shrinking BIG Government • advancing liberty WWW.LP.ORG Libertarian candidates make bold pledges Page 6

July 2016 The Official Newspaper of the Libertarian Party Volume 46, Issue 3 In This Issue: Two governors fill Libertarian presidential ticket LP Convention 2016.....1, 4, 5, 9, 16 fter three and a half days of debates, convention began. Credentialed delegates LPspeeches, News and high drama, delegates and alternates numbered 1,018, up from GOP defectors...... 1, 3 to the Libertarian Nominating Con- 648 in 2012 and 440 in 2014. ventionA in Orlando, Fla., narrowly chose Chair’s Corner...... 2 A real convention, where high-profile candidates — New Mexico gov- Candidates make pledges...... 6–8 ernor Gary Johnson, the party’s 2012 nomi- delegates decide Televised presidential debates....9 nee, for president and Massachusetts gover- No one knew who would emerge as the nor William Weld for vice president. Libertarian Party’s nominees — in stark Libertarian award winners...... 10 Intense interest in this year’s conven- contrast to the predictable outcomes of tion drew record attendance and swarms Democratic and Republican conventions, Ballot access update...... 11 of media to a packed convention floor which have been dubbed “coronations.” at the Rosen Centre Hotel over Memo- Campaigning was in full swing by the start LNC leadership ...... 12 Governors William Weld, Gary Johnson rial Day weekend. The hotel was forced to of the Welcome Reception, held the night be- Dr. Marc Allan Feldman ...... 12 direct visitors to park on the grass to ac- up for the 2012 convention, this year the fore the convention was called to order. Later LNC meeting highlights...... 12 commodate the overflow crowd. Satellite party fielded requests for more than 270 that evening, presidential and vice-presiden- trucks sending live feeds to their respective press passes. The country’s largest media out- tial candidates appeared in pre-convention LP West Virginia growth...... 13 TV networks lined the convention hall. lets were there, including CNN, ABC, NBC, debates organized by Kentucky Libertarian LP Speaks Out...... 13 The LP has received far more media cov- CBS, Fox News, Reuters, Associated Press, Ken Moellman before a standing-room-only erage leading up to, during, and since the the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, crowd. Delegates got their first chance to hear Affiliate Updates...... 14–15 convention than at any other time in its 45- the Washington Post, One America News from all of the party’s recognized candidates. year history. Libertarian National Committee Network, and C-SPAN, plus a half-dozen in- Each delegate was allotted two tokens, LP membership spike...... 16 Chair Nicholas Sarwark, Johnson, and Weld ternational outlets. to be used in qualifying candidates for the What Have You Missed?...... 16 took media interviews and held press confer- Whereas many delegate seats remained presidential and vice-presidential nomina- ences at every possible break from the action. unfilled in past conventions, this year’s va- tions, as well as for determining inclusion Media Buzz...... 16 Whereas about a dozen reporters showed cancies were scooped up days before the in the convention debates. Throughout the convention, and espe- cially between rounds of balloting, pas- Prominent GOPers turn to the LP sionate supporters electioneered intensely By Christopher Goins ernment out of people’s business,” she said, for their favorite candidates. according to the Omaha World-Herald. state legislator and two notable Ebke is the first Libertarian to serve Presidential nomination media personalities have switched in the Nebraska state legislature. She had Delegates chose to nominate six candi- their voter registration from Re- helped to found the Nebraska Republican Apublican to Libertarian, while prominent dates for president: Gov. Johnson, media Liberty Caucus. producer Austin Petersen, software entre- Republican politicians consider voting for Sen. Ebke is one of only 49 senators the Libertarian ticket this year. serving in Nebraska’s unicameral, nonpar- continued on page 4... Nebraska State Senator Laura Ebke tisan legislature. She was elected for the switched her lifelong affiliation from the first time in November 2014, for a four- Republican Party to the LP in May. The de- year term ending in January 2019. cision wasn’t made overnight; rather, it had During her 1–1/2 years in office, Ebke been in the making for months, she says. has introduced a bill to prohibit local gov- “I got frustrated with some of my col- ernments from having more stringent re- leagues who don’t recognize civil liberties quirements for gun possession than the and don’t seem to agree with getting gov- State Senator Laura Ebke (L–Neb.) continued on page 3... Page 2 The Libertarian Party — www.LP.org July 2016

Chair’s Corner Donor Appreciation

The following individuals became Chairman’s Circle contributors: The following individuals became Beacon of Liberty contributors: Libertarian Party takes center stage Michael by Nicholas Sarwark, Chair Chastain or the long Memorial Day weekend, the center this election cycle; and no matter what the results in of the American political universe was the Rosen November, the Libertarian Party will emerge bigger Chris Rufer Centre Hotel in Orlando, Fla. It was quite pos- and stronger than ever. Fsibly the largest national con- This is not the time to let up. It’s a time to redouble vention in Libertarian Party our efforts. Get out there and gather petition signatures The following individuals became Select Benefactors: history and, with hundreds to get our candidates on the ballot. Run for office; or if of reporters from around the your personal situation makes it difficult to run yourself, Dan Fylstra world, definitely the most volunteer or donate to help someone who is running. watched. The competition Getting included in the presidential debates would for the presidential and vice- put our candidate on equal footing with the old par- presidential nominations was ties. If our two lawsuits are not successful, the only fierce, and the delegates took other way into the debates is for a candidate to poll at John Stagliano their responsibility seriously. or above 15 percent. Gary Johnson was polling at 10 With the selection of Gov- Nicholas Sarwark percent before his nomination, so 15 percent is within The following individuals became Beacon of Liberty contributors: ernors Johnson and Weld striking distance—but we need your help. Talk to your to be our standard-bearers, the Libertarian Party has friends and family about our presidential candidate. Lee Ann Burgess nominated the most experienced and sensible candi- Use social media to talk about him. Because so much Mikel Dillon dates who will appear on the ballot in November—a of polling is name recognition, we need your help to sharp contrast to the bullies in the old parties. For 45 make sure Gary Johnson is a name everybody knows. Lawrence Stanback years, the Libertarian Party has been preparing for this Regardless of whether you believe in a higher pow- Drury Vinton moment, building up ballot-access victories, organiz- er, a time like this, when all of our hard work is paying Phil ing local and state affiliates, changing hearts and minds off, makes you want to fall to your knees and exclaim, Harvey one at a time. In 2016, we have an opportunity to break “Thank you. My dreams have come true.” As members through all of our previous records and give every of the Libertarian Party, you and I are working toward single American an opportunity to vote for a political a goal of “nothing more nor less than a world set free party that stands for them—not for special interests in our lifetime.” We’re not there yet, but we’re getting and corporate cronies. closer, faster than at any time in my memory. We Libertarians are playing a long game. We know Yours in liberty, that victory may not be this year, or next year, or even in two or four years. We keep working anyway, build- ing up state and local parties, running candidates, and James Gil Robinson John doing what is necessary to move the Libertarian Party McNeel Taylor, M.D. forward. Those decades of hard work are paying off in Keller

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: Christopher Goins, Bob Johnston, Sandra Kallander, Alicia Mattson, Nicholas Sarwark, David Keith Photography, state affiliates Vol. 46, Issue 3 The Libertarian Party — www.LP.org Page 3

Mar Unified District School Board, changed his regis- While she has registered with the LP only recently, tration from Republican to Libertarian on June 8. Matalin insisted that she’s “always been a libertarian.” Donor Appreciation “I thought libertarianism was a sound and solid and “I got frustrated with some of my eternal element of conservatism,” she said during the colleagues who don’t recognize Bloomberg interview. The following individuals became Pioneer of Freedom contributors: civil liberties and don’t seem to William Collins Emily Salvette agree with getting government out William Hall Cisse Spragins of people’s business.” James Hines Thomas Stewart –Sen. Laura Ebke David Hoesly William Weld Douglas McNaughton Jennifer Werther LP California Chair Ted Brown said, “This is the Jeffrey Moe time for all libertarian-minded officials to leave the dy- ing Republican Party and join the only party that really The following individuals became Lifetime Founder contributors: believes in economic freedom, plus personal freedom Gloria Austin Suzanne Gilmore Michele Poague as a bonus.” Luis Belmonte William Graham Elspheth Pomponio Beau Branson Kevin Gulbranson Anthony Sellers Mary Matalin, Krista Kafer join LP Anna Buchman Dallas Hunt Marvin Sexton Mary Choate Steven Kaleta Frank Slootman Media personalities Mary Matalin and Krista Kafer also Kirk Coco Larry Kirk Jeremy Stephenson left the Grand Old Party and changed their voter regis- Denver Post columnist and radio talk host Krista Kafer Pratt Cole Mike Knight Samuel Stewart Jonethan DeLaughter Seth Levy Joseph Thompson tration to Libertarian. John Dickey Matthew Lyons Charles Thornton Matalin, a strategist who has worked for the 1984 A pro-lifer and self-described “provisional Trump- Jeff Drozdowski Richard Mattei Daniel Vitti Reagan–Bush campaign, as George H.W. Bush’s cam- ster” at the time of the interview — who said she can’t Brian Duda David Miller Mark White paign director, as assistant to George W. Bush, and as vote for Trump until he reveals his principles — Matalin Ariel Elia Dante Monteverde Chad Wolett later endorsed pro-life Libertarian Austin Petersen to Gregory Faust Cynthia Odonoghue Lawrence Ybarondo assistant and counselor to former vice president Dick Henry Gailliot Darrell Over Nivine Zakhari Cheney, exited the Republican Party in May. be the LP presidential nominee, writing a lengthy en- dorsement appearing on his official campaign website. The Libertarian Party grants lifetime membership to “In an ideal world, the GOP would continue to be the individuals who contribute at least $1,500 during any natural home of libertarian principles,” Matalin wrote. 12-month period. Call 202-333-0008 to find out how “Unfortunately, both [the Republican and Democratic] much more you would need to donate to become a parties have decimated the first principles that made this country great over the last 80+ years.” Lifetime Member today. Gov. Gary Johnson was eventually chosen over Pe- tersen as the Libertarian Party’s presidential nominee. David F. Nolan Memorial Office Fund Krista Kafer, an evening drive-time, conservative ra- donors March 26 – June 15, 2016 dio host for 710 KNUS in Denver, Colo., and columnist Hero of Liberty for the Denver Post, defected from the GOP precisely because of Trump. Mark W.A. Hinkle Plaques are now on display at the Libertarian National Political strategist Mary Matalin on Bloomberg TV “Some of us love our country too Committee office space in Alexandria, Va., that recognize our much to play that game anymore.” top donors. To have your name appear on a plaque, She registered with the Libertarian Party “[b]ecause or if you’d just like to help pay off the mortgage, mail in I’m a republican in the Jeffersonian, Madisonian sense,” –Krista Kafer, your donation or visit LP.org. she said on Bloomberg, where she made her announce- on voting for the “lesser of two evils” Contribute today: LP.org/office-fund ment. “I’m not a republican for a party or a person. And the Libertarian Party ... continues to represent those con- During the bulk of her March 11th radio broadcast, stitutional principles that I agree with.” she made an eloquent and assertive case for her choice GOP defectors to register Libertarian. Barraged with charges that vot- ...continued from page 1 “The Libertarian Party ... continues ing Libertarian is tantamount to voting for Hillary Clin- state has; cosponsored a bill to legalize medical marijuana; and to represent those constitutional ton — from both her co-host Steve Kelley and listeners cosponsored a bill to partially repeal asset forfeiture (“policing who called in — she stood her ground. for profit”). She played a key role in advancing each of these principles that I agree with.” One caller argued that by backing out of the two-par- bills. –Mary Matalin ty system, Kafer was voting for Hillary. But Kafer turned Ebke joins Nevada legislator John Moore as the second state it around and said by the same logic she was voting for legislator to leave the GOP and register with the LP this year. Matalin insisted that her move did not have to do with Trump by withholding her vote from Clinton. Moore defected from the GOP in January. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump having “Damn the game,” Kafer said. “Some of us love our In Indiana, John Pickerill, chairman of the Montgomery become the presumptive nominee just a few days prior. country too much to play that game anymore.” County Republicans, stepped down to join the LP. “I don’t see “After two successive blowout elections for conser- Kafer says that if Trump is elected and becomes the the Republican Party representing me anymore,” he said on air vatives with a non-response from Washington, a lot of “face” of the GOP, then it is likely she will help build the on WTHR-TV. conservatives are angry with the party,” she explained. Libertarian Party. But if Trump loses, she will likely go In California, Scott Wooden, elected member of the Del “The party was still falling apart.” back to the GOP. continued on page 9... Page 4 The Libertarian Party — www.LP.org July 2016

Gov. Gary Johnson fielding questions at a press conference during the convention

Presidential candidates debating at the Libertarian Nominating Convention. Inc., a business consulting and training ian nominee can only recommend, not L–R: Marc Allan Feldman, Austin Petersen, Gary Johnson, Darryl Perry, John McAfee firm; attorney Alicia Dearn, who success- choose, his or her running mate. Delegates fully defeated several attempts by Republi- granted Johnson his wish, but only by a 2016 LP convention cans to knock Libertarians off the ballot in five-vote margin on the second ballot in a ...continued from page 1 2012; and Will Coley, national director of fiercely contested race. preneur John McAfee, Free Talk Live radio Muslims 4 Liberty, small farmer, and pub- They may have been swayed by a bold host Darryl Perry, physician Marc Allan lic speaker. The four candidates presented pledge that Weld made to the delegates: Feldman, and technology developer Kevin 2016 Libertarian National Convention diverse styles and campaign platforms. “I have joined the Libertarian Party as McCormick. All but McCormick qualified Weld joined the party and entered the a Life Member. I pledge to you that I will to participate in the presidential debate. majority needed to seal the nomination. vice-presidential race just weeks before the stay with the Libertarian Party for Life. Dr. Feldman did not have enough to- Austin Petersen came in second, with 21.3 convention, at the request of Gov. Johnson, “Governor Gary Johnson and I will kens to qualify for the debate when nomi- percent. John McAfee was next, with 14.2 help down-ticket Libertarian candidates nations began. But before they closed, he percent, followed by Darryl Perry at 6.8 per- The 2016 convention may for U.S. Senate, the U.S. House, as well as managed to sway enough delegates to earn cent, and Marc Allan Feldman at 6.3 percent. well go down as the most state offices, with campaign funds as well him a spot on the debate stage. He closed Kevin McCormick received 1 percent of memorable in the party’s as funding for ballot status. We have al- the debate with a rap song he wrote, which the vote and was dropped from the second history. It may be a sign ready raised $80,000 for that purpose. later went viral on the Internet. ballot because he received less than 5 per- “We will raise another $100,000 — for Syndicated radio host Larry Elder mod- cent. NOTA — “none of the above,” an option that voters are readier openers, not total — for Pennsylvania, Del- erated the debate, covered live by C-SPAN. in all LP elections — received 0.5 percent. than ever to give the boot aware, and Ohio ballot drives to put Gov- Some of his questions poked at obscure On the second ballot, Johnson won to the Washington, D.C., ernor Johnson and me on the 2016 ballot. areas of libertarian ideology. He covered the nomination with 55.8 percent of the “Gary Johnson and I are impact players. topics from radical Islam to immigration; vote, followed by Petersen (21.9 percent), establishment and vote We will deliver, not ‘Libertarian lite,’ but as from transgender bathroom policies to McAfee (14.1 percent), Perry (5.6 per- Libertarian. Libertarian heavyweights.” where government should be cut. The can- cent), and Feldman (1.9 percent). On the first round, Weld fell short of didates responded unapologetically with Vice-presidential nomination who believed that a high-profile candidate clinching the nomination, with just 49.0 bold, Libertarian solutions. was needed to raise money, spur the interest percent of the vote. Sharpe garnered 30.4 When voting began, the leading presi- The vice-presidential election was even more of PACs, and draw significant media atten- percent, followed by Coley at 10.7 per- dential candidates had amassed bands of of a nail-biter than the presidential race. tion to the campaign. cent. Derrick Grayson, who had qualified support among the delegates, making a Gov. Weld was joined in the vice-pres- But, unlike Democratic and Republi- for nomination but not for the debate, idential debate by three other candidates first-ballot victory unlikely for Johnson. can presidential nominees, the Libertar- continued on page 5... He finished in first place, with 49.5 percent who qualified for inclusion: Larry Sharpe, of the vote on the first round, shy of the managing director of Neo-Sage® Group, Governor William Weld William Weld is a former two-term Republican governor of Massachusetts, a predominantly Democratic state. He was legal counsel to the House Judiciary Committee during the Watergate impeachment hearings (with colleague Hillary Rodham), and a Reagan-appointed U.S. attorney for Massachusetts, where he prosecuted a number of big banks and won convictions for public corruption. He is also known for having resigned from a post at the Justice Department to protest improper conduct by U.S. Attorney General Edwin Meese, then testifying before Congress, shortly followed by Meese’s own resignation. As governor, when he had enough Republican support to block the state legisla- ture’s ability to override his veto (during his first two years), Weld was able to shrink the Massachusetts state government; after that, it was a negotiation. The Cato Insti- tute gave him grades of “A” and “B” during his terms as governor. He won re-election with 71 percent of the vote. He is co-chair of a task force to study liberalizing trade Vice presidential candidates debating at Libertarian Nomintang Convention. with Mexico and Canada for the Council on Foreign Relations, and a novelist. L–R: Larry Sharpe, Gov. William Weld, Alicia Dearn, Will Coley Vol. 46, Issue 3 The Libertarian Party — www.LP.org Page 5 2016 LP convention ...continued from page 4 Funding from Political Action Committees finished fourth, with 5.5 percent of the vote, followed by Dearn, with 3.3 percent. Three super PACs formed to support NOTA received 0.7 percent of the vote. the Johnson–Weld campaign could po- Judd Weiss had also qualified to be nom- tentially raise tens of millions of dollars. inated for vice president, but dropped out • Socially Liberal and Fiscally Conser- during his nominating speech to endorse vative PAC, headed by R.J. Lyman, Will Coley. an executive at ML Strategies, the firm from which Weld has taken an “Gov. Gary Johnson and unpaid leave in order to campaign I will help down-ticket • Purple PAC, headed by former Cato Institute president, Ed Crane Libertarian candidates for • Concerned American Voters PAC, U.S. Senate, the U.S. House, headed by Matt Kibbe, former as well as state offices, with president of FreedomWorks campaign funds as well as Both Kibbe and Crane had raised PAC money in support of Republican funding for ballot status. Rand Paul’s campaign for president. We have already raised At press time, it is unknown whether Charles or David Koch will fund a PAC $80,000 for that purpose. on behalf of the Libertarian ticket. “We will raise another $100,000 — for openers, Vendor booths filled the hall outside the not total — for Pennsylvania, convention where spontaneous chants oc- casionally erupted for or against particular Delaware, and Ohio ballot candidates. Adding color, parading by was a drives to put Gov. Johnson steady stream of participants from MegaCon, and me on the 2016 ballot.” a convention of comic book enthusiasts meet- ing at the adjacent convention center. Dressed –V.P. nominee Gov. William Weld as Spider-Man, storm troopers, and other ac- tion and sci-fi characters, their exotic costumes Coley dropped out after the first round rivaled those of John McAfee’s entourage. and threw his support behind Larry Sharpe. From the floor, delegates would ask ev- Dearn dropped out as well, but chose not ery so often for the web address (LP.org) to endorse another candidate, instead ad- and phone number (1-800-ELECT-US) vising delegates to “vote their conscience.” of the party, which the chair or the body Gov. Weld eked out the majority he (in unison) would obligingly supply, along needed on the second ballot, with 50.6 Delegates defeated a proposal to replace blyman John Moore (L–Nev.); Neill Frank- with chants of “hashtag Legalize Freedom,” percent of the vote. Sharpe followed close- the current abortion plank, which opposes lin, executive director of Law Enforcement the theme of this year’s convention. ly with 46.9 percent, followed by NOTA regulation, with a plank which takes no Against Prohibition (LEAP); Lyn Ulbricht, 2016 candidates made good use of the (1.3 percent), and Grayson (1 percent). stand on regulation and which opposes whose son Ross was imprisoned for running microphone to address the convention Other key votes both government funding of abortions the Silk Road website; author Tom Woods, se- floor and entertain C-SPAN viewers dur- and regulation of contraceptives. nior fellow of the Mises Institute; Jeffrey Tuck- ing vote-counting and lunch breaks. Delegates voted to amend the party plat- All four LNC incumbent office holders er, author and founder of Liberty.me; and Jim Busy registration, credentialing, and form to oppose the death penalty; to op- were reelected: Chair Nicholas Sarwark, Rogers, author and financial commentator. continued on page 12... pose requirements that government em- Vice Chair Arvin Vohra, Secretary Alicia ployees join unions or pay union dues; to Mattson, and Treasurer Tim Hagan (see Published Presidential Polls tighten the terms of government employ- more about the new LNC on page 12). ees’ pensions; and to oppose bank bailouts. Delegates mockingly bestowed a “Lib- Poll Dates Johnson Clinton Trump Other erty Outreach Award” on Donald Trump CBS News June 13–14 11% 39% 32% Bloomberg Politics June 10–13 9% 49% 37% and Hillary Clinton, for “jointly guaran- CNN June 5–8 12% 39% 36% Videos of training events, teeing an unprecedented wave of interest Fox News June 5–8 12% 39% 36% breakout sessions, in political alternatives.” Fox News poll (independent voters) June 5–8 23% 22% 32% and proceedings on the Survey USA (voters in Utah) June 2–8 13% 35% 35% main convention floor Nonstop activity IBD/TIPP May 31–June 5 11% 39% 35% can be viewed at: Communicating Libertarian ideas effectively, Rasmussen May 31–June 1 8% 38% 37% www.LP.org/2016_ the War on Drugs, and legislative lobbying Quinnipiac May 24–30 5% 40% 38% convention_videos were among the many topics covered during Fox News May 14–17 10% 39% 42% 2% meal breaks, in breakout sessions, and on the Public Policy Polling May 6–9 4% 42% 38% 2% Missed an event? convention floor. Speakers included Assem- Monmouth University March 17–20 11% 42% 34%

Page 6 The Libertarian Party — www.LP.org July 2016 Libertarian candidates make bold pledges to shrink government xpanding on the pledges taken by Liber- variety of measures ranging from fiscal responsi- the text of the pledges, see page 7 (opposite). tarians running for federal office in 2014, bility to civil liberties to military non-intervention. Among the candidates who signed most or all scores of 2016 Libertarian candidates have The list of pledges was based on input from Lib- of the pledges pertaining to the office they seek pledgedE to sponsor and support legislation to dra- ertarian candidates, LNC members, and a survey are Michelle Darnell, Brian Irving, Robert Mar- matically reduce government. They signed on to a of 2016 candidates conducted in early June. For quette, Alex Merced, and Mark West.

Michelle Darnell mandated restrictions on practicing in any Brian Irving Washington: State House profession. North Carolina: State House Darnell’s political ichelle Darnell, running for Washington state’s longtime Libertarian and LP North Carolina career started in 2011, legislative district 48, signed on to nine state-level candidate for State House District 36, Brian Irving M when she was chosen to A pledges, and also pledges to end crony capitalism, if elected. has signed on to ten bold pledges to downsize state be a Ron Paul delegate Darnell advocates “ending police militarization; re- government. to the Washington state forming asset forfeiture laws; respecting each individual’s Among them is a pledge to localize education, which Republican convention. autonomy; reducing gang warfare, gun crime, and vio- would remove federal and state government mandates and In 2014, she ran as a Re- lence; and turning the attention of police toward violent regulations on local schools, cut taxes by the amount saved, publican for State Sen- crime and property crime, rather than victimless crime.” and remove restrictions on private and home schooling. ate in the 48th district, Darnell’s pledge to end drug prohibition includes her “Education is too important to leave in the hands earning 36 percent of promise to sponsor legislation ending SWAT raids against of a government monopoly,” Irving said. “Parents are the vote in her first run Michelle Darnell nonviolent drug suspects and to expunge the records of all responsible for educating their children. They should be for office. nonviolent drug “offenders.” Her pledge to end civil-asset free to do so in the way they judge best. They need as many She made the switch to the LP in 2011, but ran as a Repub- forfeiture includes her support for prohibiting the seizing options as possible, which should include home schooling, lican until she realized that the political winds had shifted. department or agency from retaining the seized assets for charter schools, tax credits, tax scholarship programs, and “The time was right to rise above the political rhetoric their own use. vouchers.” and run as a third-party ‘bridge’ candidate,” she said. “It’s A champion of small business, Darnell said, “Small busi- Irving helped form the Libertarian Party of Cumber- my desire to bridge the gap between fiscally responsible nesses in our state are struggling under the burden of taxes and land County, ran for several local offices, and was appoint- Democrats and socially tolerant Republicans. I believe this regulation” from which the biggest corporations are exempt. ed to the Fayetteville City Planning Commission, where he is where most Americans find themselves.” “Small businesses employ 52 percent of the work force,” served as chair for two of his four years. Two high-quality, professionally produced campaign she said. “Strong and healthy small businesses are key to “Government far too often stifles innovation through videos can be seen at her campaign website. family wages in our state.” regulation, subverts compassion through bureaucracy, and Darnell pledged to sponsor legislation to remove all state- Campaign website: www.MichelleForTheHouse.com suppresses achievement through economic manipulation,” he said. Alex Merced “I’m standing for election to the General Assembly be- Merced is a blogger and video podcaster who has cre- cause I believe in the New York: U.S. Senate ated hundreds of videos to educate voters on principles people of North Caro- of libertarianism. He recently started a new social media/ lina,” he said. “I believe lex Merced signed on to 11 candidate pledges, in- marketing consulting company, Merliva LLC. in their spirit, their in- Acluding ones to cut federal taxes and spending, end Born in Hartford, Conn., to parents from Puerto Rico genuity, and their com- drug prohibition, downsize the U.S. military, and end and Guatemala, Merced is particularly concerned with the passion. Our state is a crony capitalism. damage that government interventions do to individuals’ place where individuals His focus is on the results these reductions in govern- financial prosperity. succeed through volun- ment would produce: tolerance for each individual’s eco- “When you create inflation and raise taxes, it erodes tary social cooperation, nomic and social choices; protection of individuals’ justly the returns of investors. These investors don’t sit by and solving humanity’s acquired property; just accept lower returns, but seek even higher returns to most critical challenges community-based and make up for taxes and inflation, by taking on riskier in- through free-market voluntary problem- vestments. So more taxes and inflation not only push peo- innovation with digni- solving; and a foreign ple toward riskier investments, but make people less will- ty, respect, and under- Brian Irving policy based on peace, ing to invest in safer, lower-return investments,” he said. standing.” trade, and diplomacy. Merced has pledged to work to end the practice of Irving is a 25-year Air Force veteran and freelance jour- Having run previ- crony capitalism, including bailouts, loans, and special nalist. He’s serving as chair of LP North Carolina, where he ously for New York handouts. He would seek government transparency by has been active since 1994. From 2012 to 2015, he served as City Public Advocate, requiring government agencies to divulge the same level vice president of Free the Vote North Carolina, a political ac- his race to represent of detail that the IRS requires of taxpayers. He aims to bal- tion committee advocating ballot access reform in the state. the people of New ance the budget and eliminate the income tax, while cut- Campaign website: LibertyPoint.org York in the U.S. Senate ting federal spending by the amount saved. is a logical next step to Campaign website: AlexMercedForNY.com further those goals. Alex Merced Continued on page 8... Vol. 46, Issue 3 The Libertarian Party — www.LP.org Page 7 2016 Libertarian Party Candidate Pledges o see the candidates who have signed on to each pledge, visit: • End all federal mandates on individuals and businesses to buy medical insurance, Federal: www.LP.org/2016-federal-candidate-pledges including those contained in Obamacare. End associated tax penalties. State: www.LP.org/2016-state-candidate-pledges • End all coverage mandates and restrictions on health insurance that prevent companies T Local: www.LP.org/2016-local-candidate-pledges from selling policies that customers want to buy. Enable purchase of medical insurance plans across state lines. Existing policies may be honored until the free market is restored. A page for each pledge lists the candidates along with a list of the ben- • End government guarantees, subsidies, and bailouts of insurance companies, including efits voters will reap with each policy enacted. “risk corridors.” All levels of government • End all federal laws and regulations that restrict use, or that drive up the cost, of drugs, Demand Government Financial Transparency: Government should be at least as medical supplies and equipment, and other healthcare products and services. This in- transparent as anyone it regulates, including citizens subject to an IRS audit, businesses cludes ending all regulatory powers of the Food and Drug Administration. harassed by government regulators, and political campaigns subject to FEC regulations. • Require states receiving federal Medicaid funds to similarly end all state mandates and Therefore, if elected, I will sponsor and work diligently to pass legislation to put the gov- regulations on medical care, including those on insurance, drugs, procedures, medical ernment’s checkbook online. Each government transaction must cite as much detail as the supplies and equipment, office visits, and laboratory tests. IRS demands of citizens. Government agencies that refuse to fully and promptly disclose • Once the market has been freed and prices plummet, quickly end all federal healthcare their finances will lose their funding, and taxes will be cut by the amount saved. programs and subsidies, which will no longer be needed. Dramatically cut taxes and/ or the deficit by the amount saved. Federal Level • Give veterans total control over their health care by putting money into individual health savings accounts to cover their lifelong medical costs for physical, emotional, or End Crony Capitalism: If elected, I will sponsor and work diligently to pass legislation to mental injuries resulting from combat. Shut down the Veterans Administration (V.A.). end government bailouts, loans, loan guarantees, and other handouts to private businesses; • Privatize all federally funded medical research, and return every dollar saved to eliminate unnecessary government spending, which fuels crony capitalism; open up bidding taxpayers. of government contracts; and require all government contractors and their employees to Downsize the U.S. Military: If elected, I will sponsor and work diligently to pass legis- agree to abstain from lobbying or from promoting or opposing political campaigns. lation to cut military spending by 60 percent or more, and cut taxes by the amount saved; Shut Down NSA, TSA, and End Mass Surveillance: If elected, I will sponsor and work close all foreign U.S. military bases; withdraw completely from the Middle East; and bring diligently to pass legislation to reduce and consolidate our 18 spy agencies; abolish the NSA our troops home. and the TSA; grant clemency and full whistleblower protection to Edward Snowden; repeal all Establish Term Limits for Congress: If elected, I will sponsor and work diligently to laws that violate the Fourth Amendment right to privacy; and cut taxes by the amount saved. pass legislation to term-limit members of the U.S. House and Senate. Localize education: If elected, I will sponsor and work diligently to pass legislation to quickly end all federal mandates on state and local schools, discontinue Common Core and all State Level other Department of Education programs, close the DOE, and cut taxes by the amount saved. Eliminate the Federal Income Tax: If elected, I will sponsor and work diligently to pass End Drug Prohibition: If elected, I will sponsor and work diligently to pass legislation legislation to eliminate the federal income tax; cut federal spending to the level it was dur- to end drug prohibition; pardon, release from prison, and expunge the records of all non- ing Bill Clinton’s presidency, balance the budget, and get the IRS off the backs of taxpayers. violent drug “offenders”; end arrests and SWAT raids on suspected drug “offenders”; and cut taxes by the amount saved. In the interim, immediately reclassify marijuana the same Fully Restore the Right of Self-Defense: If elected, I will sponsor and work dili- as wine and beer, subject to the same freedoms and responsibilities. gently to pass legislation to repeal all federal laws that abridge an individual’s right of self-defense, including the “Gun-Free” Schools Act, and thereby remove this obstacle to Fully Restore the Right of Self-Defense: If elected, I will sponsor and work dili- citizens who can prevent or stop mass shootings. gently to pass legislation to repeal all state laws that abridge an individual’s right of self- defense and remove this obstacle to citizens who can prevent or stop mass shootings. End Drug Prohibition: If elected, I will sponsor and work diligently to pass legislation to immediately end the insane War on Drugs; pardon, release from prison, and expunge End Asset Forfeiture (“Policing for Profit”): If elected, I will sponsor and the records of all nonviolent drug “offenders”; end arrests and SWAT raids on suspected work diligently to pass legislation to prohibit the state and local governments from freez- drug “offenders”; abolish the federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); and cut ing or taking citizens’ assets without (1) charging the alleged offender with a crime and taxes by the amount saved. (2) proving property is subject to forfeiture by “clear and convincing” evidence. No assets seized by government may be retained by any department for its own use; instead, they Opt Out of Social Security: If elected, I will sponsor and work diligently to pass leg- must be transfered to the general fund. islation that allows wage earners to opt out of Social Security. Lost revenue needed for existing and future retirees will be derived from selling tens of trillions of dollars worth of Localize Education: If elected, I will sponsor and work diligently to pass legislation to unneeded federal assets. reject all federal mandates on and funding for schools in our state, including Common Core and Every Student Succeeds; end all state mandates on local schools; end all regula- Replace Privileged Government Pensions with Social Security: If elected, I will tions and restrictions on private and home schools; close the state Department of Educa- sponsor and work diligently to pass legislation to move all government employees and tion; and cut taxes by the amount saved. retirees from privileged, lucrative government pensions into Social Security, and to cut taxes by the amount saved. If it’s good enough for the American people, it’s good enough End Government Licensing: If elected, I will sponsor and work diligently to pass leg- for government employees. islation to end state-protected cartels, by removing all restrictions on practicing any profes- sion. This includes allowing free-market certification to replace state-controlled licensing, Expand Health Freedom to Make It Affordable, Safe, and Effective: If elected, I and restoring the right of all service providers to advertise and to publicize their prices. will sponsor and work diligently to pass legislation to get the federal government out of the healthcare business so that it can be dramatically more effective, safer, easily affordable, Expand Health Freedom to Make It Affordable, Safe, and Effective: If elected, I will sponsor and work diligently to pass legislation to: and far more responsive to individual needs. Specifically: Continued on page 8... Page 8 The Libertarian Party — www.LP.org July 2016

Candidates’ pledges legislation to eliminate the state income tax, return every dollar to the taxpayers from whom it was taken, and cut state spending by an equal amount. ...continued from page 7 Eliminate the State Sales Tax: If elected, I will sponsor and work diligently to pass • Refuse to implement Obamacare mandates. legislation to eliminate the state sales tax and cut state spending by an equal amount. • End all state mandates on individuals and businesses to buy medical insurance. Establish Term Limits for Legislators: If elected, I will sponsor and work diligently to • End all coverage mandates and restrictions on health insurance that prevent companies pass legislation to term-limit elected state officials. from selling policies that customers want to buy; dismantle the office of the state Insurance Commissioner; and allow purchase of medical insurance plans across state lines. Existing State or Local Level policies will be honored until the free market is restored. • Stop bailing out insurance companies by ending all risk corridors, risk pools, and other Immediately End Police Militarization: If elected, I will sponsor and work dili- forms of bailouts. gently to pass legislation to prohibit the acquisition, ownership, or use of military-grade • End all state regulations that restrict use, or that drive up the cost, of drugs, medical proce- equipment by state/local police. dures, medical supplies and equipment, office visits, or laboratory tests. This includes allow- ing purchase of medical equipment without a state-mandated Certificate of Need, restoring Local Level the right of medical providers to publicize their prices; replacing state-controlled medical Refuse to Enforce Drug Prohibition: If elected, I will direct police not to arrest or licensing with free-market certification; and ending restrictions on self-care. jail nonviolent drug offenders, and I will deny use of jails and other resources to the DEA • End any restrictions or prohibitions on free clinics and other forms of charitable health care. and any other federal anti-drug agencies. • Once the market has been freed, charitable services are available for the poor, and prices Refuse to Enforce Asset Forfeiture (“Policing for Profit”): If elected, I will di- plummet, gradually end Medicaid and all other state healthcare programs and subsidies, rect police not to seize citizens’ assets without (1) charging the accused of a crime and which will no longer be needed. Dramatically cut taxes by the amount saved. (2) proving property is subject to forfeiture by “clear and convincing” evidence. No assets End Cruelty to the Dying: If elected, I will sponsor and work diligently to pass legisla- seized by government may be retained by any department for its own use; instead, they tion to immediately legalize assisted suicide and to end all restrictions on medical treatments, must be transfered to the general fund. including experimental drugs, for those who are terminally ill. End State Mandates: If elected, I will work to eliminate, or refuse to comply with, any Replace Privileged Government Pensions with Social Security: If elected, state or federal mandates on school districts or municipalities that hinder our ability to I will sponsor and work diligently to pass legislation to move all government employees cut spending or to eliminate or reduce taxes. and retirees from privileged, lucrative government pensions into Social Security, and to Cut the Property Tax by 25 percent: If elected, I will propose and work to immedi- cut taxes by the amount saved. If it’s good enough for the people of our state, it’s good ately cut the property tax by 25 percent and cut government spending accordingly. enough for government employees. Cut the Property Tax by 50 percent: If elected, I will propose and work to immedi- Eliminate the State Income Tax: If elected, I will sponsor and work diligently to pass ately cut the property tax by 50 percent and cut government spending accordingly. • Candidates’ pledges ...continued from page 6 Robert Marquette: North Dakota, U.S. Senate Mark West: Arkansas, U.S. House roving he’s serious about freeing future taxpayers from the burden of unre- ark West signed on to all 11 federal candidate pledges. Pstrained spending and borrowing, Robert Marquette, Libertarian candidate for M West pledged to work to end crony capitalism by supporting a requirement U.S. Senate in North Dakota, signed eight pledges to reduce government spending that all federal contractors and their employees agree to abstain from lobbying and from and to reduce taxes by the amount saved, allowing taxpayers to keep their hard- promoting or opposing political campaigns. Since the cost of lobbying raises the cost of earned money. bids (ultimately paid by taxpayers), contractors have an unfair advantage influencing de- These included a pledge to cut federal spending to the level it was during Bill Clin- cision-makers and elections. He also aims to minimize those decision-makers’ entrench- ton’s presidency, in order to both balance the budget and end the federal income tax. ment, by enacting meaningful term-limits legislation. “No matter how the pundits or establishment politicians try to spin our national Taking a broader view, West says, “The economy will be strongest when the federal debt, America is bankrupt,” said Marquette. government isn’t bogging down businesses with voluminous regulations and playing fa- “I will never vote for a budget that adds to our national debt. I will fight to slash gov- vorites through subsidies and tax incentives. A free market is the best mechanism for ernment spending because I will be fighting for the future of my children and grandchil- rebuilding and healing our economy.” dren. And, in doing so, I will be fighting for the future Motivated by his desire to give his children a better of your children and grandchildren.” life, West says he’s afraid they’re inheriting too much Marquette seeks to fully restore the Second debt and not enough individual liberty. “I believe that Amendment’s protection of the right of self-de- we should have the power to run our own lives, to make fense, pledging to cosponsor legislation to repeal our own choices,” he said, “and the only way to get there the “Gun-Free” Schools Act, which disarms peace- is to begin peeling away all these layers of federal govern- ful, responsible gun owners who stand ready to ment that are taking those rights away.” stop or prevent mass shootings at schools. Taking the pledge to localize education, he would return “As Americans, we have a legal right and a moral control of education to parents, teachers, and local officials, obligation to protect ourselves, our property, and the rather than imposing mandates from Washington, D.C. innocent people around us, at all times, from danger- He says that this will “allow teachers and parents the neces- ous and violent persons who have no regard for gun sary flexibility to provide the best education for our kids.” regulations.” • Campaign website: MarkWestForCongress.com Mark West Campaign website: RobertForSenate.org Robert Marquette Vol. 46, Issue 3 The Libertarian Party — www.LP.org Page 9 TheBlaze and RT TV televise Libertarian presidential debates By Sandra Kallander English in D.C., NBC News in San Diego, Pojunis. and Reason. Following the discussion panel were ollowing two Libertarian presiden- The high-powered audience, with more television interviews of the candidates tial debates that aired on Fox Busi- than 300 tickets sold, included judges, state who participated in the debate, as well as ness’s “Stossel” in April, two more senators and assembly members, local pub- two additional Libertarian presidential Ftelevision networks broadcast Libertarian lic officials, business people, and students. candidates, Darryl Perry and Kevin Mc- debates in May, in advance of the Libertar- Cormick. Local Libertarian candidates ian Nominating Convention. also participated. Magician and comedian Penn Jillette On May 12, RT (Russia Today) TV held LP presidential debate broadcast by RT TV. moderated a debate which aired on The- a live debate which aired on its regular show L–R: Marc Allan Feldman, Darryl Perry, Blaze, Glenn Beck’s television network, on Kevin McCormick “Watching the Hawks,” moderated by co- May 16, featuring the three front-runners hosts Tyrel Ventura and Tabetha Wallace. for the Libertarian Party’s presidential nom- taxation imposed in the United States. Three Libertarian presidential ination: Gov. Gary Johnson, cyber-security Feldman said, “The answer is always candidates faced off in that debate: mogul John McAfee, and Libertarian activ- ‘freedom.’ ” Darryl Perry, Dr. Marc Allan Feldman, ist and media producer Austin Petersen. On its website, RT TV described their and Kevin McCormick. broadcasting of alternative-party debates as In a discussion about international “stepping in to fill the void that the major LP presidential frontrunners at LP Nevada. trade policy, Perry opined that a free-trade parties — and the mainstream media — have L–R: John McAfee, Austin Petersen, agreement should be simple enough to fit created [during] this election season.” Gov. Gary Johnson on a “3-by-5 index card,” implying that After the debate, the hostess of RT’s “The reaction was huge,” show “FishTank,” Lindsay France, reported All revenue from ticket sales benefited that “the reaction was huge,” especially on Opportunity Village, an organization that especially on Facebook Facebook and Twitter. • provides education, training, and other and Twitter. support to Americans with intellectual- Penn Jillette hosting LP Nevada’s –Lindsay France, Missed the debates? presidential debate for TheBlaze; Las Vegas development disabilities. Watch them online here: Rick Harrison of History Channel’s RT TV’s “FishTank” Sponsored by LP Nevada, the debate “Pawn Stars,” and operator of World Fa- TheBlaze: TinyURL.com/theblaze drew the attention of politicians, media, mous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, appeared goods should cross borders freely without -debate-2016 and celebrities. Coverage included feature afterward on a discussion panel with Lib- government interference. McCormick ex- stories in Breitbart, Conservative Review, RT TV : www.RT.com/ ertarians Drew Johnson and Geoff Law- plained why companies can’t afford to bring Fox 5 News, CBS 8, Vegas Seven, Al Jazeera usa/342845-libertarian rence, led by LP Nevada Chair Brett H. their profits home because of the double -presidential-debate-live 2016 Convention Quotables Thinking of We are not isolationists. We just When I heard Governor Gary Johnson I would like to build a wall around running for believe in intervening by dropping speak in 2012, I said to myself, “Someone Donald Trump, and make Bernie office? philanthropy and free speech and free understands me.” I came [to the Sanders pay for it. trade on other countries—instead of Libertarian Party], and I met my brothers —Austin Petersen, bombs. and sisters. No matter what happened today, as of right now, I am 100 percent during the presidential debate —Marc Allan Feldman, It’s not too early back in the game for Gary Johnson. during the presidential debate to plan —Larry Sharpe, your run for upon placing second in the V.P. race 2017 or 2018. GOP defectors ...continued from page 3 Journal editorial, “Hillary: The Conserva- sider the Libertarian Party nominee. Visit tive Hope,” which argued that a Trump “[T]he Libertarian Party is something I LP.org/run-for-office This election year, Kafer says she is presidency runs the risk of tarnishing con- would consider in the long term,” Sasse told most likely voting for Gary Johnson. servative ideas of the rule of law, constitu- the Lincoln Journal Star. “Two awful candidates? My answer is and send us your inquiry. tionalism, the free market, and individual Like Matalin, Sasse said that Clinton and ‘no,’ ” she said on air. You’ll receive, from your state liberty “for generations.” Trump “are not doing a very good job of Kafer, who wrote policy papers for the LP affiliate or national LP explaining what they are for,” according to Heritage Foundation during the George W. Other GOPers warm up to headquarters, information you the Journal Star. He added: “Don’t be so sure Bush years, said conservatives and Repub- voting Libertarian need to get started, file your the two-party political system continues licans would have an “easier time” standing campaign, comply with your Sen. Ben Sasse (R-Neb.) is sticking with the long term.” up to Hillary Clinton than to Donald Trump, state’s election laws, GOP for now, but he hasn’t ruled out voting 2012 Republican presidential nominee who would be a fox in their own henhouse. and get on the ballot. for Gary Johnson, making him the highest- Mitt Romney has also said he is considering She cited Bret Stephens’s Wall Street profile government official to publicly con- voting for the Johnson–Weld ticket. • Page 10 The Libertarian Party — www.LP.org July 2016 Libertarian Party honors freedom fighters with liberty awards t the 2016 Libertarian Nominating Con- Although he returned to the GOP where he served Adams helped create and actively organizes the LPL vention, awards were presented to out- eight more terms in the U.S. House, he remained the high- Legislative Action Committee, now in its third successful est-ranking public official in year at the state capitol. She oversees e-mail and telephone standing contributors to the Libertarian the country to espouse fun- campaigns, and arranges for Libertarians to testify at the AParty and to the liberty movement at large. Party damentally libertarian views legislature on hot-button issues. members nominated prospects, and the Awards and bold policy proposals to She also caused LPL funding to rise from $0 in 2012 to Committee of the Libertarian National Commit- reduce the federal govern- $32,000 annually in 2014. tee chose the winners. ment. She now serves as executive director for several local The Hall of Liberty Award honors significant His runs for president parish affiliates in southeast Louisiana, and also serves on achievements that have made a lasting impact on on the Republican ticket in the Orleans Parish Executive Committee and the Louisi- 2008 and 2012 provided a ana State Central Committee. the Libertarian Party and/or the liberty movement. huge boost for the libertar- “She lives, breathes, and exists to build the party,” Two longtime libertarians were inducted into the ian movement. Many of his said Michael Vogt, representative for the LP affiliate in Hall of Liberty: Bill Redpath and Ron Paul. supporters later joined the Plaquemines Parish. LP, and a number of them have since run for office on Rep. Ron Paul, M.D. Will Hammer, Bill Redpath, Hall of Liberty the Libertarian ticket. Patrick Henry Candidate Award ill Redpath has done more to put Libertarian candi- Paul has bucked the GOP’s party line throughout his ard work helped two-time Libertarian candidate Bdates on the ballot than any member of the party in career, maintaining that Democratic and Republican HWill Hammer win record votes in his campaigns for its history. He has overseen approximately 250 success- politicians vote essentially the same way and produce the public office. ful ballot drives, and personally collected approximately same result: more big government, higher taxes, fewer In his 2014 campaign for Virginia’s U.S. House District 27,500 petition signatures. civil liberties, and more foreign entanglements. 6, against Bob Goodlatte, he garnered 12.3 percent of the He joined the LP in 1984 and became active in the Virgin- Almost unheard of in the halls of Congress, Paul has un- vote in a three-way race, ia LP in 1986. Frustrated that 1984 Libertarian presidential apologetically advocated ending the federal income tax, bal- the highest for a Libertar- candidate David Bergland wasn’t on the ballot in his home ancing the budget, removing or reducing scores of unneed- ian running for federal of- state, Redpath decided to get involved in ballot access. He ed federal government agencies, auditing or eliminating the fice in the state’s history. started petitioning, and in 1988 headed up the Virginia bal- Federal Reserve, and drawing down the U.S. military. A former Ron Paul sup- lot access drive. Wendy Adams, porter, Hammer tried to He ran LP ballot-access make the Republican Party drives nationwide in 1992 Samuel Adams Activism Award more libertarian, and got and oversaw the 1996 effort. s executive director of the Libertarian Party of Loui- elected treasurer of the Both years, the LP presiden- Asiana (LPL) in 2012, Wendy Adams set out to grow Staunton Republican Com- tial ticket made the ballot and organize the state party, with impressive results. mittee. He determined that in all 50 states, plus Wash- She oversaw the effort to increase voter registration of it was infeasible to change ington, D.C. It was the first Libertarian voters in Louisi- the GOP from within, and time that an alternative par- ana from about 5,500 to just joined the LP after seeing Will Hammer ty did so in successive presi- over 12,000 today. the strong showing by Lib- dential elections. She organized and cau- ertarian Robert Sarvis in the 2013 Virginia governor’s Redpath says two of the cused 23 parish affiliates, race. He responded to Sarvis’s call to run for office. greatest days of his life were who work to grow the In 2014, Will Hammer campaigned in every spare mo- in 1988, when he chauffeured Bill Redpath membership, recruit and ment he had outside his full-time job. Along with volun- LP presidential candidate support candidates, estab- teers, he gathered over 1,700 signatures to get on the bal- Ron Paul around Washintgon, D.C., for interviews, includ- lish campus organizations, lot in just six weeks. He traveled to events throughout his ing meeting I.F. Stone at the New York Times bureau there. and spread the Libertarian district, from a Tea Party rally and gun shows to Roanoke He continues to oversee national ballot-drive efforts message through commu- Pride and the Latino Festival. today. nity outreach booths at local He took election week off from work, and during one Bill Redpath has run for office six times, including for fairs and festivals. sleepless 40-hour stretch, spent the time between speak- governor of Virginia in 2001, U.S. Senate in 2008, and U.S. She established a system Wendy Adams ing events to mount yard signs near poll locations along House in 2010 and 2014. which produced the LPL’s highest number of candidates the 120 miles between Lexington and Front Royal. He was the national LP chairman from 2006 to 2010, and most election victories its history. In 2014, LPL field- In 2015, Hammer campaigned hard again, this time in and served twice as chairman of the Libertarian Party of ed a U.S. Senate candidate, five U.S. Congressional can- a two-way race for State House of Delegates District 20. Virginia. He has served numerous terms on the LNC since didates, and 12 local candidates, resulting in four locally He received 24.1 percent of the vote against Republican 1989, as member and as treasurer. elected Libertarians. incumbent Richard Bell, almost as much as the Democrats Adams helped organize and continues to assist in over- did (29 percent) in the previous two elections against Bell. Ron Paul, Hall of Liberty seeing the College Libertarians at the University of New While in college, Will Hammer cofounded the first n 1988, Ron Paul became the first Libertarian Party Orleans and Loyola University. Information booths are libertarian group on campus, the Hampden-Sydney Clas- Ipresidential nominee who was a congressman. He set up at both universities throughout the academic year, sical Liberals. In 2012, he founded Freedom Gulch, an on- joined the party as a Life Member. educating young people about Libertarian principles. continued on page 11... Vol. 46, Issue 3 The Libertarian Party — www.LP.org Page 11

States where LP is not yet on the ballot as of June 17 Presidential ballot Valid signatures Raw* Raw* signatures Deadline needed to signatures collected as to submit access update qualify† needed of June 10 signatures† by Bob Johnston Illinois 25,000 41,667 24,000 June 27 Washington 1,000 1,667 1,000 July 23 he Libertarian Party remains on track to be on the bal- New Jersey 800 1,333 0 Aug. 1 lot in all 50 states, plus Washington, D.C. Pennsylvania 21,775 36,292 13,000 Aug. 1 After the 2014 midterm elections, the Libertarian New York TParty 2016 presidential ticket qualified to be on the ballot in 15,000 25,000 0 Aug. 2 31 states. Connecticut 7,500 12,500 1,600 Aug. 10 After successfully completing petition drives in Oklahoma Washington, D.C. 4,500 7,500 0 Aug. 10 in March and in South Dakota in June of this year, the LP New Hampshire 3,000 5,000 0 Aug. 10 became qualified in 33 states. Massachusetts 10,000 16,667 1,000 Aug. 2 On May 27, a U.S. District Court granted injunctive relief to the Maine Libertarian Party. The state must give the party Alabama 5,000 8,333 0 Aug. 18 credit for the 4,513 registered members it obtained last year. Tennessee 275 458 0 Aug. 18 The law requires 5,000 registered members to be a qualified Virginia 5,000 8,333 1,500 Aug. 26 party. The party now has until July 12 to get another 487 reg- Ohio 5,000 8,333 1,500 Aug. 10 istrants. If it does so, it will be a qualified party for purposes Iowa 1,500 2,500 550 Aug. 19 of the presidential election. For the remaining states, petitioning must be completed Minnesota 2,000 3,333 375 Aug. 23 to get on the ballot. The start dates for signature gathering Kentucky 5,000 8,333 0 Sept. 9 was not until June for several states, notably New York and Rhode Island 1,000 1,667 0 Sept. 9 Massachusetts. • * It is necessary to collect approximately 67% more raw signatures than the required number of valid signatures, in order to safely qualify for the ballot. † Source: Richard Winger, publisher of Ballot Access News 2016 LP award winners Ryan helped to put on four conventions in other states, liberty. He has run for office three times and constantly and has trained many Libertarians in how to run conven- pumps Libertarian ideas on the airwaves. ...continued from page 10 tions, set up exhibitor tables, and arrange for speaking Known to radio listeners as “Jason in D.C.,” he has line news magazine aimed at promoting free markets and events. With Poague, she waged a one-man call-in campaign across the nation. He free minds. wrote the highly acclaimed calls dozens of radio shows daily where the hosts know Cointelegraph, one of the top Bitcoin news websites, manual for state Libertarian him by name. His motto is to “attack the Left for not being called Hammer “perhaps the politician most engaged with parties, Creating a Success- Left and the Right for not being Right.” digital currencies to have stood for election to date.” ful Convention (Bent Briar Jason believes that every time he identifies himself as Publishing, 1999). a Libertarian while making informed and valid points is BetteRose Ryan, She has volunteered worth a hundred dollars in media ad buys. Thomas Jefferson Leadership Award for numerous Libertarian Before moving to the campaigns, including the D.C. area from New Jersey, etteRose Ryan has been a marathon runner for the Glendale, Colo., city coun- he ran twice for state assem- BLibertarian Party for more than 30 years. cil race and the Glendale bly, in 2004 and 2006, and She was the convention committee chairwoman for the mayoral race. ran for U.S. Senate in 2008. 2016 Libertarian National Convention. While caring for While living in South Jason has been a regular her ailing father following the loss of her stepmother last Dakota, she served on LP BetteRose Ryan contributor to Breitbart year, she worked full-time to put together what may be South Dakota’s (LPSD) ex- News. In the fall of 2014, considered the most successful convention in LP history. ecutive committee, ran for lieutenant governor, collected his piece, “The War on She also ran the 2008 national convention in Denver signatures for ballot access, and even drove to Illinois to help Libertarians and Third with her sister, Michele Poague, and Eva Kosinski. Ryan check petition signatures there. Parties,” which makes the also helped with registration for the 2012 convention. Ryan has served three terms on the Libertarian Nation- case that election laws stifle From 1994 until 2001, Ryan was a leader in the Liber- al Committee, six terms on the LPC state committee, and competition and further Jason Scheurer tarian Party of Colorado (LPC), where she played a key three terms on the South Dakota LP state committee. Her entrench the two-party role in restarting the pledge program and regular fund- husband, Tony Ryan, former treasurer for Law Enforce- system, got him coverage across the nation. raising efforts. With Poague, she organized and ran four ment Against Prohibition (LEAP), also served on the LNC For over five years, Scheurer and his cohost Lou Ja- successful state conventions, managing to raise more than and the LPSD executive committee. sikoff have been broadcasting their Sanity Check Radio $30,000 for the LPC. She helped with three more LPC show on Twigs Café Radio, Tuesday through Thursday, conventions after having moved out of state. Jason Scheurer, in northeast Pennsylvania. They are also colleagues at the Ryan and Poague also ran two highly successful Liber- Thomas Paine Communications Award Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Independent Gazette, a regional tarian presidential dinners, one for Harry Browne and one newspaper of which Jasikoff is founder and publisher, and for Michael Badnarik. ince casting his first Libertarian vote for Ron Paul in S1988, Jason Scheurer has been a tireless advocate for Scheurer is a columnist. • Page 12 The Libertarian Party — www.LP.org July 2016

2016 convention Convention delegates choose leadership ...continued from page 5 Officers media desks kept LP headquarters staff and volunteers hopping throughout the Chair Vice Chair Secretary Treasurer event. Staff members also teamed with At-Large Representatives the Leadership Institute to offer a full day of campaign and activist training seminars. This convention may well go down as the most memorable in LP history. It may be a sign that voters are readier than ever Nicholas Arvin Alicia Tim to give the boot to the Washington, D.C., Sarwark Vohra Mattson Hagan establishment and vote Libertarian. Marc Allan Sam Daniel Bill Starchild Dozens of dedicated volunteers made Feldman* Goldstein Hayes Redpath this historic event possible, includ- ing Convention Chair BetteRose Ryan, Regional Representatives Daniel Hayes, Danielle Alexandre, Alex Region 1 Region 2 Region 3 Region 4 Region 5 Region 6 Region 7 Region 8 Snitker, Laura Ann Valle, Alicia Mattson, Jeanette Jaquish, James Holland, Rigel Jaquish, Ricky Austin, Wendy Adams, Deana Svoboda, Greg Bowen, George MacArthur, Dawn Drellos-Thompson, Tony Ryan, and the Libertarian Party of Florida. •

Caryn Ann Ed Brett Jeff Jim David Whitney Patrick *Dr. Marc Allan Feldman Harlos Marsh Bittner Hewitt Lark Demarest Bilyeu McKnight As this issue went to press, LP News learned Alternate: Alternate: Alternate: Alternate: Alternate: Alternate: Alternate: Alternate: the shocking news that Dr. Marc Allan Steve Nielson Steve Nekhaila Ken Moellman Aaron Starr Trent Somes Sean O’Toole Danny Bedwell Joshua Katz Feldman, 2016 candidate for the Libertar- States: States: States: States: States: States: States: States: ian Party’s nomination for president, passed Alaska, Florida, Indiana, California, District of Illinois, Alabama, Connecticut, away on June 22. Formerly a regional rep to Arizona, Georgia, Kentucky, Nevada Columbia, Iowa, Arkansas, Maine, the Libertarian National Committee, he had Colorado, Tennessee Michigan, Delaware, Minnesota, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Hawaii, Ohio Maryland, Missouri, Mississippi, New Hampshire, been elected in May as an at-large member. Kansas, North Carolina, Nebraska, Oklahoma, New Jersey, Nicholas Sarwark, LNC Chair, said, Montana, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Texas New York, “Members of the Libertarian Party are Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin Vermont deeply saddened to learn of Dr. Feldman’s Washington, West Virginia Wyoming passing. He was a delightful, spirited, and dedicated Libertarian who inspired and won the hearts of many. Our deepest con- Idaho, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota States not represented by a region: dolences to his family on their loss.” • Highlights of May LNC meetings By Alicia Mattson, tion. The LNC made last-minute decisions Immediately following that LNC meet- NEW! LNC Secretary about convention financial matters. Nego- ing, the executive committee met and ap- he Libertarian National Committee tiation of the 2018 convention contract is proved ballot access encumbrances for Ala- Libertarian Party & (LNC) met twice briefly in May in in progress. bama, Kentucky, Massachusetts, and New Johnson for President Two new policies were adopted, one re- Hampshire. Orlando, Florida. bumper stickers, yard TThe final meeting of the 2014–2016 quiring that certain employee benefits be Following the convention, the newly term was on May 26, just prior to the start included in employment contracts if they elected 2016–2018 LNC met briefly. The signs, apparel, and more of the national convention on May 27. The are to be offered, the other regarding re- new leadership populated some commit- pre-convention meetings seldom involve quired approvals for any capital leases. tees for the new term, authorized partici- much substantive business beyond wrap- In the February LNC meeting, we had pating in a joint fundraising committee up reports. tasked the Website Redevelopment Com- with the Gary Johnson presidential cam- The LNC did increase the branding mittee with replacing our existing web- paign, and authorized the chair to execute budget from $35,000 to $65,000 as we site with something more modern for the an employment agreement with our execu- continue to incorporate the new logo into presidential election cycle. Kevin Ludlow, tive director. Visit more of our materials. Field work for the as chair of that committee, reported sub- The new LNC will next meet on July 17 audit of our 2015 financials was to com- stantial progress and an expectation that in Las Vegas, Nevada, in conjunction with LPStore.org mence shortly after the national conven- the new site will be launched in late June. FreedomFest. • Vol. 46, Issue 3 The Libertarian Party — www.LP.org Page 13 West Virginia LP undergoes dramatic growth ctivism in the Libertarian Party of West Virginia the front page of the Wheeling Intelligencer; its coverage (LPWV) has surged over the last two years, in was picked up by nine other newspapers. Sheriff candidate membership, convention attendance, candidates, Brent West has been covered several times for his support Aand media coverage. It also boasts a newly elected mayor, of a marijuana decriminalization bill, which his Republi- and an elected county commissioner who switched his can opponent staunchly opposes. party affiliation to Libertarian. LPWV has seen dramatic growth in the number of On May 7, LPWV held its best-attended state conven- candidates running for public office, giving voters unprec- tion ever. With 112 participants, it was possibly the highest edented opportunity to vote Libertarian. Up from five in per capita attendance of any Libertarian state convention in 2014 and just two in 2012, the party is fielding 16 candi- Record attendance at LP West Virginia convention the national party’s history. All other state LP conventions dates this year, for Congress, the legislature, local offices, this year with more than 100 attendees were held in states and six statewide offices. Moran was the Libertarian candidate for governor in 2012; with populations at least three times that of West Virginia. This is the first time in modern West Virginia politics Buckley was the party’s candidate for U.S. Senate in 2014. Coverage of the convention was featured on the front that a third party is fielding a full slate of statewide candi- Libertarian Zane Lawhorn of Mercer County is run- page of the Charleston Gazette, the state’s largest newspa- dates: David Moran for governor; Karl Kolenich for attor- ning for U.S. House in the third congressional district. per, as well as on the front page of the state’s weekly busi- ney general; John Buckley for secretary of state; Michael One Libertarian has already won his election. On June 2, ness publication, the State Journal. John Buckley, Libertar- A. Young for treasurer; Brent Ricketts for auditor; and Joel Davis of Paden City won 70 percent of the vote to be- ian candidate for secretary of state, was also featured on Buddy Guthrie for commissioner of agriculture. come mayor. He will be sworn in to a two-year term in July. He joins another Libertarian in West Virginia, Ron Watson, president of the Harrison Co. Commission, who switched his affiliation from Democratic to Libertarian in November. Nominated for the state legislature are Matt Persinger of Hardy County for State Senate in the 14th District; Tra- vis Simms of Fayette County for House of Delegates, Dis- trict 32; Eddie Wagoner of Monongalia County for House of Delegates, District 51; and Tonya Persinger of Hardy County for House of Delegates, District 55. James Copley was nominated to run for sheriff in Cabell County. Two candidates were also nominated to run for local office in

2016 West Virginia Libertarian candidates continued on page 15... In wake of Orlando shooting, LP calls for end to ‘gun-free’ zones icholas Sarwark, Chair of the Liber- Without missing a beat, old party politi- The Bataclan nightclub in Paris was a LP-issued tarian National Committee, issued cians recycled their calls for more failed and “gun-free” zone. ews elease the following statement on June 13: deadly policies. The schools in Newtown, Conn., and N R N Presumptive Republican presidential Columbine, Colo., were “gun-free” zones. Despite the horrific loss of life and the doz- nominee Donald Trump demonizes Muslims, Fort Hood was a “gun-free” zone. ens more injured by a spiteful, deranged failing to distinguish hateful and mentally ill In each of these mass killings, the govern- American must rely on police for protection. shooter in Orlando yesterday, the forces of individuals from the millions of peaceful Mus- ment prohibited people from exercising their The beauty of the right to self-defense hate are losing the battle against the vast lims who strongly condemn acts of violence. life-saving right to self-defense. is that it keeps the criminals guessing as to majority of peaceful individuals who want Democrat Barack Obama calls for more Government-mandated “gun-free” zones who has a gun and who does not. This de- social tolerance. But Americans remain at deadly restrictions and prohibitions on the disarm those who want to defend them- ters mass shooters from even trying. risk of more mass shootings. rights of peaceful, responsible gun owners to selves and their loved ones. The Libertarian Party supports freedom Hundreds of individuals from all back- stop shooters and minimize their impact. “Gun-free” zones create killing fields for of choice and calls for the government to grounds lined up in the Florida heat for The Libertarian Party is the only politi- mass murderers who, by definition, do not stop denying our human rights. hours to give blood to the victims of this trag- cal party calling for sensible, serious policy care what the law says. Our thoughts, prayers, and love go out edy. Millions of Americans nationwide share change that would reduce the frequency Self-defense is a fundamental human to the friends and families of those slain or the grief of this moment and express their of mass shootings as well as minimize the right. Every person has a right to defend harmed in Orlando. We owe it to them, sympathy in vigils and social media. The damage they do. herself and her loved ones against someone and to all citizens, to do what we can to stop outpouring of love and support from caring Virtually all mass shootings happen in who would do them harm. When govern- tragedies like this in the future. people is what truly makes America great. “gun-free” zones. Regardless of the ideology ment takes away the right of self-defense, it How many more mass shootings will oc- Government cannot protect us from peo- of the shooter or the type of weapons used, is violating a fundamental human right and cur before we demand that our government ple who hate, nor provide the love and sup- the common link is that the event occurs endangering its citizens. stop violating our fundamental human port of people who, by nature, care for their where responsible gun owners are prohib- The choice of whether and how to defend right to self-defense? fellow man. But government can greatly ited from carrying arms for self-defense. oneself is a profoundly personal one. The No more government-mandated “gun-free” reduce the likelihood of mass shootings by The Pulse nightclub was a “gun-free” zone. government should not mandate that every zones. No more government-created killing getting out of the way of people who want to The Inland Regional Center in San Ber- American carry a weapon for personal self- fields where madmen can slay innocent people. defend themselves and others. nardino, Calif., was a “gun-free” zone. defense, nor should it mandate that every No more! • Page 14 The Libertarian Party — www.LP.org July 2016

Chipman, Region 5; Region 6 is presently Warren Award was presented to Stacey vacant; Robert Schlotman, Region 7; Stacey Davis for his invaluable service to the state Affiliate Updates Selleck, Region 8; George Lebovitz, Region party over the past several years. 9; Darlene Underwood, Region 10; Audrey The LPKS adopted a new constitution Cappozzi, Region 11; Robert A. Enright II, and bylaws at the convention. One of the Affiliate news and events are son-Weld ticket gaining more notice for us Region 12; Karl Dickey, Region 13; and Ste- most important features of the new bylaws provided to LP News by nationwide, there will be at least four Lib- ven Nekhaila, Region 14. is that one third of the state executive com- Libertarian Party state affiliates. ertarians on the ballot in two-way races in Delegates came from across the state mittee will be elected every year, instead of November. As a “top two” state, it’s hard for not only to run for LPF positions, but also all members being elected every other year. Arizona our candidates to win those slots in the open to attend the highly anticipated presiden- In this way, new members will always com- Write-in votes needed primary. However, there are 16 districts tial debate, featuring Gov. Gary Johnson, prise a minority of the committee. Dr. Marc Allan Feldman, Darryl Perry, On June 1, LPKS chair Rob Hodgkin- his election season, the Arizona Lib- where only one candidate filed (all incum- and Austin Petersen, and moderated by son filed LPKS’s 2016 slate of 14 candi- ertarian Party expects to have many bents, of course), so we had the chance to T George Phillies, current chair of the Liber- dates with the secretary of state. Kansans write-in candidates in the primary — with qualify candidates through write-in votes. tarian Party of Massachusetts. A straw poll will have a Libertarian choice on the ballot the successful candidates appearing on the Four Libertarians were the only write- was conducted immediately afterward; the for Oxford township trustee; U.S. senator; general election ballot in November. This ins who filed in their respective districts, results were in favor of Johnson with 41 magistrate judge for District 15, Position approach was necessitated because of dra- so they will all be in the top two, thus be votes, followed by Petersen with 29, Feld- 1; U.S. representatives in each of the four matically harsher ballot-access laws passed printed on the November ballot. They are: man with 8, and Perry with 7. congressional districts; two state senators; by the Republican-controlled legislature Mimi Robson (State Senate, 33rd District); The state delegation also elected 53 del- and five state representatives. last year . Litigation in federal court on these Donn Coenen (Assembly, 1st District), egates and 53 alternates to represent the unconstitutional provisions is pending, but Ken Anton (Assembly, 2nd District), and LPF at the Libertarian National Conven- the Arizona Libertarian Party is aggressive- Mike Everling (Assembly, 51st District). Massachusetts tion held in Orlando, May 26–30. There, Ballot drive underway ly pursuing this alternative strategy in case We await the election results to find out if Florida delegates voted to nominate the a favorable ruling from the federal court ar- three others have qualified in districts with he Massachusetts LP has three liber- Libertarian Party’s presidential candidate, rives too late to provide timely relief. more than one write-in candidate. tarians on the ballot for state repre- who will offer Florida voters the best alter- T Arizona Libertarians are urged to sup- The California State Fair is coming up sentative. native to the two major-party candidates. port this effort in two ways: in Sacramento from July 8 to 24, and there State Committee member Dan Fish- will be a Libertar- The LP of Florida emerged from the • Run as a write-in candidate (filing man is exploring the “United Independent ian booth. Volun- convention poised to have exceptional re- deadline is July 21, 2016). Party” route, which tests part of our ballot- teers are needed, sults during the 2016 election season. • Vote in the primary (during August by access laws, while Bob Underwood and since our booth The LPF executive committee voted to mail; on Aug. 30 in person) and write Justin O’Donnell have followed our politi- has to be constant- adopt the new LP torch branding meet- in every eligible Libertarian candidate. cal designation routes. Massachusetts has ly staffed. This ing, to be implemented over the next four nine congressmen, all Democrats. We have The Arizona Libertarian Party has pro- will be a great op- weeks. Raquel Okyay was appointed to Re- Libertarians who say they will try running vided instructions and forms for filing to portunity to meet gion 6 representative after a regional con- against five of them. We will learn in August run as a write-in on its website: AzLP.org and speak to thou- ference and executive committee approval. how many of them will appear on the ballot. The filing paperwork is trivial, and the sands of fairgoers LP Florida’s 2017 convention will be held Cris Crawford and Dan Fishman are party is urging more Libertarians to step from across the state. To volunteer, contact on May 5–7 in Cocoa Beach, at the Interna- heading up the presidential ballot line ac- up to run for one of over 350 offices — a Mark Hinkle [email protected] tional Palms Resort. quisition drive. Signature collection cannot coordinated list of candidates is online, to Website: LPF.org continued on page 15... maximize the number of offices where vot- Florida ers will have a Libertarian option. New leaders elected Kansas A list of candidates eligible to be written Fourteen candidates filed in is regularly updated on the party web- n Sunday, April 17, Executive Com- mittee members gathered for their he Libertarian Party of Kansas state site: AzLP.org. O first mveeting for the 2016–2017 year after convention was held April 29 to May Arizona Libertarians should refer to the T being elected the week prior at the Annual 1, 2016, in Salina. It was one of the best- latest list of candidates before voting in the LP Florida (LPF) State Convention. attended state conventions in the history primary. The Annual LPF State Convention was of the LPKS. As they have done in the past, Early voting (vote-by-mail) ballots will the most well attended ever, with about the Saline County Libertarians hosted the start arriving after Aug. 3, 2016, and the 160 registered attendees and 126 registered event, which included an informal mixer primary election will be held on Aug. 30. delegates. Membership is up 16 percent on Friday night, a catered lunch on Satur- The Arizona Libertarian Party asks that statewide from last year’s convention. day, and a cigar-sampling party on Satur- every Arizona Libertarian participate in The current secretary, Suzanne Gilmore, day evening. the primary and write in as many eligible ran unopposed for re-election and won, as Saturday’s business meeting was held Libertarians as possible! did Treasurer James Morris. Russ Wood at the student center at Kansas Wesleyan was elected to Director at Large 2. The re- University, and featured presentations California sults are as follows for the Regional Repre- from several LP presidential hopefuls. Four candidates survive “top two” sentatives: James Campbell, Region 1; Anna Mike Wilson was named the recipient of Collecting signatures at Boston Pride Rally: Cris Crawford, ballot drive coordinator and alifornia Libertarians are excited about Marie Morris, Region 2; Joshua Folsom, the Lifetime of Liberty Award for his de- her husband, Peter Everett, past candidate Cthe 2016 election. Besides the John- Region 3; Ryan Ramsey, Region 4; James cades of service to the state party. The Seth for Massachusetts Secretary of State. Vol. 46, Issue 3 The Libertarian Party — www.LP.org Page 15

We look forward to a good summer. together and accomplish common goals. We Volunteers welcome. Contact the chair, Mike send our congratulations to Gov. Gary John- Affiliate Updates Fellows, with questions. The Missoula County son and Gov. Bill Weld for their nominations, Libertarian Party continues to do their public as well as to everyone newly elected to leader- access show on the Missoula Comunity ship positions. Thank you all for stepping up. ...continued from page 14 they’ve had, to be part of a record-setting Access Television called “Libertarians Live” After years of draconian ballot-access begin until the presidential and vice-presi- national convention. or “Other People’s Pockets.” laws, things are finally changing in our dential candidates are chosen; we will then The month ended with great news from state. S.B. 896 was signed into law on May have two months to collect 15,000 raw sig- media. The Johnson–Weld ticket was subject New Jersey 5, lowering the test from 10 percent of the Eighteen candidates take on big natures. A surplus of people over positions of a poll by the Detroit News / WDIV–TV; presidential vote to 2.5 percent. We be- government volunteered to be presidential electors. the result was a Libertarian ticket with 11.5 lieve that is very doable and a major game Our Facebook outreach campaigns, percent support (see LibertarianVindicator he New Jersey Libertarian Party (NJLP) changer when it comes to gaining ground currently “End the Surveillance State” and .com/2016/06/01/new-poll-in-michigan Tgrew more than 38 percent in the first five and building momentum. “Peace Now! End the Warfare State,” are -has-gary-johnson-at-11-5). There is much months of 2016. As a result, the party is receiv- New OKLP officers officially seated reaching out to people across Massachu- more to do, but these encouraging events ing unprecedented media coverage, including with the gaveling of the national conven- setts. give inspiration to LP Michigan to do the a recent interview on NBC 10 in Philadelphia tion are as follows: Tina Kelly, Chair; Tim hard work all summer. Our ballot rules and NJ 101.5 radio. Krahing, Jr., Vice Chair; Christina Wright, Michigan indicate that an approximately 3.5 percent New Jersey property taxes, income taxes, Secretary; and Ron Phillips, Treasurer. Aiming for major-party status showing will make the Libertarian Party estate taxes, and inheritance taxes are all Voters in Oklahoma are looking to the a major party in Michigan. So, the goal is LP as a viable alternative to the failed sta- ay was an amazing month for the among the highest in America. Because of clear, and Libertarians in the Wolverine tus quo, and we are moving forward in as Libertarian Party of Michigan. excessive regulations, we are consistently M State accept the challenge. Hope to see many areas as we can, to take advantage of Since the straw-poll event held March voted the worst place to start a business. We you in Michigan for what should be a this new relevance. Visit www.OKLP.org to 19, in which six of the campaigns for our have more people leaving our state than any wonderful summer of fun. other state does. When adjusted for cost of find information about how to get involved presidential nomination competed, LPM in our current activities, which include Check out LPM’s Facebook photo page: living, 30 percent of New Jersey residents has seen a huge uptick in members and bringing affiliates on line, the promotion contacts. Getting ready for LPM’s annual FB.com/LibertarianPartyofMI/photos now live in poverty. Politicians have crip- pled our taxpayers with more than $170 bil- of 16 state Libertarian candidates, the sup- convention was a real challenge. But hap- port of medical marijuana initiatives, Pride pily, May 14 brought the party its largest Montana lion in state debt. At $55,550 per taxpayer, LP presence at county fairs Parade floats, and T-shirt contests. • turnout of activists ever. that’s the highest in the nation. The NJLP has 18 candidates running #Oklahoma Brewing The Perfect Liberty More than 125 people filled the confer- hile our delegation traveled to Orlan- for office on a platform of minimum gov- Storm ence room and helped elect a new board. do for the national convention, the W ernment and maximum freedom. The convention chose Bill Gelineau as folks in Ravalli County were busy with the chair — who had served as chair in 2003– Corvallis Memorial Day Parade. It’s a fun lit- LP West Virginia growth ...continued from page 13 2004. Last year’s chair, Kimberly McCurry, tle parade sponsored by the local American Oklahoma A presidential vote of 2.5 percent will give stepped into the role of vice chair. Previous Legion. Our candidate for governor brought LP ballot access Wood County: Brent West of Vienna for LEC member Jason Brandenburg was se- his military transport to the parade. Plus we sheriff, and Stephen Smith of Parkersburg lected as treasurer. And newcomer Diane had Dave and Leona Merrick and their car. P Oklahoma wishes to thank all those re- for County Commission, District A. Bostow was selected as secretary. LPM’s Everybody had a good time. Lsponsible for a professionally run and im- Much of the party’s growth resulted five at-large members, expected to bring Montana is working on getting to a pressive national convention. Our state was from the hard work of Libertarians Michael both new ideas and experience, are Grego- few fairs this summer, including Gallatin represented by a full delegation of six, plus Wilson and John Buckley. Both have been ry Creswell, Jonathan Osment, Emily Sal- County Fair, the Western Montana Fair, two alternates, all of whom reported an over- generous donors; they serve as the state’s co- vette, Tiffany Heyden, and Jeff Wood. and the Ravalli County Fair. It would be whelming sense of optimism about the future director and spokesperson/chair, respec- Following the convention, the LPM nice to get up north to Kalispell and over of the LP, and a renewed dedication to ad- tively, for the Gary Johnson for President hosted a panel discussion with presidential to Billings, if time and money permit. Our vancing the cause of freedom. An unscripted campaign; and they have each had a hand in candidates Gary Johnson and Darryl Per- legislative candidates are working to hit the convention process is a source of pride, and dozens of affiliate activities. Buckley, along ry, moderated by nationally known media ground running after the June 7 primary. proof that individuals can peacefully come with LPWV treasurer Karl Swisher, per- personality Bill Ballenger (Inside Michi- sonally calls every new member, welcomes gan Politics and “Off the Record”). Taking them to the LP, and helps them find ways to many questions from the audience, the run for office or otherwise get active. two hopefuls were both enlightening and Buckley is a former Virginia resident interesting. The record-breaking banquet who once served in the state’s House of audience members enjoyed the experience Delegates as a Republican. thoroughly. In another victory for the LPWV, Charles- Next up — the big event in Orlando. ton Mayor Danny Jones has announced his LP Michigan sent its allotted 25 delegates intention to vote for Libertarian Gary John- to the national convention, and 19 ad- son for president to protest the GOP’s choice ditional members made the trip. Six of of Donald Trump, as well as its “obsession” these served in other delegations — east, with the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. north, south, and west. For many, un- He has left the Republican Party and is now doubedly one of the greatest experiences One of LP Montana’s parade contingent vehicles registered to vote as an independent. • LP membership spikes in spring of 2016 LP Contact Media Buzz ne of the LP’s many new members, Farley Malorrus, explained his drive to THE LIBERTARIAN PARTY® join the LP in this way: “We have one chance, one hope, one choice to free this Summer is here, and the season’s hottest 1444 Duke St. nation; and that is to free up millions of Americans [from] an antiquated two- trend is ... Libertarians! Alexandria, VA 22314 Oparty system that gives us no choice.... Instead, vote Libertarian, and sway the popular —Washington Post headline; 6/4/16 Phone: (202) 333-0008 vote to a point that they can’t take our freedoms away from us any longer. We are run- Fax: (202) 333-0072 Many voters are quick to dismiss third- Website: www.LP.org ning out of time. Vote for Gary Johnson. Vote Libertarian.... Free the world.” party candidates, but Johnson and Weld are different. Between them, they have STAFF 16 years of successful executive expe- LP NATIONAL CHAIR rience as governors, working effectively Nicholas Sarwark with legislators, opposition and the busi- ness community alike. Contrast this EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Wes Benedict with the presumptive Republican and Democratic nominees: Donald Trump is Political DIRECTOR a thin-skinned reality TV star with an au- Carla Howell thoritarian streak, and Hillary Clinton is a Operations Director former secretary of state whose signature Robert Kraus contribution to foreign policy — the 2011 military intervention in Libya — was an Candidate and Affiliate unmitigated disaster. Support Specialist Bob Johnston The most important thing any voter can do is vote for the person who best embodies Member Services his or her ideals, whether or not that can- Casey Hansen Scenes from the LP national convention didate has a good chance at winning the Special projects White House.... [H]igh turnout for the Lib- Nick Dunbar ertarians could qualify them for debates … and help grow the party in numerous other ASSISTANT EDITOR ways. Elizabeth C. Brierly —CNN, “Don’t fall for ‘lesser of two State Affiliate Development evils’ argument”; 6/1/16 Specialist Andy Burns The Libertarian Party put forward Sun- day the strongest presidential ticket in its Special Projects history, throwing down the gauntlet in an Lauren Daugherty election that has the two major parties poised to nominate divisive candidates Contact info for state affiliates: with soaring unfavorability ratings. www.LP.org/states Marc Feldman engaging delegates Counting ballots —Washington Times; 5/29/16 Contact info for Libertarian What we have developing here is a new National Committee: epoch in American politics: an authenti- www.LP.org/lnc-leadership cally liberal (in the classical sense) po- litical movement in the US is being born as an alternative to a deeply corrupt and ideologically dangerous mainstream Want even dominated by two parties that have trend- ed inexorably socialist and fascist. more frequent LP Florida delegates Melissa Edgar announcing NJ delegation vote totals This new movement has a message that updates from is clean and clear: enough is enough, let What have you missed recently on LP.org? us be free. Freedom works; government power does not. LP Headquarters? • USA Today: A 3-way presidential race? • U.S. News & World Report: The Year of the Libertarian The LP ... is finally positioned to be the Become a monthly pledger political voice of a cultural, social and • The Atlantic: Is This the Libertarian Party’s Moment? entrepreneurial resistance movement.... and receive Liberty Pledge. • Newsweek: There is a third way and it’s called Libertarianism History does not end with this election. • Washington Post: Gary Johnson takes on Trump’s anti-immigration lies One could say that it is just now begin- Your monthly contributions • L.A. Times: Meet the libertarians — the #NeverTrump movement’s last hope ning, now that we finally have a choice, • Washington Times: Gary Johnson sets sights on 15 percent in polls for the first time in our lives. will be used to grow the • L.A. Daily News: It’s high time to let the Libertarian presidential candidate debate People often say that America has a two- Libertarian Party and • The Gazette (Colorado Springs): Put third party candidates in debates party system. People always believe that make it stronger. • El Paso County GOP group endorses a Libertarian for U.S. Senate the status quo will last forever. The truth • South Dakota Libertarian elected to city council is that the status quo always lasts until, • “The Rachel Maddow Show” on MSNBC discusses Johnson–Weld ticket Visit LP.org/contribute to suddenly, it doesn’t. • Austin Petersen interviewed by Breitbart, Kennedy, and Dana Loesch Times are changing. • NJ chair appears in Philadelphia NBC TV news spot about LP make your pledge today! —Jeffrey Tucker in Newsweek, on the • George Stephanopoulos interviews Gary Johnson on ABC’s “This Week” 2016 LP National Convention; 6/4/16

Republicans want to spend [taxpayers] money just as much as the Democrats do. And when we get together, when we get to an impasse and can’t figure out what to do, the only thing we agree on is spending more money. And because we can’t agree to raise taxes, we just put it towards the debt. —Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) in ad- dress at Reason Weekend 2016