registered voters in the state law which effectively prohibits alternative countywide ballot, the party would need to up to vote. Alternatively, it could achieve (approximately 145,821) are registered with parties from running candidates for U.S. field candidates for every statewide office or party status if its candidate for president or the party, or (2) a statewide candidate of House or state legislature. The state requires for every countywide office. This effectively governor receives 5 percent of the vote. the party receives 5 percent of the vote in an astonishing 20,000 signatures to get a barred Libertarians running for sheriff or The second bill would create a system a general election (Gary Johnson received Libertarian on the ballot for U.S. House — a county clerk without running for all of the with two tiers, one for major parties and 3.8 percent in 2016), or (3) the party fields requirement that no alternative-party can- open offices. That ruling has been appealed one for minor parties (those with 5,000 to a slate of candidates for all of the statewide didate has met in the law’s 74-year existence. by Attorney General Lisa Madigan, the 50,000 registered voters), the latter being offices and half of the legislative and U.S. However, LPGA has a rare opportunity to daughter of the speaker of the house. allowed to nominate by convention, avoid- House races in a general election. ing the requirement to petition or partici- The LP is considering a lawsuit to ease run a candidate in a special election for the Iowa U.S. House 6th District, because no signa- pate in a primary. the ballot-access requirements. tures are required. The election will take place The December issue of LP News reported If either bill passes, the LP will remain New Jersey that, despite the fact that Iowa achieved ballot an official party. If neither of them passes, this spring if Tom Price is confirmed for the To obtain and retain party status, Liber- position of Secretary of Health and Human access for the first time ever due to Gov. Gary the LP will have a strong case to pursue an- Johnson’s receiving more than 2 percent of the other remedy. tarian candidates for General Assembly Services and therefore vacates his seat. LPGA must garner 10 percent of all the votes is looking for a candidate for this race. vote for president, “the LP will need to gather Massachusetts approximately twice as many signatures to cast for the General Assembly in all races. Illinois put a governor or U.S. Senate candidate on LP Massachusetts (LPMA) won ballot status Although this is very difficult to achieve, At the time of this writing, LP Illinois (LPIL) the ballot.” This is incorrect. The number of because a statewide candidate, Gov. Johnson getting a Libertarian candidate on the bal- is readying a proposal, due January 31, to signatures needed to put Libertarian guber- for president, received over 3 percent of the lot is relatively easy for any particular race. reduce the number of signatures needed to natorial and U.S. House candidates on the vote in 2016. However, nonpresidential can- ...continued on page 15 Hope for open debates Judge Chutkan paraphrased the FEC’s rebuttal as, “The commission just seems to be saying, ‘we get to do “Had the FEC responded in a timely ...continued from page 1 what we get to do because we’ve always gotten to do it.’” and fair manner before the CPD She argued that as a result, only self-funded billion- LPF is headed by Peter Ackerman, who also headed shut us out of the 2016 debates, we aires have a chance of reaching the CPD’s self-serving Americans Elect (AE). In 2012, AE sought to obtain bal- 15-percent threshold. lot access for an independent candidate for president to might have been celebrating the first In contrast, she noted, relatively unknown Democrats be selected by the group's supporters. Libertarian president today. But this and Republicans can become nationally known through But after spending over $30 million building support ... gives us hope that Libertarians participation in their parties’ primaries. and petitioning to get AE on the ballot, he aborted the will be included in future debates.” Judge Chutkan asked the FEC’s defense attorney, Rob- campaign. He was unable to attract sufficiently high-pro- ert Bonham, why the commission failed to mention, and file candidates because they rightly perceived they would –Carla Howell, LNC Political Director apparently ignored, “a substantial and highly developed be excluded from the presidential debates. record” of evidence in the explanation of their dismissal. This led him to form LPF, one of two groups that aim to both lawsuits. The Independent Voter Project and Fair- “Aren’t you required to acknowledge the evidence?” change the criteria for presidential debate inclusion. Vote filed amicus briefs in support of the LPF lawsuit. she asked, noting that the FEC can refute the evidence, Our America Initiative, which was founded by 2012 “Had the FEC responded in a timely and fair manner be- but that “you can’t ignore it, can you?” and 2016 Libertarian presidential candidate Gary John- fore the CPD shut us out of the 2016 debates, we might have The FEC replied that they considered themselves to son, is a sponsor of Fair Debates, which filed a separate been celebrating the first Libertarian president today,” said be experts in election regulations and that their action lawsuit last year. A federal judge dismissed it in Aug. Carla Howell, the LNC’s political director, who attended the was justified because they have previously rejected com- 2016. Fair Debates says it plans to appeal. hearing. “But this is a step forward and gives us hope that plaints about the CPD. The Libertarian and Green Parties are plaintiffs in Libertarians will be included in future debates.” • Page 8 The Libertarian Party — www.LP.org February 2017

Appreciating behind-the-scenes Libertarians

Stacey Davis, Kansas Laura Ann Valle, Texas As volunteer Kansas field director for the Gary Laura Valle was the Johnson-Weld volunteer coordinator Johnson campaign, Stacey Davis worked tirelessly for San Antonio. She made contact with hundreds of local recruiting volunteers, organizing sign waves and campaign supporters and identified new volunteers. She other events, and distributing campaign materials organized several watch parties which were remarkable for statewide. Gary and other LP candidates did well bringing new people to our local party. Additionally, she led in Kansas, and that would not have happened block walking efforts for Johnson and Weld, and for local without Stacey’s efforts. Stacey is also very involved candidates, throughout September and October. with the IT/web/social media aspects of the LPKS Laura also volunteers for the National LP. She maintains its and has been for many years. He is a talented database of media contacts, writes articles, and provided and knowledgeable leader, and we are lucky to have invaluable assistance responding to hundreds of reporters him on our team. who descended upon the LNC Convention in May 2016. —Rob Hodgkinson, chair of LP Kansas Stacey Davis —Gil Robinson, chair of Bexar LP Laura Ann Valle

Brian Braegelmann, Minnesota John Paff, New Jersey Brian Braegelmann was a dedicated volunteer for my campaign. John is a tireless advocate for government He knocked on the most doors of any volunteer, to collect transparency and accountability. John Paff signatures, which got me onto the ballot. He helped out at all of is chairman of the New Jersey LP Open our campaign events. Government Advocacy Project His passion and intelligence helped me think through issues I was (NJOpenGovt.blogspot.com). He fights for the running on and got me grounded in my libertarianism. My vote rights of the individual against the unlimited total as the highest ever for a Libertarian legislative candidate in power of government secrecy and corruption. the state would not have happened without Brian’s help. His efforts inspire all of us to work harder for liberty. —Brian McCormick, 2016 LP candidate for Minnesota State House of Representatives, District 37A —Patrick McKnight, chair of LP New Jersey John Paff Brian Braegelmann Bill Gelineau, Michigan David Aitken, Colorado Bill Gelineau’s tireless efforts resulted in the Detroit David has been serving the Libertarian Party of Colorado in various capacities, in- Economic Club inviting presidential candidate Gary cluding as a member of the board of directors and as a candidate. He is always ready Johnson to deliver a major policy address. Gary Johnson’s with helpful advice and a helping hand. He presently has been lovingly scanning speech before the club in no small way contributed to the decades’ worth of party records and newsletters so that all of our members can enjoy unprecedented decision of the Detroit News to endorse this historic content for years to come. The Libertarian Party of Colorado appreciates Gary Johnson’s campaign for president of the David as one of our state treasures. United States, and to the Michigan LP’s gaining “major party” ballot status in Michigan when - Caryn Ann Harlos, communications director for LP Colorado Gary Johnson received 172,136 votes. —Bill Hall, 2016 LP candidate for Michigan Board Todd Griffith, West Virginia of Education, and LP attorney Todd Griffith participated in our LP contingent in the Marmet Labor Day parade and fair, leafleted a jam-packed Garth Brooks Bill Gelineau concert at the Charleston Civic Center, and steadfastly recruited friends to register Libertarian. David Malakar, Washington He personally put up several hundred of our LPWV Vote The “D” in David should stand for “dependable.” “Libertarian” and “Johnson for President” signs throughout the David was my go-to guy, and when we had a metropolitan area (he did the same for my race in 2014 for U.S. problem, especially with I.T., he was always Senate). I was with him one evening when we posted nearly 100 there to help. He invested hundreds of hours, signs at key intersections. He’s got the routine down superbly: and epitomizes “be the change,” pushing my where to place a sign for maximum impact, when to avoid the social media out to tens of thousands of views. road crews during mowing season, etc. He’s a pro at posting signs —Michelle Darnell, and his enthusiasm was infectious! Todd Griffith 2016 LP candidate for Washington State House of Representatives, District 48 —John Buckley, 2016 LP candidate for Secretary of State David Malakar Vol. 47, Issue 1 The Libertarian Party — www.LP.org Page 9

Appreciating behind-the-scenes Libertarians

Brian Waddell, New York Lauren Daugherty, Texas Lauren Daugherty was the campaign manager for my Without Brian Waddell as my campaign manager, run for Texas Railroad Commissioner. Despite having my campaign would have been a shadow of what it many other duties, as well as small children to attend was. Brian balanced being my campaign manager to, Lauren was tireless in directing the campaign and with being vice chair of the NYLP, political director raising important campaign funds. Without her, it’s of the Manhattan LP, and being a father-to-be. doubtful we could have reached the 5 percent ballot- Now Brian has my support as he becomes a candi- access threshold we achieved this year. date for Manhattan borough president in the 2017 —Mark Miller, 2016 LP candidate for NYC elections, and I encourage everyone to get Texas Railroad Commission behind this dedicated LP star. —Alex Merced, Lauren Daugherty 2016 LP candidate for governor of New York Brian Waddell Jeremiah Morrell, Indiana Jeremiah Morrell joined my campaign for governor of John Windschauer of New Hampshire for his selfless campaign volunteering for N.H. Indiana early, as the treasurer, and when asked, also Libertarians — putting in miles and hours of free time with enthusiasm and a smile. became my campaign manager. He traveled all over the state with me, filled in for Ken Bone when needed, and Justin O’Donnel of Massachusetts (led a team to get 5,000 signatures in eight when I had a stroke the week before the election, and Heather Mullins Christina Blau days), of New Hampshire, of Massachusetts, was still hospitalized on election day, he stepped up Lou Jasikoff and of Pennsylvania, who all came up to help petition to get and handled the press, my campaign correspondence, Libertarians on the ballot. Sitting at supermarkets, getting kicked out of Walmarts, election day, and the election night party. I can’t and petitioning around the state to help us succeed in reaching our goal! imagine the campaign without him. George Carpenter and Linda Keane for doing an amazing job working on —Rex Bell, 2016 LP candidate for governor of Indiana the Johnson–Weld campaign — devoting endless hours of their time to it. Jeremiah Morrell They organized events, and distributed materials so the state of New Hampshire was littered with Johnson–Weld signs everywhere you went; and also teamed up Carl Bleisner, Washington with Heather Mullins to organize and start a Libertarian chapter. Carl was my campaign director who jumped in with both feet and made quite a splash! He personally door- Brian McQuade for starting a local Libertarian chapter on the seacoast and for belled thousands of doors, worked over 40 hours a week, gaining an additional 20 members to the LPNH in only three months! His hard attended nearly every public appearance with me, filled work and efforts volunteering and talking up the LPNH paid off in these great new in when I was preoccupied, calmed me down when I memberships. was upset, cheered me up when I was discouraged, and Jeffrey Kimelman for obtaining more petition signatures than any other individual, prodded me along when I felt like giving up. He managed and pushing us over the edge in obtaining ballot access! nearly every aspect of the campaign on a shoestring budget, helping me get 29 percent in a very Democratic Max Abramson for being the reason that Libertarians are on the ballot in New district, and over 16,000 new Libertarian voters in Hampshire for the first time in 20 years! Washington. Not bad, for his first rodeo! —From various members of LP New Hampshire Carl Bleisner —Michelle Darnell, 2016 LP candidate for Washington State House of Representatives, District 48

Know a key Steve Dutner, Illinois Libertarian activist who should be Steve Dutner has been an active member in the LP Illinois for over 17 years, working with our famed three-time comptroller candidate, Julie Fox. In the last two years, he has stepped up and taken a more active role, becoming recognized in activism director for the state party, and working on the campaigns. Steve is the individual who did more campaign LP News? events than anyone, aside from our two candidates and myself, the campaign manager. He worked every gun show, Send your marched in more than a dozen parades, and traveled all over the state of Illinois (some trips being over five hours away) to work booths at festivals with the candidates, and even sat on the couch for hours at a time at recommendation those oh-so-boring campaign meetings, giving his opinion on everything from marketing to answering and a high- questionnaires. He even fought with me (intensely) over every issue that he felt was important, and many times, I resolution photo of made changes based on his input. After the campaign, he was inspired himself to announce him or her to: his intention to run for statewide office in 2018, recalling that while the campaign trail is intense, hard work, it can be done, and it shows results. [email protected] Steve Dutner —Brian Lambrecht, field operations division director for LP Illinois Page 10 The Libertarian Party — www.LP.org February 2017 Libertarian New Year’s Resolutions by Harry Browne ety — and try to show him that those goals with a recognition of the good things we arry Browne (June 17, 1933 – can never be achieved by government, but have. To speak only of America’s defects March 1, 2006), the Libertarian will be well served in a free society. will make me a tiresome crank. Party’s presidential candidate in I resolve to be compassionate and re- I resolve to focus on the ways America H1996 and 2000, wrote the following New spectful of the beliefs and needs that lead could be so much better with a very small Year’s Resolutions in 1998. They’re great people to seek government help. I don’t government, not to dwell on all the wrongs tips for Libertarians who want to maxi- have to approve of their subsidies or poli- that exist today. mize their success in attracting voters, sup- cies; but if I don’t acknowledge their needs, I resolve to cleanse myself of hate, re- porters, and new members. I have no hope of helping them find a bet- sentment, and bitterness. Such things steal ter way to solve their problems. No matter time and attention from the work that I resolve to sell liberty by appealing to the what the issue, I resolve to keep returning must be done. self-interest of each prospect, rather than to the central point: how much better off I resolve to speak, dress, and act in a preaching to people and expecting them to the individual will be in a free society. respectable manner. I may be the first Lib- suddenly adopt my ideas of right and wrong. I resolve to acknowledge my good for- ertarian someone has encountered, and it’s Harry Browne I resolve to keep from being drawn into tune in having been born an American. important that he get a good first impres- publicans and Democrats. They use char- arguments or debates. My purpose is to in- Any plan for improvement must begin sion. No one will hear the message if the acter assassination, evasions, and intimi- spire people to want liberty, not to prove messenger is unattractive. dation because they have no real benefits that they’re wrong. I resolve to focus on the I resolve to remind myself that someone’s to offer Americans. We, on the other hand, I resolve to listen when people tell me of ways America could be so “stupid” opinion may be an opinion I once are offering to set people free, and so we their wants and needs, so I can help them see much better with a very held. If I can grow, why can’t I help him grow? can win simply by focusing on the better how a free society will satisfy those needs. I resolve not to raise my voice in any dis- life our proposals will bring. I resolve to identify myself, when ap- small government, not to cussion. In a shouting match, no one wins, I resolve to be civil to my opponents, propriate, with the social goals someone dwell on all the wrongs no one changes his mind, and no one will be and treat them with respect. However any- may seek — a cleaner environment, more that exist today. inspired to join our quest for a free society. one chooses to treat me, it’s important that help for the poor, a less divisive soci- I resolve not to adopt the tactics of Re- I be a better person than my enemies. • Libertarians: The men and women in the arena by Carla Howell ment politicians in their own party. Their small-government Libertarian activism is a long game. It takes courage ow often have you heard critics of the Libertarian bills are quickly shot down. They fail to stop the growth of and determination to play it in the absence of widespread Party say, “You guys never win.” government, and often contribute to its expansion. electoral success. Such accusations are usually launched by Libertarians know that Democrats and Republicans who But unlike many who sit on the sidelines, Libertarians HDemocratic or Republican voters, who vote for the “win- “win” are only winning for themselves and their special in- are in the game. We may be small, but we’re impact players ners.” terest pals. Their “win” is a big loss for liberty. A setback. in American politics, and becoming more influential with Or by people who are not active in politics. They’re critics Because the Libertarian Party is not yet big enough to every election. in the bleachers who do not dare step onto the playing field. get lots of electoral victories, we measure our progress in And we’re scoring points for the right side: Shrinking Or they’re on the playing field, but on the wrong side: other ways as well, such as party growth, outreach, and government. the side that grows today’s big government. expanded ballot access. This quote by Teddy Roosevelt, which was part of his If your goal as a Libertarian is to shrink the size and We look for victories in government policy. When an “Man in the Arena” speech of 1910, illustrates the impor- scope of government so as to advance human freedom, elected Libertarian repeals a tax, or a candidate forces his op- tant work of Libertarians who work to advance liberty what is “winning?” ponent to take a more Libertarian position, we call it a win. through elections: In the political arena, most Americans equate “win- Libertarians know that Democrats It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points ning” with being the warm body who gets the most votes, and Republicans who “win” are only out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of thereby assuming the authorities of a particular office. deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs But little attention is placed on whether those warm winning for themselves and their to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face bodies are exercising those authorities to shrink govern- special interest pals. Their “win” is a is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives ment, keep it the same size, or expand it. Whether they are big loss for liberty. A setback. valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, working for, or against, liberty. because there is no effort without error and shortcom- About 99 percent of them — almost all Democrats and ing; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who Republicans — expand government. They vote for big- We know that with every election, more voters hear our knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who ger budgets. They vote for new bonds, more government Libertarian solutions. With every election, more come to spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows debt, and countless government programs. They fund new see that a small, libertarian government is what they want. in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at wars. They vote for higher taxes, and more regulations and We give voters a choice, a way to demand less govern- the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so prohibitions that restrict our freedom. ment — rather than settle for condoning one or another that his place shall never be with those cold and timid They never even talk about shrinking government, ex- option for more government. souls who neither know victory nor defeat. With every campaign, we lay the groundwork for more cept in superficial ways. We get our road map for freedom by combining Roos- The few who run as Democrats or Republicans and who acceptance — and more votes — for future Libertarian candidates. evelt’s insight with Libertarians’ commitment to play only advocate for liberty often sell out by endorsing big-govern- for the cause of liberty and small government. • Vol. 47, Issue 1 The Libertarian Party — www.LP.org Page 11 In Oxnard, Starr keeps fighting Kamal Jain showed how to campaign by Sandra Kallander on government transparency post-Election Day drama has been playing out in Aaron Starr’s twin amal Jain (1969–2015) was a state battles: one for a seat on the Ox- chair for the Libertarian Party of Anard City Council, which he lost by less Massachusetts, a Libertarian state senateK candidate, and a two-time candi- than 1 percent of the vote, and the other to implement Measure M, a ballot initia- date for state auditor (once on the Repub- tive Starr championed and won, but which lican ticket, once as a Libertarian). His now finds itself back in court. campaigns provide a blueprint for running Measure M, seeking to overturn and re- on government transparency. They also negotiate the council’s 87-percent wastewa- demonstrate how “losing” candidates can ter rate hike, won decisively with 72 percent Aaron Starr presenting testimony to raise public awareness and have a signifi- of the vote. But it would take the Ventura Oxnard City Council, 3/29/16 cant impact on government policy. County elections department four weeks Jain lost his Libertarian run for audi- to “CreditWatch with negative implications.” for all of the provisional ballots to be count- tor in the general election, and lost to an Six days later, the city ended the post- ed, to determine which of the 11 candidates establishment favorite in the Republican Kamal Jain on the campaign trail in 2010 election honeymoon with Starr and the vying for two open seats on the council primary. But because of his hard-fought voters, canceling the next scheduled nego- tal Transparency. Every other candidate for would prevail. campaigns, $24 billion that the state had tiation with three hours’ notice. auditor who speaks of “transparency” says Starr remained in second place after 21 been hiding in “off-budget spending,” and The following day, Starr reported to sup- that they will tell the people what is going on, days. Shocked incumbent council members, which the media refused to report or even porters that the city’s action likely increases and yet offers no way in which the people can who had filed suit to invalidate Measure M acknowledge existed, saw the light of day. the uncertainty and the odds of a bond rat- check the veracity of those statements. before the election, talked of working with Jain’s 2010 campaign appeared to im- ing downgrade. a presumed councilman Starr — the defen- press Steve Grossman, a Democrat who Financial Transparency Starr suggested that the city would be bet- dant in their lawsuit. His third-place oppo- was running for treasurer that year. Every Dollar and Every Dime of govern- ter served not to overturn the will of the vot- nent, the eventual winner, and the press (in- Several months after Jain had been ment spending, down to the transaction ers, but should follow Measure M’s require- cluding LP News) also expected Starr to win. crisscrossing the state on his slogan “Ev- level, must be available to all of the people, ment that they negotiate the rate increases ery Dollar and Every Dime of government in an easy-to-understand format and at no with rate-payers, and thereby salvage their Given Measure M’s spending ONLINE,” Grossman made charge: every RFP [request for proposal], ev- credit rating without all the legal expenses. transparency the focus of his campaign ery response, every contract, and every in- overwhelming passage, One day later, Nov. 30, an update to the and ran on the slogan, “the government’s voice. The total of the details presented must county’s provisional ballot count showed the council appeared to checkbook online.” Grossman won his add up to the amount of total spending as Starr’s lead was eroding. Starr had refused abandon its lawsuit... race, and he subsequently disclosed the indicated in each year’s Comprehensive An- to declare victory until the last vote was state’s total government spending — in- nual Financial Report. [but] the city ended the counted; he now projected he would not cluding “off-budget” — on the official Mas- Within six months of my taking office, post-election honeymoon win the seat. On Dec. 5, the count was fi- sachusetts treasurer’s website. the auditor’s office will launch a free-to-use, nal. with Starr and the voters, Here’s what Kamal Jain wrote in an on- easy-to-navigate, and easy-to-understand Then the council struck again. line forum during the 2010 election, which online transparency portal that will be open canceling the next On Dec. 7, Starr and his supporters can serve as a platform for any candidate to the public. The underlying data will also scheduled negotiation with were informed that the city would be go- running on transparency: be made available to anyone who wants ing to court the following morning to file three hours’ notice. it. Newspapers, think-tanks, bloggers, and for a temporary restraining order (TRO) For the record, I am the ONLY candidate other interested parties will no longer have to prevent implementation of the rate-hike for state auditor from any party who has a One week after Election Day, city staff -ad to pay for this information as they do today. repeal measure. The order contained 700 vision and a plan for enhancing democracy mitted that it was possible to meet the city’s pages of documents. With only hours to and improving civic engagement through To- Legislative Transparency operating and bond covenant requirements prepare, Starr sent out a request for sup- Readily available technology must be imple- with less than an 87 percent increase in rates. porters to show up. mented to allow every vote by every legisla- They also finally accepted an offer to work “Every other candidate for On Dec. 8, before a crowd reported by tor to be reported in near real time, and it out a rate schedule compromise with Starr the Ventura Star to number about 50, con- auditor who speaks of must correspond to the reported results on and his group, Moving Oxnard Forward. sisting of “mostly” Measure M supporters, ‘transparency’ says that each bill acted upon by the legislature. Given Measure M’s overwhelming pas- the judge delayed ruling. I will recommend legislation requiring all sage, the council appeared to abandon its they will tell the people On Dec. 13, the judge granted the city’s proposed legislation be made publicly available lawsuit. A four-hour meeting on Nov. 21 what is going on, and yet requested TRO, keeping the rate hike in online for a minimum period of time before a ended with progress made on rate models place for now. Starr quoted the judge as say- offers no way in which vote is taken, giving the people time to read and that could meet the city’s bond covenants. ing his decision was based on the relative understand what is being voted on and to con- On Nov. 22, however, Standard & Poor’s, the people can check ease of refunding any overcharges if the pas- tact their legislators prior to the vote. the bond ratings agency, citing near-term the veracity of those sage of Measure M is upheld, not because he The people must have access to the bill uncertainty about decisions to be made by thought that the city is likely to prevail. statements.” and the voting record before the governor the city council and others, set the city of On Jan. 4, the parties were back in court –Kamal Jain has an opportunity to sign or veto legisla- Oxnard’s wastewater revenue bonds rating to schedule a trial date, now set for June 20. • continued on page 12... Page 12 The Libertarian Party — www.LP.org February 2017

Featured Lifetime Member John Shuey LP.org/membership he Libertarian Party has grown to today’s level be- If you’d like to join Mr. Shuey as a Lifetime Member of the cause of devoted members such as John Shuey, who Libertarian Party, visit and select “One has been generous with his time, talents, and financial Time Payment”; then select “Lifetime Founder: $1,500.” Tresources. If you [email protected] prefer to stretch your membership dues out Shuey has been an LP activist and leader since 2005 and a over the course of a year, write to development coordinator Liberty Pledger (monthly donor) since 2006. He became a Life- JessLP.org/libertarian-party-lifetime-members Mears at . She’ll get you set up. time Member in 2011. As a Lifetime Member, your name will be listed LP News He says that he was first attracted to the LP because he want- at . Your membership will never expire, and you will receiveLP.org/ a ed this country to be freer for his children. membershiplifelong subscription to . “There’s more than just voting Libertarian,” he said. If you’d like to become a Liberty Pledger, visit Shuey has served on the Texas State Libertarian Executive and select “Monthly Pledge” to make a Committee, attended legislative sessions, lobbied against bills recurring donation of $15 or more each month. As that would increase the power of government, and served as the a Liberty Pledger, you will receive a specialLP News monthly state finance director for the Gary Johnson 2016 presidential newsletter to update you on the latest party news. You will campaign. In his free time, Shuey and his wife enjoy traveling also receive a yearly subscription to . and their two rescue greyhounds, Marilyn and Miss Kitty. John Shuey If you are not already a Lifetime Member or Monthly John Shuey is a strong supporter of the Libertarian Party be- Pledger, please consider joining one of these groups of cause he stands firmly for liberty. Thank you, John! • esteemed Libertarians. Both are critical to the continued growth of the party. Kamal Jain Highlights of December LNC meeting ...continued from page 11 Kamal Jain was well respected by those by Alicia Mattson, tion. It is wrong for the legislature to sell who saw him campaign, and beloved by LNC Secretary and also the Platform Committee will be voting data to anyone; it is and should be a many for his generous nature. A hard- made during the April LNC meeting. Ap- matter of written public record. Every vote he Libertarian National Commit- working activist, he died suddenly of a plications will be solicited in advance of by every legislator, every time. heart attack at age 46. His passing was a tee (LNC) met on Dec. 10–11, that meeting, likely with an e-mail blast Procedural Transparency loss to liberty, but his legacy of transpar- 2016, near our headquarters in from headquarters and also with an appli- ency and true public service — in the lib- TAlexandria, Va. cation form on the website. All contract award decisions; all hiring, termi- ertarian sense of the word — lives on. nation, and promotion decisions; all outsourc- Upon recommendation by our legal With the newly redesigned website now Verifiable government financial trans- ing and privatization decisions must be made counsel, the LNC authorized our counsel in place at LP.org, the LNC voted to create parency is a popular issue with Libertar- public except in the case where legal or security to prepare an amicus brief to be filed with a website to house additional content from ians. One hundred fifty-one Libertarian constraints would be compromised. the Supreme Court of the United States the prior website (Archive.LP.org). candidates ran for office in 2016 who made Other candidates for auditor promise in Wilson v. Holder. This case is about the The record-setting interest in our the following pledge: intersection of Second Amendment rights 2016 presidential ticket gave a significant to go behind the curtain and tell the people and rights to medical marijuana. boost to party finances and left us with a what is going on back there. I pledge to tear Government should be at least as transpar- Four LNC members were elected to surplus at the end of the year. The LNC down the curtain and invite the people to ent as anyone it regulates, including citizens serve on the Convention Oversight Com- adopted a 2017 budget, and in the pro- come in and see for themselves. subject to an IRS audit, businesses harassed mittee, those being Whitney Bilyeu, Sam cess, had to decide the best uses of the If we could find billions of dollars that by government regulators, and political cam- Goldstein, Daniel Hayes, and Alicia Matt- remaining 2016 funds. The LNC agreed [were] being wasted or spent inappropriate- paigns subject to FEC regulations. Therefore, son. Three additional non-LNC positions to make an additional $100,000 principal ly ... would you want that? If we could end if elected, I will sponsor and work diligently will likely be filled in January, before dis- payment on the office mortgage, to al- cronyism that lines the pockets of those with to pass legislation to put the government’s tribution of this report. This committee locate $100,000 for a ballot-access drive connections, would you want that? checkbook online. Each government transac- takes the lead in convention site selection in Ohio, and $30,000 for a ballot-access As a society, we cannot have an honest tion must cite as much detail as the IRS de- and is responsible for convention event drive in Arkansas, and to budget for an discussion about appropriate levels of fund- mands of citizens. Government agencies that planning. operating deficit in 2017. ing for programs until we can have an hon- refuse to fully and promptly disclose their fi- It is anticipated that LNC appointments The next LNC meeting will be held on est discussion about actual spending. Every nances will lose their funding, and taxes will to the 2018 Bylaws and Rules Committee April 14–15, 2017. • dollar, every dime. be cut by the amount saved. •

didates who are required to average 15 per- Networks cent support to qualify for the...presidential Want your message in LP News? ...continued from page 3 debates.” For sponsorship info and rate sheet, write to: a third-party presidential candidate polled as “Our Libertarian candidate’s ability to strongly as Libertarian nominee Gary John- pull in four and a half million votes while [email protected] son.... In spite of this, the broadcast network the networks black us out is a testament to evening newscasts are essentially blacking the popularity of our ideas and voters’ grow- Restrictions apply. out the existence of alternatives to Clinton ing willingness to vote outside the box,” said and Trump — a potentially fatal blow to can- Nicholas Sarwark, chair of the LNC. • Vol. 47, Issue 1 The Libertarian Party — www.LP.org Page 13

Party of Hawaii (LPHI) has turned its at- party more focus. McLean County alone tention to passing several bills. The Hawaii has three candidates for Township Trustee Affiliate Updates legislative session begins on January 18 and one for Community College Board and runs through the first week of May. that have been covered. Hawaii is effectively a one-party state, Kankakee County Board Representa- Affiliate news and events are bel have indicated potential interest for the with no Republican holding office above the tive Jim Byrne, elected as a Republican, provided to LP News by 2018 gubernatorial race, so it looks like a lower house of the legislature (where they announced late in 2016 that he has official- Libertarian Party state affiliates. good start to continue to push for the ad- are outnumbered 45 to 6). So LPHI efforts to ly joined the Libertarian Party of Illinois. vancement of liberty in Colorado. pass bills will be contingent on finding things Byrne now serves as the vice-chairman of Multiple outreach events are planned that Democrats could support. Initial reform the Kankakee County Libertarian Party California for the coming year, including our annual proposals will be in the areas of campaign fi- central committee. Byrne intends to fight Events on February 25 and April 28 participation in PrideFest and People’s nance, marijuana, and sex work. We will sup- for Libertarian causes while in office. His he Libertarian Party of California an- Fair, spearheaded by Outreach Director port or oppose other bills, as they come up. future plans on the board include consoli- Tnual convention will be held on April Marie Cochran. Recent candidate Michelle Tippens dating and eliminating redundant taxing 28 to 30 at the Santa Clara Marriott Hotel, will lead our efforts for reform of cannabis bodies, and downsizing the board, itself. 2700 Mission College Blvd., Santa Clara, policy, an area in which she is a longtime near the San Jose International Airport. advocate. Two bills are in the works. One Kansas This will be the first convention in the San is a broad-based repeal of existing criminal New county affiliate forming laws, without replacing them with a com- Francisco Bay area since 2009. Package obert Mulheran has organized a new plicated bureaucracy, special licensing, or prices for the speakers and meal events will county LP group in Butler County, taxes. The other will address the five new R be posted soon. To be a delegate and vote on northeast of Wichita. The first meeting was felonies that were sneaked into the dispen- party business, you need to be a California held on January 28. The agenda included sary bill in 2015. The first is a long shot, LP member within 90 days of the conven- goal-setting, recruitment of candidates for but the second should pass with plenty of tion or during any past 90-day period. upcoming elections, and identification of is- support from Democratic legislators. The Southern California Regional Con- sues for the governor’s race. Butler County Tracy Ryan will be taking the lead on ference is coming up on Saturday, February is home to Butler Community College, and 25, at Geezer’s Restaurant, 12120 Telegraph Matthew DiGiallonardo and Bennett Rutledge sex-worker rights, where we have three bills. at the Colorado LP Festivus fundraiser, Robert plans to work at establishing a Liber- Our allies from the LGBT Caucus of the Road, in Santa Fe Springs (in Los Angeles tarian student group on campus. Democratic Party have been very helpful in County). This annual event will feature The LPCO was given an opportunity to The state executive committee held gathering support for this effort. As with the lunch and a lot of great libertarian speakers. reach other audiences with the message of their quarterly in-person meeting on Sun- cannabis bills, one of them is likely to pass. Our new state office is up and running, freedom in an invitation to participate with day, January 22, in Kansas City. It would make it easier for former sex work- and is located at 825 S. Myrtle Avenue, in “Warm Cookies of the Revolution,” a commu- The LPKS state convention will be held ers to clear a criminal conviction from their Monrovia (in Los Angeles County). This nity organization that bills itself as a place to on April 22 and 23. The location for the record. is not a walk-in office, but volunteers are exercise your “civic health” by featuring mock convention has not been determined yet. LPHI’s efforts on campaign finance will most welcome. Contact Boomer Shannon trials on various civics and social issues. The State Chair Rob Hodgkinson is meet- be to replace a tax-funded program with (e-mail: [email protected]) to last event was titled, “The People versus Capi- ing with state legislators to lobby for Lib- a voluntarily funded one. This would al- find out what you can do to promote lib- talism,” in which LPCO Communications ertarian issues, including asset forfeiture low qualified candidates to receive neutral erty in California. Director and LNC Region 1 Representative reform, eminent domain reform, medical money, without its being collected by force. Caryn Ann Harlos presented a defense of free marijuana, industrial hemp legalization, Colorado markets, using toilet paper as an example of death penalty repeal, and election reform. Planning issue coalitions, recruiting an ordinary miracle of the market. The year Illinois Rob has asked LPKS members to suggest candidates ended with a fun Festivus event, including a Gearing up for April 7–8 convention other topics. he state convention for the Libertar- fundraiser in which members could pay for P Illinois continues to work on its Tian Party of Colorado, “Liberty City,” an airing of grievances topped off with feats L party infrastructure to become more Michigan is planned for March 24–26, 2017 in West- of (mental) strength organized by Fundraiser effective in future elections. The upcom- Major party status for the first time minster, the hometown of LP cofounder Director Matthew DiGiallonardo. ing annual convention, to be held on ichigan LP chair Bill Gelineau spent David Nolan and birthplace of the Liber- April 7–8, is a major focus. The keynote the day after the November election tarian Party. speaker will be Larry Sharpe. M Delaware fielding interviews from virtually every Now that the presidential election sea- Convention on March 25 Membership is still growing, although major news outlet in the state. Here are just son is over, the LPCO is gearing up to fo- not nearly so much as in 2016. This leads to he Libertarian Party of Delaware will some of the success stories. cus on a couple of key issues over the next new volunteers signing up at the local and hold its 2017 convention on Saturday, Gary Johnson and the presidential few years that are potentially winnable, and T state levels. Previously unfilled positions on March 25, beginning at noon. The location ticket received 172,136 votes for president. with which we may be able to forge com- the board of directors are being staffed with will be the Kent County Theater Guild, at This represents several important mile- mon ground with groups outside of our new people, giving the party unprecedented 140 Roosevelt Ave., Dover, 19901. stones. First, while easily exceeding the own circle. Potential subjects include the capabilities. The new legislative director is requirement to maintain our ballot status, death penalty and alternative voting meth- leading a lobbying effort to lower signature this number smashed by almost 20,000 the ods, and are being considered by an advi- Hawaii requirements in Illinois law. Building alliances to pass legislation number needed to make the Libertarian sory committee appointed for this purpose. Illinois municipal and local elections Party of Michigan a major party for the Several qualified candidates including ith the election behind us and bal- are seeing more Libertarians running for 2018 election. Now, there is something to former presidential candidate Steve Ker- lot access achieved, the Libertarian W office. As a result, local press has given the continued on page 14... Page 14 The Libertarian Party — www.LP.org February 2017

candidates for local races in 2017, as well as for state and federal races in 2018, and the Affiliate Updates party is looking forward to setting new re- cords for membership growth and outreach success in 2017. ...continued from page 13 lanti Township Park Commission. As Gelineau told the Detroit News shout from the rooftops. (which endorsed Gary Johnson) on No- Montana Many thanks go to Gary Johnson and Rebuilding and recruiting vember 9: “This is a once-in-a-generation his team for helping us and our candidates opportunity given to us by the hard work of ince September 2016, the Montana building the farm team. Candidate recruit- achieve what many believed impossible. the Johnson–Weld team together with our LP has been under reorganization ef- ment and campaign guru Michael Pickens Our vision and coordinated efforts com- S slate of 70 candidates and field workers. forts. Since that time there has been much will enlighten us with his acclaimed Lib- bined to create the unprecedented opportu- Together, Michigan voters have said they’re progress made. Under an interim board, ertarian Leadership training program. The nity now unfolding for liberty in Michigan. ready for a new voice in public policy.” all paperwork has been filed with the state youngest LNC member, Trent Somes, will In May, LP Michigan chair Bill Gelin- The leadership in Michigan looks to be COPP, SOS office, and the feds for an EIN set the tone as we leverage 2017 to make eau appointed a Special Commission on the breakthrough force that makes liberty and tax-exempt status. The board of direc- 2018 another year beyond all expectations. Bylaws to begin the process of analysis the first thought, and not an afterthought, tors at this time consists of nine people: Other motivational high-profile “celebritar- and organization needed to comply with in public policy. The hard work for 2018 five officers and four at-large members ians” and inspiring, value-adding present- Michigan’s statutes related to major po- has already begun! from across the state. ers will be announced soon. litical parties. This group, chaired by Greg A candidate search committee has been The Omaha UnConvention theme will Website: MichiganLP.org Stempfle, is charged with helping amend formulated to assist in locating Libertarians focus on having fun networking with fel- our bylaws at our special bylaws conven- to run for office. There is a new and modern low Libertarians from across the nation, tion on Feb. 4. If successful, this will create Minnesota website and at present, this new committee while we develop strategies to get more the transitional rules to effectively become Libertarian elected to City Council is tasked with filling the spot for a candi- Libertarian stuff done: a major political party in our state. he Libertarian Party of Minnesota date in a special election, because of the ap- • Perform deep-dive, root-cause analysis In congressional races, Ken Proctor got (LPMN) looks back on 2016 as a year pointment of a Montana congressman to a to get beyond disagreements over 16,470 votes in the 7th District, the most T of tremendous progress, incredible effort by position with the Trump administration. Libertarian principles ever for a congressional candidate. Ken is its members and volunteers, and an unprec- A committee has also been formulated • Ground principles in the science of a long-time activist and former candidate edented level of interest in the party and plat- for affiliate development around the state. human behavior, decision-making, and for governor (2010). His quiet but in- form, as people continue to search for a sane Membership in the Montana LP has grown incentives formed campaign style made him one of alternative to the outdated two-party system. significantly over the last couple of months, • Elevate Libertarian messaging our best advocates for freedom. Cara Schulz, a longtime leader within the with more people joining each week. With techniques Lorence Wenke broke a record, receiv- LPMN and the chairperson of the annual the new organization, people in Montana • Refocus diversity of Libertarian goals ing an astounding 16,279 votes for the 6th LPMN convention, was elected to Burnsville are eager to become a part of the Libertarian • Leverage different but mutually Congressional District. This was a com- City Council! This was Cara’s second time Party and take a more active role in the party beneficial roles of Libertarian petitive race in which millions of dollars running for Burnsville City Council, and her and the political process. As these new steps institutions and individual activists were spent by the Ds and Rs. Despite this, victory is a testament to perseverance and have been put in place, there is new vigor in • Expand Libertarian fundraising Lorence provided the Libertarian Party hard work. Montana, with a candidate search for the options with an amazing vote of support. All five LPMN candidates for Min- 2018 election cycle already in motion, along In the race for Michigan's first congres- nesota House and Senate received more with fundraising efforts being organized. Join LP Nebraska at the UnConvention sional district, Diane Bostow, a cousin of than 5 percent of the vote, and all of the The Montana LP has also been getting to have your intellectual voices heard in Gov. Gary Johnson, turned in a very im- nonpartisan candidates received at least favorable press — as well as the two big enhancing Libertarians’ ability to accom- pressive total of 13,385 votes. This is note- 25 percent of the vote in their races. While parties have been reaching out — wanting plish Libertarian goals. Bring your innova- worthy, as there was also a Green Party the Johnson–Weld ticket fell short of the 5 to hear the Libertarian view. tive ideas and open minds to Omaha; pre- candidate who received under 5,000 votes percent needed for the LPMN to achieve pare to think outside the box; and hang on in that race. major party status in Minnesota, the 3.8 for a wild exciting ride. Stay tuned and see Nebraska you in Omaha on Oct. 20–22! Last, it is important to note our can- percent they received represents a sig- Plans underway for “UnConvention” in For more info, check out the Facebook didate for Supreme Court of Michigan. nificant milestone, more than triple what October Kerry Morgan provided the party with a the party received in the 2012 presidential group, here: www.Facebook.com/groups/ record number of votes for a Libertarian election. ebraska and neighboring states are 679545408893055 candidate in Michigan. Kerry’s total is one The LPMN now has a tremendous op- Ntargeting 500+ attendees at the su- of the highest for a non-Republican/non- portunity to leverage the progress of 2016 per-regional “2017 Omaha Libertarian New Hampshire Democrat, ever. His vote total of 447,166 is into further growth and success in 2017. Strategy UnConvention” on Oct. 20–22, Activity level picking up The annual state convention will be held with an exciting agenda of speakers, semi- simply without precedent. he LP of New Hampshire (LPNH) has on April 29 at the Cambria Suites in Maple nars, workshops, Q&A panel discussions, Many of our 13 candidates for Congress a new logo and literature, as well as T- Grove, and the LPMN will have a presence at banquet, party, entertainment, and infor- T also did exceptionally well. Several of our shirts coming soon! outreach events such as May Day, Twin Cit- mal meet-and-greets. younger candidates for State House re- LPNH will be attending the New ies Pride, Grand Old Day, and the Minne- New York gubernatorial candidate Larry ceived record numbers. Our slate of over Hampshire Liberty Forum as a vendor, sota State Fair, in addition to various county Sharpe will honor us with an electrifying 70 candidates for statewide, regional, or and LPNH chair Darryl Perry will be giv- local office was incredibly successful. Eliz- fairs and local town celebrations. keynote speech. Libertarian state senator Laura Ebke will explore the practical side of ing a speech there. abeth Corder was re-elected to the Ypsi- The LPMN is in the process of recruiting continued on page 15... Vol. 47, Issue 1 The Libertarian Party — www.LP.org Page 15

End the war on LP ballot access “The Libertarians are ...continued from page 7 pain management entitled to recognition as Letters New York a party. [LP Ohio chair] aving suffered from radiculo- Although the LP of New York has much to Pettigrew is right: The law pathic sciatica for weeks now gain by obtaining ballot access, they are not with unbearable pain, I want the attempting to lobby the legislature at this time says ‘any group.’ ...Fair is HWar on Drugs to end, with drugs on the How could inveteration possibly be worse because it is believed to have little chance for fair.” victory platform. Too many people have than this? I would rather have a monkey success. This is because the state already has —The Toledo Blade endured too much unnecessary pain be- on my back than a clawing leopard down eight qualified parties — even though many cause the same mindset that created the the length of my right thigh. of them are, in essence, fake parties set up by LPO contends that it should be recognized 18th Amendment forced them to “bite the I never “asked” for my condition, never Democrats and Republicans to gain votes un- because Governor Johnson received more bullet” (hey, didn’t they know that lead invited it. End this needless war on sub- der the state’s fusion law, which allows a can- than 3 percent of the vote, and he clearly is more toxic than heroin?) focused on a stances that palliate pain, a war declared didate to run on more than one party’s ticket. represented the LP. by pseudo-moralists more movie director handful of vacuous celebs who died from North Dakota An editorial in the Toledo Blade came their own sybaritic excesses. than lawmaker. out in favor of putting the LP on the ballot. Current state law requires a party’s legislative My access to Norco may have ended, End the War on Drugs now! “The Libertarians are entitled to rec- candidate to receive votes in the state’s pri- but the pain hangs on like a Gila monster. —Kenneth E. Fraser, LP Member ognition as a party. [LP Ohio Chair] Mr. mary equal to at least 1 percent of the resi- Pettigrew is right: The law says ‘any group.’ dents in a district or 300 votes, whichever is ...Fair is fair.” less. Because this is so difficult to achieve, no Affiliate Updates minor party has had a legislative candidate Pennsylvania on the general election ballot since 1976. Republican State Senator Mike Folmer, State Rep. Corey Mock has submitted a who is well aligned with Libertarians in bill to remove the primary-vote requirement. the state, is resubmitting a bill to lower ...continued from page 14 Johnson and William Weld appearing on To retain ballot status, current law re- the registration threshold for a party from the Ohio ballot in November. Because the The annual convention will be held on quires either 1) that the candidate for presi- 15 percent to 0.1 percent. This will be the ticket drew more than 3 percent of the vote March 18, 2017, featuring Carla Howell as dent or the candidate for governor receive fourth time he has submitted the bill. in the presidential election, the committee keynote speaker. at least 5 percent of the vote in a presidential claims that they are entitled to party status Rhode Island Candidate recruiting for the 2018 elec- year, or 2) that the candidate for auditor or under a nearly century-old law. tion cycle has started, with about 18 candi- the candidate for secretary of state receive at At this time there are no plans to petition for The committee filed documents with dates declared so far! least 5 percent in midterm elections. ballot access in Rhode Island, which would the office of Secretary of State Jon Husted, LPNH has published its position on Rep. Mock amended his bill to lower require 22,586 valid signatures. However, claiming the status and requesting an early eminent domain and the Northern Pass the threshold from 5 percent to 2 percent. petitioning requirements for candidates are decision so that the party may recruit can- transmission line project. Because Gov. Johnson got 6 percent of the not prohibitive. One thousand signatures didates for partisan local elections in 2017. New Hampshire citizens can now regis- vote in 2016, the LP is currently recognized. are needed to run a candidate for governor. In December, they received a letter from ter to vote as Libertarians for the first time South Dakota Husted’s office denying the claim. Ohio in 20 years! “Once again, the Republicans who con- The LP is working on a party petition for The LP is currently in U.S. District Court trol state government are risking taxpayers’ 2018, to begin in February. The goal is to opposing the March petition deadline for New Jersey dollars to limit their voting choice,” said collect 54,965 valid signatures by Decem- newly qualifying party petitions. The par- Growth in members and voters Scott Pettigrew, a member of the nominat- ber 20, 2017, with an option to continue ty is on the ballot automatically for 2018, he LP of New Jersey (NJLP) celebrates ing committee and chair of the LPO execu- into mid-2018. The LNC and LPO plan to having gained party status in 2016. Tdoubling both paid members and reg- tive committee. “We’re asking the court to jointly fund the effort. Tennessee istered voters in the past 12 months. compel Secretary Husted to do his job, no Thirty-eight volunteers have pledged LP Tennessee (LPTN) is seeking party rep- The NJLP will hold its 2017 convention more and no less.” to collect a total of 5,110 raw signatures. resentatives in each of the state’s 95 counties, on March 11 at Rutgers University in New Meanwhile, an earlier suit filed by the Bill Redpath — Virginia Libertarian, to comply with state law governing parties. Brunswick. Featured speakers include Larry LPO challenging the state’s 2013 ballot- LNC member, and ballot-access cham- LPTN is also seeking a sponsor for a bill Sharpe, Julie Borowski, and Bob Bowdon. access law was to be considered by the U.S. pion — has already collected 525 signa- to relax the number of signatures needed Supreme Court for inclusion on the court’s tures towards his pledge to collect 750. for a new party, which is now 2.5 percent of Ohio upcoming calendar. The determination The LP has filed a lawsuit, Libertarian the last gubernatorial vote, a requirement Pursuing ballot access litigation was not available at the time of this writ- Party of Ohio v. Husted. It charges that so strict that no group has met it since 1968. ing. As a fallback, should both legal efforts a 2013 law violates the state constitution, group of five Ohio Libertarian Party Virginia fail, the LPO is pursuing a petition drive to which appears to require that all qualified (LPO) activists filed suit in December A place the party back on the ballot, under parties nominate by primary. In odd-numbered years, the Virginia legis- in the Ohio Supreme Court to require the the rules of the same law the party is chal- On Jan. 20, the Ohio Supreme Court lature has a short session ending in Febru- Ohio Secretary of State to recognize them lenging. ruled against the LP in Fockler v. Husted, ary. No lobbying is currently planned. as a political party with full ballot access. “We will get this party back on the bal- The lawsuit aimed to secure recognition of LP Virginia is seeking a candidate for The five, all of whom are long-time Liber- lot, one way or another,” said Pettigrew. the LPO as a party. The LP did not have governor. If one is available, a petition tarian Party of Ohio activists, make up the “We deserve it; we believe the law requires party status in 2016, so a group of Liber- drive is planned to get the candidate onto nominating committee whose petitioning it; and most importantly, the voters of tarians put LP presidential nominee Gary the ballot for 2017, which will require resulted in the Libertarian ticket of Gary Ohio are entitled to a free choice.” Johnson on the ballot as an independent. 10,000 signatures, due in June. • PS: states to add to convention listing: KS, CA, IA

Also note WV is May 6 (not 7).

LP Contact 2017 Libertarian Party conventions Media Buzz Keep the momentum going! THE LIBERTARIAN PARTY® Republicans and Democrats may be a 1444 Duke St. Be a delegate at your state LP convention. little worse for wear following the 2016 Alexandria, VA 22314 election, but the Libertarian Party has Phone: (202) 333-0008 January 21: Arizona, Nevada never been better. The nation’s third Fax: (202) 333-0072 February 4: Michigan: special bylaws convention Website: www.LP.org party is basking in respectable showings February 25: Alabama at the polls, intense new media interest March 11: New Jersey LP NATIONAL CHAIR and greater credibility. Nicholas Sarwark March 18: New Hampshire —Washington Times, 11/22/16 March 24–25: Iowa STAFF March 24–26: Colorado The Libertarian Party represents a move- March 25: Delaware ment that is bigger and longer lasting EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR than any one candidate. Nearly 500,000 Wes Benedict March 31–April 2: Pennsylvania Americans are registered as Libertar- Political DIRECTOR April (days TBD): Mississippi ians, a new high. Nearly 1.7 million votes Carla Howell April 7–8: Illinois were cast for Libertarian candidates for Operations Director April 8: New Mexico the U.S. House of Representatives, also Robert Kraus April 21–23: Kansas, Washington a new high. Candidate and Affiliate April 28–30: California —Bacon’s Rebellion, 12/14/16 Support Specialist April 29: New York Bob Johnston May 5–7: Ohio The nation’s third largest political party Member Services manager May 6: West Virginia notched by far its most successful elec- Casey Hansen tion cycle in races to the nation’s upper August 11–13: North Carolina legislative chamber Special projects Nick Dunbar For updates and newly scheduled conventions, visit: LP.org/2017-state-conventions —Smart Politics, 11/20/16 ASSISTANT EDITOR The [Libertarian Party] has come a long Elizabeth C. Brierly Libertarians wave signs and distribute literature way since its founding in 1971. State Affiliate Development —Reason, Feb. 2017 Specialist at President Trump’s inauguration Andy Burns The Federal Election Commission ap- Head of Development parently ignored evidence that the 2016 Lauren Daugherty presidential debates violated campaign finance law, because the debates were Graphic Designer unfairly rigged to include only the major Denise Luckey party nominees, a federal judge sug- DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR gested. Jess Mears —Bloomberg BNA, 1/6/17 MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS Matthew Thexton Libertarian ideas are woven into the very fabric of American life. The Libertarian Contact info for state affiliates: Party of San Francisco, for example, www.LP.org/states showed its influence in the defeat of Contact info for Libertarian Proposition K and homelessness pro- National Committee: gram funds…. Since its founding, the www.LP.org/lnc-leadership Libertarian Party has held firm to its prin- ciples and has made clear that the ideas L–R: Matthew Geiger, Sam Tornabene, Trent Somes III, Josiah Watson constitute a kind of revolution. It would (Washington, D.C., Jan. 20, 2017) have been fascinating — and messy — if Want even [Libertarian for president Gov. Gary] more frequent Johnson had been elected. updates from What have you missed recently on LP.org? —San Francisco Chronicle, 12/27/16 LP Headquarters? • U.S. spy chief presents third-party debates as proof RT is anti-U.S. Become a monthly pledger and • LP warns: Cut Sessions short Need Libertarian receive Liberty Pledge. • LP congratulates Perry for opportunity to abolish Department of Energy brochures, Your monthly contributions • Washington Times: Libertarian renaissance now underway will be used to grow the • Arizona Capitol Times interviews LNC Chair Nicholas Sarwark T-shirts, hats, or Libertarian Party and • The National Interest: What the Libertarian Party wants on foreign policy bumper stickers? make it stronger. • Bloomberg News: Libertarian challenge to contribution limits advances Visit LP.org/contribute to • Reason magazine: Thank you, Gary Johnson, for being the best thing in 2016! Visit LP Store.org make your pledge today! • LNC Chair Nicholas Sarwark interviewed on Lions of Liberty podcast