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August 2014 The Official Newspaper of the Libertarian Party Volume 44, Issue 4 In This Issue: 2014 LP National Convention coverage inside! Chair’s Corner ...... 2 ibertarian Party del- June to meet, recharge their Far more happened at pages 7–11. So head inside for egates, members, and batteries, inspire each other to the 2014 LP National Con- coverage of the new LNC chair LPfriends from across the work even harderNews to achieve vention than we can chronicle and officers, platform and by- Downsizing the Military ...... 3 L nation and overseas gathered liberty, and decide the future here, but we’ve captured some laws changes, featured speak- Office Fund Donors ...... 4 in Columbus, Ohio, in late of the party. of the highlights for you on ers and events, and more! LNC Purchases New Office ...... 5 Libertarian Party candidates Debate Commission Lawsuit .....6 call for military downsizing Iowa Candidates ...... 6 By Carla Howell 8th, Indiana; Heather Johnson, U.S. Political Director Senate, Minnesota; Davy Jones, 2014 National Convention..7–11 U.S. House 2nd, West Virginia; Bill s Democrats and Republicans Kelsey, U.S. House 10th, Texas; Scott MSNBC “Hardball” host Chris Matthews Record Candidates for LPVA ...12 flirt with more interventions in Kohlhaas, U.S. Senate, Alaska; Mike interviews Sean Haugh, Libertarian Party Ukraine, Iraq, Iran, Syria and Kolls, U.S. House 24th, Texas; Len- candidate for U.S. Senate in North Carolina A ny Ladner, U.S. House 7th, Tennes- who polled at 11 percent in May. Gaza, 35 Libertarian candidates run- Affiliate News ...... 13–14, 16 ning for federal office in 2014 have see; Rob Lapham, U.S. House 22nd, taken a pledge to dramatically down- Texas; Randall Lord, U.S. House Libertarians hitting Membership Plan Changes .....15 size the U.S. military: 4th, Louisiana; Jim McDermott, “If elected, I will sponsor legisla- U.S. House at large, Alaska; Curtis new highs in the polls Upcoming State Conventions ..16 tion to cut military spending by 60% or McLaughlin, U.S. House 4th, South more and cut total federal spending ac- Carolina; Brannon McMorris, U.S. By Carla Howell Media Buzz ...... 16 cordingly; close all foreign U.S. mili- Senate, Louisiana; Russ Monchil, tary bases; withdraw completely from U.S. House 6th, Missouri; Martin everal 2014 Libertarian candidates the Middle East; and bring our troops Moulton, Shadow U.S. House, D.C.; are polling exceptionally high, de- home.” Clark Patterson, U.S. House 1st, Sspite being outspent by millions of The following candidates have Texas; David Patterson, U.S. Sen- dollars by their Democratic and Repub- taken the military defense pledge: ate, Kentucky; Jeff Peterman, U.S. lican opponents and despite media bias Danny Bedwell, U.S. House 1st, Mis- House 2nd, Indiana; Ed Rankin, U.S. that strongly favors the two old parties. sissippi; Kevin Craig, U.S. House House 32nd, Texas; Chris Rike, U.S. • Sean Haugh for U.S. Senate in North 7th, Missouri; Rufus Craig, U.S. House 4th, Arizona; Chris Sharer, Carolina polled at 11 percent on May House 6th, Louisiana; Mark Fish, U.S. House 13th, Michigan; Debbie 13, according to Public Policy Polling. U.S. Senate, Alaska; Jim Fulner, U.S. Standiford, U.S. House 2nd, Arkan- • Roger Roots for U.S. Senate in Montana Senate, Michigan; Loel Gnadt, U.S. sas; Jim Vein, U.S. House 4th, Utah; received 9 percent on July 24 in a Gravis House 1st, Michigan; Erwin Haas, Arvin Vohra, U.S. House 4th, Mary- poll. U.S. House 6th, Michigan; Will Ham- land; Roy Welborn, U.S. House 5th, • Adrian Wyllie for governor in Florida mer, U.S. House 6th, Virginia; Sha- Missouri; Kipp Welch, U.S. House polled at 11 percent in a Quinnipiac poll ron Hansen, U.S. Senate, Illinois; 2nd, Michigan; John Wieder, U.S. released on July 23. Sean Haugh, U.S. Senate, North Car- House 14th, Texas. • David Williams for attorney general in olina; Andrew Horning, U.S. House continued on page 3... continued on page 12... Page 2 The Libertarian Party — www.LP.org August 2014

The following individuals became Lifetime Members of the hair s orner C ’ C Libertarian Party between April 24, 2014, and July 31, 2014:

Jennie L. Allison Richard Wells Forsythe Jr. Nathaniel R. Orders Thomas Applegate Nick Frollini Dr. Michael R. Pakko It’s time to welcome people home to the LP Christopher Ashby Mary Therese Gingell Jason Pedu Mark N. Axinn Esq. Joseph J. Gramc Prof. William S. Peirce Benjamin J. Aycrigg James P. Gray Richard Perkins by Nicholas Sarwark, Chair Jonathan Baird William Greene Rick Perkins Garry Baker Evan Haas Delano L. Petry would like to start out my trust either of the old parties. It shows that they want Jamie Balagia Timothy R. Hagan Ed Rankin first column as chair by greater freedom. This generation is ready to be Lib- Chris Batchelor William Hajdu David Reese Victor A. Bertolozzi James A. Harris Stuart L. Resnick thanking Geoffrey Neale for ertarian. To seize that opportunity, we need to clearly I Andrew W. Binsley Michael Hellmann Steve Roatch his service as chair, Nancy Neale define what it means to be a Libertarian and show Robert Boothby David E. Henkle Gary Dale Robbins and the rest of the Convention people that we are the only political party dedicated to William H. Bouma Jonathan A. Jaech Neal R. Rzepkowski Management Committee for put- advancing human freedom. Michael Mark Brady Nick P. Karem Nicholas J. Sarwark Keith Brilhart Piper Keairnes Ronald Schaefer ting on an excellent convention, The arc of history bends toward freedom. As Stanley Brown James Keller Roy Britton Scherer Esq. and the Libertarian Party of Ohio Libertarians, we are working to bend it further and Gary Brunsman Gregory D. Kelver Mr Jason M. Scheurer for being such gracious hosts faster. We are different from the old parties, and we Lee Ann Burgess Tim Krieger Jeffrey M. Scoville for the National Convention just Nicholas Sarwark must show people how Libertarians can advance free- Edwin T. Burton Keith Laube William J. Sears Judge John A. Buttrick Robert E. Lempke Jr. Joseph H. Server held in Columbus. It was a great convention, and if you dom through cutting government. As your chair, I will Joyce S. Calloway Daniel Lewis John C. Shumate weren’t able to make this last one, make it a point to communicate our Libertarian ideals with kindness and Dr. Thomas W. Carpenter Thomas Lippman David R. Simek attend the 2016 convention in Orlando, Fla. I especially compassion, but also with strength and clarity. As the Joseph Catto Roger Londry Don Smart Bruce Chaffee Aimee Love Neill Snider want to thank the delegates who have entrusted me with great abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison said, “I am Kathleen J. Cockrell Vina Love Barr Soltis the job of chair. in earnest — I will not equivocate — I will not excuse Wayne Cockrell Calvin Lu John Sowers When I ran for chair, I asked the delegates to elect — I will not retreat a single inch — AND I WILL BE Robert C. Coogan Dr. Robert Barry Lurate MD Alfonzie Stepney me to the position of “least important person in the HEARD.” Rufus H. Craig John J. McCurry Shawn C. Stoval Ms. Susan L. Cvach Elmer J. McDowell Richard Surface party.” I firmly believe that the most important people It’s time to welcome people home to the Libertarian Henry S. David Mark A. Miller Nicholas Taiber in this party are the candidates, the state party leaders, Party. Help me welcome your friends, family, and neigh- Michael Dodd Roy Minet William M. Templeton and the individual activists spreading the Libertarian bors to come home. If they have never been a member Chris Dohogne Jeffrey Mortenson Eric S. Tener message to the American people. You are the most im- of the party, but believe in human freedom, this is their Carol Dorrough Oleksandr Moskalyuk James V. Tosone Jr. Michael L. Dudley Julius Nadas Stephen Trimberger portant person in this party. Without you, there would home. If they joined the Republicans or Democrats be- Brian Dunn Roger E. Nelson David Valdina be no Libertarian National Committee. As chair, my lieving they would fight for human freedom, but are dis- Carl M. Dye David L. Neumann Kermit C. Wallace goal is to help you be more effective as a Libertarian. appointed by broken promises, this is their home. If they Charlie R. Earl Larry Nicholas James S. White For our party to be successful, I need your help. were once a member of the party, but left in frustration at Cody Ebberson Mark M. Noble John D. Williams David A. Eckhardt Charles B. Olson Emil R. Wolanski I need your ideas, your suggestions, and your will- something we did or didn't do, this is their home. Eugene J. Flynn Dr. Edward C. Olson ingness to volunteer for and donate to the Libertar- It’s time for everyone committed to advancing Rev. Dr. Randall John Forester David Opperman ian Party. You can contact me at [email protected], follow liberty by cutting government to come home to the me on Twitter at @nsarwark, or follow my Facebook only political party that will do it. The Libertarian Party grants Lifetime page: fb.com/sarwark4chair Membership to individuals who contribute Yours in liberty, I appreciate all of the suggestions and feedback at least $1,500 during any 12-month I’ve already received and look forward to hearing from period. Call 202-333-0008 to find out how you about what you’d like the Libertarian Party to do. much more you would need to donate to The good news is that our ideas are winning. Re- cent polling of younger voters shows that they don’t become a Lifetime Member today.

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

CONTRIBUTORS: Carla Howell, Wes Benedict, Nicholas Sarwark, Joe Hunter, Bob Johnston, Arthur DiBianca, Gary Johnson, Eric D. Dixon Vol. 44, Issue 4 The Libertarian Party — www.LP.org Page 3 Candidates for military downsizing United States, I believe in a highly technically advance mili- tary ready to mobilize in the defense of the USA, but I am ...continued from page 1 not in favor of imposing nation building,” McDermott said. How big is the U.S. military? “It’s time to reposition our troops and their equip- The Washington Post calls the size of U.S. military ment back into the United States. With today’s technol- spending “staggering.” ogy, we can mobilize them in a couple of hours to meet a The federal government spends more for the U.S. threat to our national security head-on. The impact of this military than the next 13 highest-spending countries move and others would save the taxpayers hundreds of combined. Even after a 60 percent reduction, the United billions annually.” States will spend more than Russia and China combined. • Website: mcdermott4congress4alaska.com Democrats and Republicans have more than doubled military spending since 1999, then at $333 billion, now at Randall Lord, U.S. House 4th, Louisiana: $820 billion. This includes $593 billion for the Department Randall Lord is a chiropractor of Defense plus $227 billion for veterans’ benefits, foreign and veteran of the Army Reserves. military aid, civil defense, foreign economic aid, atomic Libertarian candidate for U.S. House Jim McDermott campaigns with his wife Janet at the Midnight Sun Festival He holds the degree of doctor of energy defense, and other defense-related appropriations in Fairbanks, Alaska. medicine from the University of An- that politicians stuff into other areas of the budget. tigua and a BS in psychology. He is These numbers are reported by the Office of Man- 1988 LP candidate for president David Bergland running in a two-way race against agement and Budget (OMB) and the U.S. Census Bureau called for reducing U.S. military spending by approxi- Republican incumbent John Flem- — but they may not be accurate, and are likely higher, be- mately 90 percent, which would have reduced the level ing, against whom he ran in 2012 for cause the actual amounts of and uses for military spend- to about $33 billion. the same seat, winning 25 percent of ing are not known. 2012 LP candidate for president Gov. Gary Johnson, the vote. Fleming is a member of the Randall Lord By using nonsensical bookkeeping practices and by who proposed a $300 billion reduction in military spend- House Armed Services Committee, and voted in favor of slapping the label “top secret” on way too many military ing, said, “If, as we should, we stop asking our military to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of 2014 documents, U.S. government operatives have rendered build nations, direct the outcomes of civil wars, manage and for increased funding of the Department of Homeland military spending unable to be audited. the price of oil and carry out the whole menu of interven- Security. Politicians are flying blind when they appropriate tions we engage in, we can have a defense second to none “Washington, D.C., has been invaded by the mili- funds to the U.S. military. Cutting spending substantially that keeps us safe.” tary-industrial complex to keep our spending as high as will cancel the military’s blank checks. Nicholas Sarwark, chair of the Libertarian National possible, sending our limited tax dollars to grossly bloat- Committee, sees the military defense pledge as a bold yet ed corporations. It’s time to end the reign of the military- Does a 60 percent cut go far enough? sound policy proposal. industrial complex,” Lord said. How much should lawmakers downsize the mili- “A 60 percent reduction is an excellent first step,” “National defense is one of the highest priorities of tary to remove excess spending and waste while leaving Sarwark said. “It leaves our military defense intact.” our federal government, and I will ensure they have the enough to defend the soil and shores of the United States? funds, materials, personnel and all resources necessary to A 60 percent reduction in today’s U.S. military Federal candidates call for dramatic military spending reductions fulfill their missions,” he continued. “That said, I need to spending leaves funding at approximately $328 billion. Jim McDermott, U.S. House at large, Alaska: point out an alarming fact: Our national defense budget At least two Libertarian presidential nominees have Libertarian Jim McDermott is a retired Senior NCO, is the size of at least the next 13 largest national defense called for reducing it to well below $100 billion (in to- United States Air Force. Running for Alaska’s sole con- budgets combined. The United States should both avoid day’s dollars). gressional seat, he was polling at 12% in a Public Policy entangling alliances and abandon its attempts to act as po- In 2000, Libertarian Party candidate for president Polling survey released on February 4. He teaches busi- liceman for the world. Start by bringing our troops home Harry Browne called for cutting military spending to $50 ness courses at the University of Alaska and volunteers from the war in Afghanistan now.” billion, an 85 percent reduction from the 1999 level of for the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE). • Website: lordforla.weebly.com $333 billion. “As a veteran with 22 years of military service to the continued on page 4... Why we should dramatically downsize the U.S. military • An oversized military budget is a war 70 percent of the deficit and stop today’s in the world. It is extremely unlikely that needed multi-billion-dollar procurements waiting to happen. Needless war results rapid inflation of the dollar. This will any country would attack the U.S. by that politicians lobby for to “bring home in untold death and destruction — the stabilize prices on everyday goods and conventional means. the bacon” to their districts. greatest assault on human liberty. A lean, services and dramatically reduce the risk • Downsizing the military will force the re- • Closing foreign bases and withdrawing reasonably-sized military budget will save of an economic collapse. duction and consolidation of 18 separate from the Middle East means that U.S. lives, avoid casualties, preserve personal • A non-interventionist foreign policy will spy agencies — the surest way to end the troops stationed abroad can come home property and community infrastructures, result in less hostility towards the United government’s spying on innocent citizens to their families. Kids will grow up with and foster peace. States and reduce the risk of a terrorist in violation of the Fourth Amendment. mom and dad at home. • Fewer casualties will reduce demand on the attack. • Voters want to downsize the U.S. military. • A non-interventionist policy will reduce Veterans Administration, which will improve • There is no justification for forcing U.S. According to a survey by the Stimson trade barriers, resulting in greater pros- the care of America’s wounded soldiers. taxpayers to fund the military defense of Center, Democratic, Republican and in- perity for both Americans and our trading other nations, including wealthy countries • Cutting the military by 60 percent will en- dependent voters all want to cut military partners. such as France, Germany and Japan. able substantial cuts in federal taxes and spending “far more severely than the • Transferring wealth out of the govern- stop the growth of the national debt. If • Cutting the U.S. military by 60 percent sequester would” and “far, far more se- ment sector and into the private sector applied to the income tax, each American does not remove one cent of U.S. military verely than either party has proposed.” will create sustainable, productive jobs — family will get back, on average, $4,100 defense spending — only military offense, • A right-sized military will be auditable, approximately twice as many jobs as will — every year. If used to balance the defense of other countries, and waste. will squeeze out its legendary waste and be lost in the government sector. A net budget, it will eliminate approximately • The U.S. has the largest nuclear arsenal will put an end to overpriced and un- increase of millions of new jobs. Page 4 The Libertarian Party — www.LP.org August 2014 David F. Nolan Memorial Office Fund donors, April 24 – July 31 Hero of Liberty Great news! On April 25, the Liber- David Blau Michael Cordes tarian National Committee closed on a new office space for the party’s national Benefactor of Liberty headquarters in Alexandria, Va., and staff Mary Therese Gingell John McCurry moved into the space on May 31. This will Jeremy Keil Neill Snider Calvin Lu Scott Spencer substantially reduce the party’s annual Brian Malby operating costs. This office will be named the David F. Nolan Memorial Office, in Defender of Liberty Friend of Liberty honor of our party’s founder. Maryann Cazzell Duane Dossinger Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime op- Edward Fayle Michael Dudley Douglas R. McKissack Mark W.A. Hinkle portunity to have your name appear inside Neal Rzepkowski Jesse Keith Phillips John Roszmann this historic office, right alongside David Nolan’s. Advocate of Liberty Ben Annis Robert Franke Martin Keller Carrington Montague Mark Axinn Jimmy Eldridge Gardner III Jeffrey Kimelman David Neumann Lawrence Bartley Robert Gordon Vance Lowry Eric Ridgway MD Contribute today: John Bauman Jean Haller William Markle Judith Roberts Richard W. Bennett Douglas Hancock Eduardo J. Martinez MD Robert S. Rose Michael Mark Brady Leonard Karpinski Thomas McDonald Richard J. Secula LP.org/office-fund Candidates for military downsizing full support” of the United States. “We can no longer afford our constant wars and mil- According to the Fairmont Senti- itary adventurism. I favor a strong defense to protect our ...continued from page 3 nel, he said the U.S. military is a nation against foreign invasion, but I strongly oppose un- Erwin Haas, U.S. House 6th, Michigan: “standard of effectiveness, and it is constitutional wars that undermine our national interests. Erwin Haas is an elected city this model that should be adopted “As your senator, I will vote down any increase in mil- commissioner in Kentwood, Michi- elsewhere in the federal govern- itary budget. I will be a voice of reason to push back against gan. He is a semi-retired physician ment” — words that may come escalations toward war. I will work with like-minded leaders who worked at Fort Bliss Army back to haunt him. to reduce military spending to pre–Cold War levels.” Hospital and was a major and flight “I adhere to the nonaggression Heather Johnson • Website: brannonmcmorris.com surgeon in Vietnam. principle and oppose war for profit,” “The American military has Johnson said. “If elected, I’d oppose military action and war- Jim Fulner, U.S. Senate, Michigan: been used in all sorts of futile en- fare that exceeds the duty of Congress to provide for the di- Jim Fulner is a systems en- rect defense of the nation. I’d cut spending for NATO, U.N. gineer for an automotive supplier. deavors, most recently in Afghani- Erwin Haas stan, Iraq, Libya, and even Syria, all Protection Forces, military and federal uses of force pertain- Throughout his years serving in the inflicting huge costs and losses in the American purse and ing to the War on Drugs, and any other offensive military U.S. Coast Guard, studying in pub- in the various foreign countries where we have intervened,” action. I support acts of diplomacy to achieve peace.” lic schools and now working in the Haas said. “This is not the wish of the lower ranks in the • Website: sites.google.com/site/hjohnsonformnsenator “highly subsidized automotive in- military, but rather arises from misguided politicians and dustry,” Fulner has seen government career-minded generals and colonels in the Pentagon and Brannon McMorris, U.S. Senate, Louisiana: waste in most every aspect of life. in academic defense colleges. Their military doctrines and Brannon McMorris is an en- “In 2006 a Democratic Con- Jim Fulner applications are uniformly wrong and should be terminated. gineer and consultant for small and gress was elected in hopes of end- “Our military should be withdrawn from all foreign large companies. He is running for ing George Bush's wars in Iraq and Afghanistan,” Ful- soil. This is not isolationism but rather noninterference in the U.S. House because he wants to ner said. “It didn’t happen. Then the U.S. elected Barack the affairs of other nations. We should be involved with teach his two boys to stand up for Obama in 2008 so that he would end the wars. It too has other countries in the spheres of free trade, cultural ex- their rights. He and his wife, Laura, not happened. There were more troops in Iraq in 2012 change, travel and tourism, and in setting an example of are running his grassroots campaign than in 2003 when the wars began. a nation operating as a republic and prospering under free to show them that success, integ- “It should come as no surprise to those who’ve stud- rity, and responsibility are more than ied history. Need we forget World War II ended over 65 market principles.” Brannon McMorris • Website: democracy.com/haas4thesixth words. He describes liberty as this years ago, yet we still have troops in Germany and Japan? nation’s “most sacred gift, which must be preserved at all “The taxpayers are part of the victims of the warfare Heather Johnson, U.S. Senate, Minnesota: costs,” and aims to restore that liberty through his campaign. state. It is not us fighting overseas. It is the corporate-con- Heather Johnson is in a tight race for U.S. Senate, run- “Americans I speak to are tired of costly, seemingly trolled military fighting against us. Republicans and conser- ning against incumbent Democrat Al Franken and presumed pointless wars,” McMorris said. “They say they are tired vatives who claim to fight for less government seem to forget Republican nominee Mike McFadden. Johnson could pull of seeing our tax dollars go overseas, tired of meddling all about their principles when it comes to military funding. votes from both for their support of Big Government and in the Middle East, and disapproving of the government The American people need to take back our claim to our from McFadden for his pro-war statements and alliances. spying on citizens and our allies. We have allowed our money, and let no other individual be killed in our name.” Republican McFadden has said that Israel “deserves leaders to create a heightened fear at home and abroad. • Website: jimfulner.com Vol. 44, Issue 4 The Libertarian Party — www.LP.org Page 5 LP buys and moves into new office in Alexandria, VA By Wes Benedict Executive Director

e did it! After years of plan- ning and work, and thanks to Wdonors who have contributed more than $400,000 for the project, the Libertarian National Committee finally purchased the new David F. Nolan Me- morial Headquarters. We moved in on May 31, 2014. Our new office is a modern, recently renovated, all-brick end unit of a townhouse- style building in Alexandria, Va. The purchase price was $825,000. We put $325,000 down, and took on a $500,000 mortgage. Additional funds went toward closing costs, minor renova- tions, permits, and furniture. Not all of the bills have been paid yet, but we’ll give a full accounting soon. Metro subway stop. on the evening of Sept. 20, 2014. I am very happy about our choice. Our Although we took on a $500,000 mort- We hope to be completely unpacked current estimate is that we’ll save more than gage with a balloon payment due in 10 years, and organized by then. Plus, we still $6,200 per month because of the move. the LNC hopes to pay off the mortgage ear- have to put up our donor recognition The old headquarters was in the infa- ly. Toward that end, the LNC passed a reso- plaques and registry. mous historic Watergate building in Wash- lution requiring the budgeting of a minimum Again, I want to thank everyone who ington, D.C. It was nice in some ways, but of $60,000 extra in each odd-numbered year donated to this project. Special thanks is not nice enough for the amount of rent we to pay down the principal early. due to former Chair Geoffrey Neale, who paid (more than $12,000 per month for Members are welcome to stop by proposed getting this effort off the ground about 2,500 square feet). and visit on weekdays during normal busi- in 2010, and to former Chair Mark Hinkle, The new office is easier to drive to, ness hours, and weekends by appointment. the unofficial chief fundraiser for this proj- it has parking right by the front door, and Better yet, come to our Nolan Memorial ect, who successfully spent a lot of time on it’s only three blocks away from a major Headquarters Grand Opening Celebration the phone raising money for the office fund. Page 6 The Libertarian Party — www.LP.org August 2014 LP, Our America Initiative challenge debate commission By Joe Hunter more than enough are — even worse than I thought,” said Our America Initiative states’ ballots to be Nicholas Sarwark, newly elected chair of elected in the Elec- the national Libertarian Party. “It’s heart- ith memories still fresh from toral College. ening to know we have a sound strategy to the exclusion of Libertarian Recognizing challenge this injustice.” WParty nominees Gary Johnson that such a challenge Dearn and other legal experts, in- and Jim Gray from the nationally-tele- requires significant cluding Judge Gray, are confident that the vised presidential and vice-presidential financial resources, challenge is strong and will expose the debates in 2012 — and with an eye toward supporters of the CPD for its arbitrary exclusion of quali- 2016 — one of the most prominent topics Gov. Gary Johnson Judge Jim Gray Alicia Dearn debate challenge fied candidates on the basis of polling cri- at the LP National Convention in Colum- and maintain control over the only tele- gathered at the convention for a fundraising teria clearly designed to silence all but the bus was the ongoing battle to open those vised general election presidential debates reception headlined by Gov. Gary Johnson Republican and Democrat nominees for debates to all qualified candidates, not just voters are able to watch every four years. and Judge Jim Gray, with the proceeds go- president and vice president. the Republican and Democrat candidates. By requiring their nominees to agree ing to help cover the costs of the lawsuit As 2012 Libertarian presidential The national LP is joining with the to appear only in the Commission’s debates, and related grassroots efforts. nominee Gov. Johnson has said, “Giving Our America Initiative (OAI) to mount and no others, the two “major” parties have Alicia Dearn, legal counsel for the voters a chance to see, on the national de- both legal and grassroots challenges to the created a duopoly that clearly discriminates OAI, outlined the legal challenge they and bate stage, that there are real alternatives practices of the Commission on Presiden- against not only the LP, but also against the LP are preparing and will soon file in to the big government status quo will be tial Debates (CPD), a private organization other national parties, such as the Green federal court in Washington, DC. a game-changer — and that is precisely created in 1987 by the Republican and Party, who expend tremendous resources “It was astonishing to learn from Ms. what the national Democrats and Repub- Democratic National Committees to seize making sure their candidates appear on Dearn how rigged the presidential debates licans don’t want.” Former president of AAPS running for Iowa governor on bold Libertarian platform By Carla Howell His campaign theme is “Choose Freedom!” r. Lee Hieb, Libertarian for governor in Iowa, Jake Porter aims to fight busi- is an orthopedic surgeon and author who served ness favoritism by getting econom- Das a general medical officer with the Marines in ic development functions out of the Japan and was president of the Association of American secretary of state’s office, allowing Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS), the free-market alter- online voter registration, and open- native to the pro–Big Government American Medical As- ing up voting locations across the sociation (AMA). state so that voters are not limited Dr. Doug Butzier A leading opponent of Obamacare and government to one precinct. intrusion into medicine, Dr. Hieb has appeared on “Stos- On July 10, Porter, along with sel” and addressed radio audiences and groups around Dr. Hieb, called upon Iowa Gov. the country. Her book Surviving the Medical Meltdown is Terry Branstad to pardon a dying scheduled for release in late 2014. cancer patient, Benton Mackenzie, “Obamacare is bad for patients, bad for doctors, and who will be sentenced to a minimum bad for the economic health of our nation,” Hieb said. “It of three years in prison for treating must be repealed, not modified.” his disease with medical marijuana. Dr. Hieb also authored Tales From the Surgeons’ Dr. Lee Hieb, LP Iowa candidate for governor, appears on “As I travel around the state, I the “Doc N Lefty” radio show in Des Moines. Lounge, and has written for HumanEvents.com, the Jour- listen to people who have lost their nal of American Physicians & Surgeons, The Blaze, Or- November, the Iowa LP will have ballot access through gun rights, voting rights, and have Ed Wright thopreneur, and WorldNetDaily. 2016. been thrown in prison for victimless “We need leaders who will say no at every turn to To qualify for inclusion in a PBS televised guber- crimes,” Porter said. “Rapists, child the ACA [Affordable Care Act, a.k.a., Obamacare],” she natorial debate on Aug. 15, she must reach 5 percent in a molesters, and violent criminals are said. “With the Congress’s unwillingness to defund the public poll and her campaign must raise at least $50,000. going free while dying people face law, it’s the states’ responsibility to fight it. I am commit- Twelve Libertarians are expected to be on the Iowa long prison sentences.” ted to that effort.” ballot this November, including Dr. Doug Butzier for U.S. In July, Porter made the case Dr. Hieb also advocates concealed carry, disband- Senate; Ed Wright for U.S. House, 3rd District; and Jake for pardoning Mackenzie on WHO ing the federal Department of Education in favor of local Porter for secretary of state. 1040 AM radio in Des Moines. control of schools, ending marijuana prohibition, ending Dr. Doug Butzier, an emergency medicine doctor, is Campaign websites: government involvement in marriage, rescinding govern- running to get government out of health care, education, • Dr. Lee Hieb: hieb2014.org Jake Porter ment regulations, and getting rid of taxes that penalize and the marketplace. • Dr. Doug Butzier: drdougforiowa.com work and entrepreneurship. Ed Wright, former chair of the Iowa LP, is a finan- • Ed Wright: wright2014.org If Dr. Hieb gets 2 percent in the general election this cial analyst, forester, farmer, and first-time candidate. • Jake Porter: jakeporter.org Vol. 44, Issue 4 The Libertarian Party — www.LP.org Page 7

Libertarian Party National Convention – Columbus, Ohio – June 26-29, 2014 A look back at the 2014 LP National Convention he 2014 Libertarian Party National Convention was both a celebration Tof freedom and a wide-ranging exploration into the best ways to advance that freedom in the world. Headlining the convention banquet was Kmele Foster, cohost of “The Inde- pendents,” a libertarian news and opinion show on the Fox Business Network. “No matter what the subject hap- pens to be on any particular night, what we try to do is bring a consistent set of libertarian values to bear on whatever the issue of the day happens to be,” Foster said. Foster “is rather new” to libertarian- ism, he said, and although he once identi- fied strongly with the left, a friend’s inter- vention helped him change his mind. “I was fortunate to bump into some- 2014 LP National Convention speakers, one, and they said to me, ‘You’re way counterclockwise, from top right: Investigative reporter Ben Swann; Kmele too bright to be a Democrat.’” Foster Foster, cohost of “The Independents” on said. “And they gave me a copy of Milton the Fox Business Network; Lawrence Reed, Friedman’s book Capitalism and Free- president of the Foundation for Economic dom. There are two sections of this book, Education; Alexander McCobin, president of Students for Liberty, and Jim Lark, LNC both of which are from the introduction, regional representative; and Nicholas that I think about almost daily.” Sarwark, newly elected LNC chair. In those sections, Friedman argued against the tone of servility contained in the famous John F. Kennedy speech, that Americans should “ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” Rather than a stirring call to service, Friedman pointed out that “Neither half of the sentiment expresses a relationship between the citizen and his government that is worthy of the ideas of a free man in a free society.” This critical appraisal stirred a new- found path of intellectual inquiry in Foster against all sense and reason that we could remarkable amount of evidence that we’re increasing facets of our lives are subject that steadily led him toward freedom and actually attain these really huge and mi- making tremendous progress.” to oversight and interference from an in- small government — a path that he contin- raculous goals. And it’s our responsibility Investigative journalist Ben Swann trusive managerial state, Swann said. He ues to follow to this day. to defend liberty. To stand up for it, to ad- served as master of ceremonies at the argued that the key to defeating this per- “Liberty, my friends, is not inevita- vance it, and to take it even further. Even banquet, and kicked off the event with vasive bureaucratic fascism is convincing ble,” Foster said. “It is, I believe, our birth- if our goals seem completely impractical. remarks about why he thinks Libertarians the people around us that their lives are not right. But it’s only our birthright because Even if, at the moment, we find aspects need to realize that the root of their fight subject to rule by the mob or its represen- people have fought for it — reckless peo- of our philosophy largely out of favor — for liberty is literally a fight against -fas tatives in government. ple like Lysander Spooner, who believed and aspects of them are — but there’s a cism. We live in a society in which ever- continued on page 11... Page 8 The Libertarian Party — www.LP.org August 2014 Libertarian National Committee meets at LP National Convention By Gary Johnson eral Election Commission. Members were appointed to the Advertising and Libertarian National Thanks to the work of Alicia Mattson, the commit- Publication Review Committee and to the Information Committee tee approved a backlog of minutes of five LNC meetings Technology Committee. and seven LNC Executive Committee meetings. The LNC debated but decided to delay voting on he Libertarian National Committee met in Co- The incoming 2014–16 committee of 17 members a controversial resolution regarding the dispute be- lumbus, Ohio, before and after the 2014 Nation- and eight alternates met for the first time on Sunday, tween two groups claiming to be the Libertarian Party Tal Convention. June 29. of Oregon. The outgoing 2012–14 committee of 18 members Up to $7,000 was appropriated for ballot access in ———————————————— and nine alternates met for the last time on Thursday, Kentucky. June 26. Outgoing national Chair Geoffrey Neale described Gary Johnson, no relation to Gov. Gary Johnson, is a The LNC voted to disclose to party members at least his plans to act as an international ambassador to Liber- member of the Libertarian National Committee and the as much financial information as is disclosed to the Fed- tarian parties in other countries. secretary of the Libertarian Party of Texas. Elected Libertarian panelists urge: Attend local council/board meetings By Carla Howell lection initiative tied to the Common Core federal program. lected Libertarians who partici- Harris has opposed universal Pre-k pated in a panel discussion at the and after-school and dinner initiatives, and ELP National Convention on June has attempted to: 29 urged fellow activists to show up and • eliminate Title I funding from the De- participate at meetings of their local city partment of Education, a mere “morsel council, county commission, or town/ from Washington that comes with nu- township board to help move policy in a merous strings attached,” he said; Libertarian direction. Elected Libertarians participate on a panel at the LP National Convention on June 29 • end his school’s participation in New Todd Grayson, city councilman for in Columbus, Ohio. From left to right: Matthew Schutter, Penn Forest township auditor York’s Drug Free Schools program and Perrysburg, Ohio, who moderated the (Pennsylvania); Brian Holtz, Purissima Hills Water District Board member (California); W. the U.S. Department of Transportation’s panel, said, “Elected officials annoy us as Brooke Harris, Alfred-Almond Central School Board of Education member (New York); and Drug and Alcohol Awareness Training; moderator Todd Grayson, Perrysburg City Council member (Ohio). citizens and voters because of their weak- • eliminate the free and reduced-price kneed stance on many tough issues. Get- proved with one vote. You need to be seen to vote down a staff proposal to adopt breakfast/lunch program. ting citizens with libertarian ideas to the as honest, reasonable, and willing to be some of the new water regulations that He notes that local elected officials meetings is very helpful.” part of a team,” Grayson said. neighboring jurisdictions had been legis- have very little control over spending. “Swaying their opinion is possible Other panelists were Brian Holtz, lating. “Nearly our entire $12.5 million an- with the right amount of issue education member of the Purissima Hills Water Dis- Matt Schutter described his attempts nual budget is tied up in contractual em- and citizen persuasion,” he said. trict Board in California; W. Brooke Har- to recover a whopping $1.6 million that is ployee compensation and benefits, as well Grayson chairs the Health, Sanita- ris, member of the Alfred-Almond Central unaccounted for in his township’s mere as state and federal mandates,” he said. tion, and Public Utilities Committee on School Board in New York; and Matthew $4 million budget — and the resistance “Local municipalities are firmly under the the Perrysburg council, which overseas a Schutter, auditor for Penn Forest Town- that other government officials in his thumb of state and federal laws and regu- $20 million budget. ship in Pennsylvania. township have put in his way. They for- lations.” During his tenure as city councilor, Brian Holtz agrees that Libertar- bade Schutter from attending independent Harris recommends that the LP re- Grayson has: ian activists appearing at local government audits, despite the fact that he is the town- cruit more locally elected Libertarians to • Spearheaded a privately contracted pub- meetings provide “man-to-man defense" to ship’s elected auditor. They have tried to run for state and federal office, especially lic transportation system to replace a stop encroachments of Big Government. intimidate him by sending local police to business professionals and candidates who government-run monstrosity, at 25 per- “Good things can happen just be- his house. are articulate and presentable. cent of the cost; cause a Libertarian is present,” he said. Schutter refused to back down. He “I think that is the party’s best • Fought to reduce taxes via needless as- “If you’re in the room, your instincts will filed private criminal complaints, and is chance of making headway in larger rac- sessments; kick in and you’ll speak up to offer the working to expose and correct the situa- es,” he said. • Stood up to public employee unions on common-sense Libertarian perspective. tion. He got the state attorney general’s of- Harris also advised Libertarians to retirement, pay, and health care costs; You’ll be surprised at how persuasive our fice to launch an investigation. pick their battles, be patient, and appreci- • Educated the other councilors about lib- principles can be.” Brooke Harris talked about his focus ate small accomplishments. erty and freedom. Panelists noted that elected officials on maintaining local control of schools “Most of government (and its flaws) Panelists agreed that it’s critical to will respond because they often see one and keeping the Department of Education are beyond the control of one elected offi- network with other elected officials both person attending a committee meeting as a out of his district, and has fought hard to cial,” he said. “It’s easy to get disillusioned inside their jurisdiction and in other local sign that many more citizens have similar limit increases in spending and taxes year as a Libertarian in a donkey and elephant and state-level positions. concerns. over year, despite innumerable obstacles. world. If you choose your battles, learn to “Simple math tells me that if you’re Holtz won re-election to the water He managed to limit tax levy in- compromise, and stick to your ideals you on a council, board, commission, or other board in 2012 by finishing first in a four- creases and to pass a local resolution de- will make positive changes. No matter similar office, you can’t get policies- im way race. In 2014, he persuaded the board nouncing New York State’s new data col- how small, they are significant.” Vol. 44, Issue 4 The Libertarian Party — www.LP.org Page 9 Convention delegates elect new LNC chair, officers, reps elegates to the 2014 LP National Convention chose a new chair, DNicholas Sarwark, along with a new slate of officers and representa- tives. Sarwark succeeds Geoff Neale, who served as LP national chair during the 2012–14 term. Nicholas Arvin Tim Alicia William Sam Evan Gary E. Guy Sarwark has been active in the Lib- Sarwark, Vohra, Hagan, Mattson, Redpath, Goldstein, McMahon Johnson, McLendon, ertarian Party since 1999, has attended ev- Chair Vice Chair Treasurer Secretary At Large At Large At Large At Large At Large ery national convention since the Anaheim, Calif., convention in 2000, and has served on both the Judicial Committee and the By- laws Committee for years. He has served as the state chair of the Maryland LP and the vice chair of the Colorado LP — which is running more candidates for office in 2014 Norm Vicki Marc Dan Jim Rob Claudio “Jay” Rich than any other state besides Texas. Olsen, Kirkland, Feldman, Wiener, Lark, Oates, Estrada, Tomasso, Professionally, Sarwark works as Region 1 Region 2 Region 3 Region 4 Region 5 Region 6 Region 7 Region 8 a deputy public defender fighting for the strong, vibrant, growing state parties. The five at-large representatives 5; Rob Oates, representing Iowa, Idaho, Il- liberties of the indigent accused. He has They are candidates who go out and talk to elected at the convention are William linois, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, tried more than 25 cases before a jury the voters about the Libertarian Party and Redpath, Sam Goldstein, Evan McMahon, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wisconsin in and argued in front of the Colorado Su- the Libertarian message, and I’ve had the Gary E. Johnson, and Guy McLendon. Region 6; Claudio “Jay” Estrada, represent- preme Court. During law school, Sarwark honor to meet so many great candidates The eight newly elected regional rep- ing Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Missis- clerked for the Institute for Justice, the while I’ve been here this weekend.” resentatives are Norm Olsen, representing sippi, Oklahoma, and Texas in Region 7; nation’s foremost libertarian law firm. He Sarwark said he believes that the Lib- Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Kansas, and Rich Tomasso, representing Connecti- also has more than a decade of experience ertarian Party is “the only national political Montana, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming cut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, in computer consulting and sales. He lives party on the right side of history. The voters in Region 1; Vicki Kirkland, representing New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and with his wife and two children in Denver. just don’t know it yet, because we haven’t Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee in Region Vermont in Region 8. “I want you to elect me to the least- told them. And we’re going to tell them.” 2; Marc Feldman, representing Indiana, Alternate regional representatives important job in the entire party,” Sarwark Arvin Vohra, an educator from Bethes- Kentucky, Michigan, and Ohio in Region 3; not pictured above include Ron Windeler, said to the convention delegates. “The da, Md., and leader of the national party’s Dan Wiener, representing California, New Region 1; Ed Marsh, Region 2; Brett Bit- most important people in this party are the social media efforts, was elected vice chair. Mexico, and Nevada in Region 4; Jim Lark, ner, Region 3; Scott Lieberman, Region 4; activists going out to state fairs and Pride- Alicia Mattson, of Las Vegas, Nev., was representing the District of Columbia, Dela- Scott Spencer, Region 5; Sean O’Toole, Fests, and all the activities. They’re the elected secretary; and Tim Hagan, also of ware, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylva- Region 6; Daniel Hayes, Region 7; and people who work at the state level to build Las Vegas, was re-elected treasurer. nia, Virginia, and West Virginia in Region Joshua Katz, Region 8.

LP convention honors award-winners: Browne, Winger, Macia, Harris, Dixon, Boneham, Sarvis he LNC Awards Committee in the face of his own failing health honored seven individuals provides an exceptional example of Tat this year’s national con- commitment for the rest of us. vention, inducting two new mem- Sharon Harris, who has served bers into the party’s Hall of Liberty as president of the Advocates for Self- and recognizing the outstanding Government since 1995, received the contributions of five other people. Harry Richard Hardy Sharon Patrick Rupert Robert Thomas Paine Award for communi- The late two-time LP presi- Browne Winger Macia Harris Dixon Boneham Sarvis cation. Harris has been active in the dential candidate Harry Browne libertarian movement since the early and Ballot Access News publisher Richard Winger were there, supportive, a font of knowledge, always positive, 1970s. She co-founded the Georgia LP in 1972 and was a both inducted into the Hall of Liberty for their lifelong always upbeat, an invaluable person. ... Every third party candidate for Georgia commissioner of agriculture in 1994, work on behalf of freedom and ballot access. in the United States ought to give this man the award he’s winning more than 300,000 votes. “There are hardly words to describe the man Har- about to receive here.” “Last week at its national convention, the Libertar- ry Browne, who brought thousands of people into the Hardy Macia, a long-time LP activist and candidate, ian Party awarded me the greatest honor of my career,” Libertarian Party,” said LNC Political Director Carla received the Samuel Adams Award for activism at the Harris wrote after receiving the award. “As someone who Howell, accepting on his behalf. “A great champion of convention. Macia passed away in May 2013 after sev- has spent the last two decades teaching libertarians to suc- liberty, he put his bold, common-sense proposals to re- eral months battling cancer. Right until the end, though, cessfully communicate the ideas of liberty, there can be duce government in language that everyday voters un- Macia fought for freedom, going so far as to release a vid- no greater professional honor for me.” derstood — and loved.” eo from his hospital bed calling for the governor of New Patrick Dixon, former chair of the Texas LP, re- While presenting Richard Winger’s award to him, Hampshire to grant citizens the ability to grow medical ceived the Thomas Jefferson Award, which is presented LNC representative William Redpath said, “He is always marijuana at home. Macia’s untiring advocacy for liberty continued on page 10... Page 10 The Libertarian Party — www.LP.org August 2014 Highlights from LP National Convention floor business ew proposals passed during the 2014 LP National Convention Nwill change the way the Libertar- ian National Committee conducts its busi- ness and the way the Libertarian Party’s governing principles are worded. On Friday, June 8, Proposal 8 passed, which allows the LNC to meet by teleconference or other electronic means. This will save some of the cost — in both time and funds — of in-person gatherings, which have been required for LNC meet- ings in the past. Proposal 7 also passed, allowing larger committees — including the By- laws and Platform Committees — to con- duct email ballots. Delegates also passed Proposal 13, which required the use of approval voting in electing at-large LNC representatives. Proposal 11 was the last bylaws change to pass. This proposal changed the structure of the allocation of members of the Platform Committee so that, instead of “Individuals own their bodies and owners from government restrictions on ing should be free of government interfer- the LNC selecting half of its 20 members, have rights over them that other individu- their rights to control and enjoy their prop- ence, such as compulsory arbitration or five will now be selected by the LNC, and als, groups, and governments may not erty, as long as their choices do not harm imposing an obligation to bargain.” five selected by the affiliate parties with the violate. Individuals have the freedom and or infringe on the rights of others. Eminent The former “Monopolies and Corpo- highest per-capita membership. The other responsibility to decide what they know- domain, civil asset forfeiture, governmen- rations” plank was re-titled “Marketplace 10 are still selected by each of the 10 largest ingly and voluntarily consume, and what tal limits on profits, governmental produc- Freedom,” and was then amended to now state affiliates, ranked by total membership. risks they accept to their own health, fi- tion mandates, and governmental controls read: The delegates chose not to pass other nances, safety, or life.” on prices of goods and services (including “Libertarians support free markets. proposals to modify the bylaws. One of The “Privacy” plank has been up- wages, rents, and interest) are abridgements We defend the right of individuals to form these, Proposal 12, would have changed the dated to address the national surveillance of such fundamental rights. For voluntary corporations, cooperatives and other types schedule of LP conventions and the busi- scandal exposed by former National Secu- dealings among private entities, parties of entities based on voluntary association. ness to be handled at the conventions. An- rity Agency employee Edward Snowden. should be free to choose with whom they We oppose all forms of government subsi- other proposal that did not pass, Proposal 21, It adds two sentences to the beginning: trade and set whatever trade terms are mu- dies and bailouts to business, labor, or any would have banned floor fees for convention “Libertarians advocate individual tually agreeable.” other special interest. Government should delegates, and a third, Proposal 3, would privacy and government transparency. We The “Labor Markets” plank also got not compete with private enterprise.” have allowed national recognition for fusion are committed to ending government’s a general overhaul, resulting in the new The most contentious platform chang- candidates in the states that allow them. A practice of spying on everyone.” plank as follows: es all failed to pass. First among these was final item that failed to pass was Proposal The delegates adopted a general re- “Employment and compensation the proposed removal of the abortion plank, 14, which would have reduced the number write of the “Property and Contract” plank agreements between private employers which was brought to the floor by the use of members on the LNC by one at-large rep- so it now reads: and employees are outside the scope of of deletion tokens. Also failing to pass was resentative and two regional representatives. “As respect for property rights is fun- government, and these contracts should Proposal 16, which would have expressed Delegates adopted 14 platform pro- damental to maintaining a free and prosper- not be encumbered by government-man- opposition to “collective bargaining with posals from the Platform Committee, with a ous society, it follows that the freedom to dated benefits or social engineering. We public employee unions.” few small adjustments made from the floor. contract to obtain, retain, profit from, man- support the right of private employers The full platform, incorporating all Perhaps the most notable is the addition of a age, or dispose of one’s property must also to choose whether or not to bargain with new changes, is available on our website: new “Self-Ownership” plank, which reads: be upheld. Libertarians would free property each other through a labor union. Bargain- LP.org/platform

LP convention award winners nity and privilege to serve the last 10 years as state chair, our employees,” Boneham said. “And when we expect and the people I’ve worked with over these 10 years, this a change, we're going to have to elect a change, and we ...continued from page 9 award is really your work.” stand up and be that change.” for outstanding leadership, high character, and dedication Two people received the Patrick Henry Award for The second was LP Virginia gubernatorial candidate to the principles and goals of the party. candidates who effectively communicate Libertarian Robert Sarvis. “We stand on the shoulders of people who went ideas, principles, and values. The first was LP Indiana “I really feel like this country is having its Libertar- before us, and we achieve with the people that we work gubernatorial candidate and “Survivor” television contes- ian moment,” Sarvis said. “We just have to get out there with,” Dixon said in his acceptance. “So the people that tant Rupert Boneham. and fight as hard as we’ve ever fought before. I’m in awe created the Libertarian Party, that gave me the opportu- “Our elected officials are not our rulers, they’re of you guys, and this means so much to me.” Vol. 44, Issue 4 The Libertarian Party — www.LP.org Page 11 Convention: A look back ...continued from page 7

Swann introduced the party’s 2012 presidential ticket, Gov. Gary Johnson and Judge Jim Gray. “This is an inspirational evening,” Judge Gray said. “And as we go to the future, knowing that with dilligence, with effort, with good Libertarian candidates, good Libertarian values, that we’re go- ing to again bring back this prosperity and bring back our country.” Gov. Johnson devoted most of his 2014 LP National Convention speakers, from top banquet address to the importance of rais- left: Sharon Harris, president of the Advocates ing money for campaigns. for Self-Government; Arvin Vohra, newly elected “Thank you very much for all that vice chair of the LNC; Gov. Gary Johnson, 2012 LP presidential candidate; Jeffrey Tucker, chief liberty you have done for the Libertarian Party,” officer of Liberty.me; Mark Skousen, founder and Johnson said. “And going forward, it is producer of FreedomFest; Carla Howell, LNC political about money, regrettably. It’s not about director, presenting her “Who’s Driving?” campaign a lot of money, but it’s enough money to messaging game with the help of two LP Alabama candidates, Aimee Love for U.S. House and Laura jump-start the process. Give it to good Pate for state Senate; and Guy Montrose, chair of the candidates, and we will prevail.” United Kingdom Libertarian Party (LPUK). Earlier, while he addressed delegates during the convention’s floor business, Johnson outlined his “seven principles of good government”: Become reality- driven; always be honest and tell the truth; always do what’s right and fair; determine your goal and act without procrastinating; communicate; don’t hesitate to deliver bad news; and be willing to do whatever it takes to get your job done. Johnson also pointed out that the tra- ditional alliance between Libertarians and conservatives is short-sighted. “Let’s reach out to Democrats and make Democrats recognize that there are more Democrats that are libertar- ians than there are Republicans that are libertarians,” Johnson said. “Democrats are supposed to care about civil liber- ties, but they’ve turned us into a welfare state. Republicans are supposed to make the trains run on time, but they’ve turned us into a police state and they’ve turned us into a military aggressor because we drop bombs and we fly drones. Both par- ties have contributed to the fact that there are now 2.3 million people behind bars in this country.” The convention’s theme, “Character Matters,” chosen by Convention Manage- ment Committee Chair Nancy Neale, was inspired by Lawrence Reed, president of the Foundation for Economic Education, who provided the convention’s keynote address. Reed’s message was that there is too often a missing ingredient in the fight for liberty: the purposeful cultivation of continued on page 16... Page 12 The Libertarian Party — www.LP.org August 2014 Virginia LP sets record by running 8 federal candidates By Bob Johnston and Arthur DiBianca ibertarian voters in Virginia will have lots of choices this November. Eight Libertarian fed- eral candidates have been certified for the ballot. L Will They are: Robert Bo Paul James Jeffrey William Marc • Robert Sarvis for U.S. Senator Sarvis Brown Jones Hammer Carr Carson Redpath Harrold • Bo Brown for U.S. Representative, District 4 ward for our state party.” party gubernatorial candidate in a southern state in the • Paul Jones for U.S. Representative, District 5 To find the last time a third party in Virginia ran this last 40 years. • Will Hammer for U.S. Representative, District 6 many federal candidates, you have to go back to 1934, According to the Washington Post, polls showed • James Carr for U.S. Representative, District 7 when the Socialist Party had nine. that Sarvis narrowed the margin of victory for the Demo- • Jeffrey Carson for U.S. Representative, District 8 Getting on the ballot in Virginia is expensive and cratic candidate. • William Redpath for U.S. Representative, District 10 hard. Candidates for U.S. House have to collect 1,000 The Sarvis for Governor campaign was jump-start- • Marc Harrold for U.S. Representative, District 11 valid signatures, and candidates for U.S. Senate have to ed with assistance from the Libertarian Booster PAC, LP “While the Libertarian Party of Virginia was shoot- turn in a whopping 10,000 valid signatures. executive director Wes Benedict said. ing for a statewide slate for Congress, seven is a record Sarvis made waves last year with his run for Vir- “Since then, it’s been all Sarvis,” Benedict contin- number of U.S. House candidates for the LPVA,” said ginia governor, earning a lot of free media coverage. He ued. “He’s done a great job raising money, campaigning, Virginia LP Chair William Redpath. “This is big step for- received 6.5 percent of the vote, the highest for any third- and energizing the Virginia LP.”

New highs in the polls ...continued from page 1 Left: LP Florida candidate for Colorado drew 9 percent on July 17 in a U.S. House Gravis poll. Lucas Overby • Jim McDermott for U.S. House in Alas- appears on the Fox Business ka polled at 12 percent on Feb. 4, ac- Network cording to Public Policy Polling. show “The • Lucas Overby for U.S. House in a two- Independents," way race received 31 percent on June 4 with host Kennedy. in a StPetePolls.org survey. Overby polled • Andrew Hunt for governor in Georgia at 31 percent polled at 9 percent on April 29 in a Sur- in a recent vey USA poll. survey. “This is unique,” said Richard Below: LP Winger, publisher of Ballot Access News. Florida “In the history of polling since the 1930s, candidate there has never been an instance where the for governor Adrian Wyllie Libertarian Party or any minor party has appears on had such excellent poll results all over the Bay News 9 in country for races like governor and U.S. Tampa. Wyllie Senate.” recently polled High poll numbers have spawned at 11 percent. coverage in national press. Party in Congress?” Haugh, Wyllie, and Hunt were fea- Sean Haugh appeared on MSNBC’s tured in a Daily Beast article, “Southern- “Hardball” with Chris Matthews ,and Fried Freedom Lovers Propel Libertarian was also featured in the Washington Post, Candidates.” which said he “is doing surprisingly well USA Today and the Wall Street Jour- in a high-stakes Senate contest in which nal featured Adrian Wyllie, noting that candidates and outside groups have al- his presence in “the nation’s most closely ready spent more than $15 million. watched governor’s race” could decide the “These high polls numbers show that winner. Libertarians are awakening American vot- Lucas Overby appeared on the new ers from decades of apathy,” said Nicholas Fox Business News show “The Indepen- Sarwark, national Libertarian Party chair. dents.” Host Kennedy asked rhetorically, “We’re seriously challenging the Big Gov- “Could it actually be possible that we ernment status quo more than modern day might see a member of the Libertarian America has ever seen.” Vol. 44, Issue 4 The Libertarian Party — www.LP.org Page 13

Affiliate News And Events

Affiliate news and events are In spite of every obstacle, Illinois provided to LP News by Libertarian campaigns continue to build, Libertarian Party state affiliates. with six candidates in Independence Day Mike Fellows, parades, including Julie Fox and support- LP Montana ers (below), who marched in Elgin. chair and The party also continues to prepare candidate for Illinois U.S. House, Illinois party on defense and offense to host its annual convention, scheduled participates in for the weekend of September 12 to 14 at the Kalispell, n June 23, the Libertarian Party of the Holiday Inn in Bolingbrook. A lively Mont., Illinois filed 43,921 petition signa- forum with all the statewide candidates Independence tures to gain ballot access for their will jumpstart Friday evening. Saturday’s Day parade O along with full slate of statewide candidates for the packed agenda will include presentations the help of November election. A week later, 23,791 by LNC Executive Director Wes Benedict Montana of those signatures were challenged, along and LNCC Executive Director and LNC House candidate with allegations against 38 circulators. At-Large Member Evan McMahon. The Chris Colvin. Sadly, this type of opposition to political keynote speaker at the Saturday night ban- They also competition is common practice in Illinois. quet will be national award-winning jour- plan to But Libertarians are rising to defeat nalist Ben Swann. On Sunday, the party participate in the Kalispell the challenge. With leadership provided will hold its annual business meeting. In Fair parade in by Political Division Director Lex Green between there will be opportunities for August. and Attorney General candidate Ben fundraising and networking with candi- Koyl, at the time of this writing Libertar- dates and activists. For additional details ians are gathering in the state capital to and registration, visit the Illinois website staff the defense of Illinois’s signatures at LPIllinois.org. through a grueling five-day, line-by-line review process. The party issued a press release point- Montana ing out Illinois’s discriminatory ballot access Both federal candidates appear in debate laws and calling for every voter to contact Roots, participated in a Montana News- Mike Fellows, with the help of Montana their legislative representatives for the civil he elections in Montana are in full paper Association debate in Butte, Mont. state House District 3 candidate Chris Col- right to equal ballot access. The press were swing. On June 14, both Montana The debate was broadcast on Montana vin, had an entry in the Kalipell Indepen- also asked to investigate who was really re- Tfederal candidates for U.S. House PBS statewide. dence Day parade. They plan on doing the sponsible for issuing the challenge. and Senate, Mike Fellows and Roger On July 4, state chair and candidate Kalispell Fair parade in August, as well. The MTLP will have fair booths at the Gallatin County Fair, the Western Montana Fair, and the Ravalli County Fair, among others. Volunteers are always wel- come and encouraged to help out. We plan on getting to the usual parades, including the Ravalli Fair parade, the Sanders County Fair parade, and the Creamy Picnic parade. In Senate District 33, Joan Stanley has been getting out and meeting voters. As always, she can use your help and do- nations. That applies to all our candidates. The Missoula County LP will have a booth at the Western Montana Fair, the Missoula Gun Show, and the Mis- soula Hempfest. Another levy will be on the Missoula County ballot in Novem- ber. Missoula County commissioners ap- proved placing a $42 million parks bond on the ballot. Property owners continue to get hit with more taxes. MCLP will be coming out against this bond issue. The Julie Fox, LP Illinois candidate for comptroller, participates in the Elgin, Ill., Independence Day parade along with several of her campaign supporters. Five other LP Illinois candidates also marched in Independence Day parades. continued on page 14... Page 14 The Libertarian Party — www.LP.org August 2014

elected at the party primary on May 6, Ohio must meet to decide its leadership. The 2 statewide LPO candidates confirmed Affiliate News And Events new Central Committee must also elect a new seven-member Executive Commit- wo LPO statewide candidates tee. The Executive Committee and the confirmed via Ohio Libertar- appointed Division Directors run the day- ...continued from page 13 ian primary. With more than 700 our families deserve better than the lesser T to-day operations of the Libertarian Par- write-ins each, Kevin Knedler (candidate group will also have an entry in the Uni- of two evils. ty of Ohio. The Executive Committee is for secretary of state) and Bob Bridges versity of Montana Homecoming parade The Libertarian Party is the third- made up of Kevin Knedler (chair), Sarah (candidate for auditor) are confirmed as in September. This homecoming parade largest and fastest-growing party in the Matthews (vice-chair), Bryant Callaghan Libertarian candidates for statewide office is one of the largest in the state. Montana United States. It is experiencing an explo- (treasurer), Daryl Olthaus (secretary), and in the November elections. State University, in Bozeman, will have sion of growth among young people. We three at-large members: Shantel George, Meanwhile, the courts are being their homecoming parade on the same day. need more citizen-leaders to run for office Michael Segrest, and Bob Bridges. Also, asked to intervene and put Charlie Earl We should be represented there as well. and interject real issues back into our po- the Central Committee elected Scott Petti- (candidate for governor) and Steve Lin- In Billings, the city is looking to pass litical discourse. Liberty is a non-partisan grew as the new Central Committee chair. nabary (candidate for attorney general) a safety levy. These issues should be in- issue. 2014 LP National Convention is back on the November ballot. They were cluded in the budget with other essential We are only at the opening stages of history in Columbus, Ohio. The pro- removed by the secretary of state. After services. Cities are addicted to spending, a long drama that will result in the restora- cess of making a bid started in June 2011. they had originally been certified, a citizen and we must fight these proposals. Liber- tion of the Constitution and Bill of Rights. When the process started, we had 30 cit- of Ohio filed a complaint claiming that a tarians in Billings are already against this We need leaders to spread the message ies in the mix and the final vote was for part of the candidate petition had not been levy. of liberty in their communities. This is a Columbus at the August 2011 LNC meet- filled out correctly. Sept. 5 is the anniversary of the Wil- once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for young ing. Our goal was to make this a very Ohio LP Central Committee re- liam Penn trial, and marks Jury Rights patriots to make history in a positive way. successful convention and LSLA event, elects Kevin Knedler as Executive Com- Day, where we tell jurors of their rights to It’s time to get real and get involved. conduct a great awards presentation, and mittee chairman on May 31. Ohio law judge law and fact. For more information, There has never been a more exciting have positive financial results overall for go to FIJA.org. We can’t stop bad law, but time to be a Libertarian. It is my privi- provides that the Central Committee, as continued on page 16... we can send our government a message, lege to be serving as the new chair of the PAID SPONSORSHIP via the jury box. New Jersey Libertarian Party. Thank you State Chair Mike Fellows attended again to Jay Edgar for his years of hard the National Convention in Columbus work and leadership. Ohio. Not only is the Libertarian Party If members have questions, contact the fastest-growing party in America,  Mike Fellows at [email protected] or since 2012 we’re actually the only grow- 406-721-9020. Thanks to everyone’s work ing party. While the other two parties   for more liberty and less government. shrank we grew 11 percent nationwide.  Here in New Jersey the number of regis-    tered Libertarian voters grew by 21 per- New Jersey cent in 2013!  Message from incoming NJLP chair I am especially pleased to congratu-   late our excellent 2014 NJLP candidates   am a regular person standing up for on their recent nominations. They are:   the Constitution. I am not a career • Joe Baratelli — U.S. Senate   I politician. Nor am I a wealthy or well- • Dorit Goikhman — U.S. House (6th connected member of the elite. Yet I am District)         honored and privileged to be the 2014 • Jim Gawron — U.S. House (7th Dis-  Chair of the New Jersey Libertarian Party trict) Last year, at age 28, I was the most • Steven Uccio — Mercer County Free-  successful Libertarian candidate in New holder  Jersey for the second year in a row. But my • Brian Pizza —Ocean County Free-  real goal is to recruit other young people to holder           run for office as Libertarians. Freedom is • Jeff Hetrick — Chatham Town Council       the future, and we’re the generation we’ve Let’s keep up the momentum in          been waiting for. 2014 by supporting our candidates. We  The only way to fix America’s prob- are the party of the future, but we have lems is for concerned citizens to run for much work left to do. I look forward to office. The two corrupt major parties are working with you to spread the message lost causes. They are not funded by the of liberty in 2014. people and therefore do not represent their Together we are going to make his- interests. We the people must reestablish tory. the legal supremacy of the Constitution Patrick McKnight  and Bill of Rights. We must accept that Chair, NJLP Vol. 44, Issue 4 The Libertarian Party — www.LP.org Page 15

LNC announces changes to membership plan By Wes Benedict Old Association Levels New Association Levels (effective Aug. 1, 2014) he Libertarian National Commit- $25,000 Chairman’s Circle tee has adjusted the LP’s member- ship plan. A primary goal was to $15,000 Select Benefactor T $5,000 Chairman’s Circle $5,000 Beacon of Liberty give more recognition to our top donors in LP News, on LP.org, and at our conven- $2,500 Pioneer of Freedom tions. One key change is that the cost of $1,500 Lifetime Founder a life membership increased from $1,000 $1,000 Torch Club to $1,500 starting Aug. 1, 2014. (The life $500 Patron $500 Patriot membership level had been set at $1,000 $250 Sponsor $250 Minuteman for a long time, probably for more than 30 $150 Advocate years.) $100 Supporting Now, a member who contributes at $50 Regular $50 Supporter least $1,500 during any 12-month period $25 Basic $25 Foundation Member will become a life member of the LP. We sent notices to donors about the to achieve political or social goals.” We who is a life upcoming life membership increase to sometimes informally call that “signing member.” help them beat the deadline — and many the pledge.” We count did. Once you become a life member, you So, you don’t have to contribute the sustain- never have to renew your membership any money or pay any dues to be a plain ing members again for the rest of your life, and you’ll “member.” to determine receive benefits like LP News without But the bylaws further specify, how many having to pay annually. “‘Sustaining member’ is any Party delegates each state gets to send to the word “member” or “dues-paying mem- The changes to the plan were origi- member who has given at least $25 to national convention. ber,” we mean “sustaining member.” nally designed in 2011 by the Membership the Party in the prior twelve months, or Most of the time when we use the If you have signed the pledge, and Levels Support Committee, chaired by you gave $25 in dues to the LP in the last Andy Wolf of Indiana. However, in order Chairman’s Select Beacon of Pioneer of 12 months, then you are a “sustaining to save on things like printing costs, the Contributor Association Levels Circle Benefactor Liberty Freedom member” according to our party bylaws. changes were delayed to correspond to the Annual Amounts $25,000 $15,000 $5,000 $2,500 You are also a “$25 Foundation Member” time the party moved to its new headquar- Monthly Pledge Options $2,500 $1,500 $500 $250 for donor recognition and benefits purpos- ters in Alexandria. Benefits es, which means you’ll receive LP News At the top of this article is a table LP News subscription x x x x and a membership card. that compares the new association levels Membership card x x x x (As of June 2014, we had 132,151 to the old levels. “members,” 14,092 “sustaining mem- The association levels are calculated Lifetime membership (no more renewing) x x x x bers,” and 2,377 “life members.”) based on 12-month contributions, but our Lifetime membership lapel pin x x x x Also note, the national party and national conventions happen every two Mention in LP News x x x x state parties have separate membership years. Therefore, we’ll recognize you at Mention on LP website x x x x programs (although some states consider the highest level obtained between con- Photo in LP News x x x national party members to automatically ventions. Photo on LP website x x x be state members). Also, convention registration fees do Direct contact with National Chair, POTUS Plus, none of this has anything to not count toward association levels. nominee, or significant LP candidate x do with registering to vote as a Libertar- The entire details of the membership The following additional benefits received at ian. According to Ballot Access News, plan are in Section 2.05 (“Membership National Conventions 31 states allow people to register to vote Policies”) of the LNC’s Policy Manual, with a party affiliation, and 26 of those which can be found online here: LP.org/ Lifetime member ribbon for name badge x x x x include the Libertarian Party. (Five lnc-meeting-archives Mention in program x x x x states allow registering as a Republican See the Table of Contributor Ben- Mention on signage x x x x or Democrat, but not Libertarian.) The efits below for more details on the benefits VIP seating at banquet** x most recent report of all registered Lib- at each level. ertarians was in the March 2014 issue of The whole concept of “membership” VIP seating with LNC member at banquet** x Ballot Access News, showing a nation- in the Libertarian Party can be a bit con- VIP Seating with LNC chair or officer** x wide total of 368,561 registered Liber- fusing, so I’ll try to explain it briefly. VIP seating for self & guest with National tarians. The bylaws of the party specify, Chair, LNC officer, special guest, POTUS In 2013, 35 percent of our annual “Members of the Party shall be those nominee** x revenue came from membership dues, persons who have certified in writing Naming of an event** x and I’m especially grateful to all those that they oppose the initiation of force ** subject to availability contributors. Media Buzz About LP STAFF Upcoming state conventions the Libertarian Party LP Illinois State Convention LP Massachusetts State Convention LP NATIONAL CHAIR Nicholas Sarwark Saturday, Sept. 12, through Sunday, Sept. 14 Saturday, Oct. 18 “Around the country, there Holiday Inn in Bolingbrook Tweed's Restaurant are more than 330,000 Liber- 205 Remington Blvd., Bolingbrook, IL 60440 229 Grove St., Worcester, MA 01605 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR tarians. In Florida, there are lp.org/event/lp-illinois-2014-state-convention lpmass.org Wes Benedict around 20,000, and the Sun- POLITICAL DIRECTOR coast is home to just over 900. Carla Howell Convention: A look back announced that he plans to serve as an inter- The growing popularity seems national ambassador to libertarians abroad. to be an indication that people ...continued from page 11 OPERATIONS DIRECTOR The convention speaker lineup was are growing angry with the two Robert Kraus personal honor and integrity. a veritable who’s who of notable and en- main parties.” CANDIDATE AND AFFILIATE “I don’t want to say only that you have gaging libertarian figures. Other impor- WWSB ABC 7 (Sarasota, FL), SUPPORT SPECIALIST to have character in order to have liberty,” tant speeches were provided by Liberty. 7/24/2014 Bob Johnston Reed said. “I want to make a case for that, me Chief Liberty Officer Jeffrey Tucker; but I think it’s true the other way around: Students for Liberty President Alexander “Democrats did not nominate EDITOR & TECHNOLOGY You can’t have character if you haven’t got McCobin; Students for Liberty Director candidates for three statewide of- DEVELOPER liberty. It works in both directions. Having of Events and Operations Kelly Jemison; fices — attorney general, auditor Eric D. Dixon liberty is what allows you to exercise your FreedomFest founder and producer Mark and public lands commissioner. MEMBER SERVICES & AFFILIATE character, and having character in the first Skousen; author and activist Melyssa Hub- Libertarians have the opportu- RELATIONS MANAGER place is what can make liberty possible.” bard; Marijuana Policy Project Executive nity to be the only opposition to Casey Hansen This year’s convention marked the be- Director Rob Kampia; attorney, author, and Republican candidates for those ginning of a new era of interaction between LP candidate Marc Harrold; Libertarian Fu- offices. ‘If this is played right, SPECIAL PROJECTS Libertarian parties and activists throughout turist Society founder Michael Grossberg; Nick Dunbar (Libertarians) can show they're the world. Russian libertarian activist Vera parenting author and advocate Heather Shu- just as relevant as the Democrat MEMBER SERVICES SPECIALIST Kichanova and Chair Guy Montrose of the maker; climate researcher Harold Ambler; Party in South Dakota,’ Libertar- United Kingdom Libertarian Party both spoke Advocates for Self-Government President Molly Schwoppe ian activist Ken Santema told the about the challenges and successes of spread- Sharon Harris; author and filmmaker J. Neil Argus Leader newspaper.” ing liberty in other corners of the world. Schulman; and several Libertarian Party Associated Press, 7/21/2014 “I talk to people here, and most of candidates and elected officials. you have never heard that there are liber- There’s no experience quite like hav- “Libertarian voters, advocating ® tarians in Russia, and I’m really happy that ing the opportunity to see all these dynamic THE LIBERTARIAN PARTY everything from less government 1444 Duke St. now you know,” Kichanova said. “We re- speakers in person, so if you missed out on Alexandria, VA 22314 ally need your support; we really need your attending the 2014 convention, be sure to to legalized pot, seem the perfect Phone: (202) 333-0008 help. We follow everything and keep read- start planning now to attend in 2016! For wildcard in any November elec- Fax: (202) 333-0072 ing everything that happens with libertari- a full list of speakers and entertainers at tion, peeling off Democratic or Website: www.LP.org anism in America. It gives us hope.” this year’s convention, visit the convention Republican votes.” Former LNC Chair Geoffrey Neale website: lpcon2014.org FOX News, 8/2/2014

WHAT’S GOING ON “Libertarians answer ‘no’ to both Affiliate News and Events of behind-the-scenes support that has not economic and social regulations IN YOUR STATE? been seen before (best ever comments from ...continued from page 14 by the government, because many people). I think we can say “Mission most fundamentally believe that A list of Libertarian events can the national party. We wanted people to Accomplished.” Congratulations and good be found online at: it’s none of the government’s feel comfortable in Columbus and show- luck to the newly elected LNC and Chair- business what you do in your LP.org/event case the downtown area, which was alive man Nicholas Sarwark. business or in your bedroom. with the activities of the Short North, Arena For more information on the Ohio That’s the philosophy that Sean You can get more information District, and ComFest. We also wanted to party, go to www.lpo.org or send an email Haugh, the N.C. Libertarian by visiting the website of your showcase the Ohio LP and provide a level to [email protected]. Party’s candidate and apparent state affiliate. See a list at: beer aficionado, advocates in his LP.org/states What have you missed recently on LP.org? quest for the U.S. Senate. From such topics as gay marriage, • Libertarians say get rid of Ex-Im Bank If there is an event you would war, abortion, personal respon- • NY Times agrees with Libertarian Party on marijuana like to see listed on the sibility (especially with pollution), • Libertarian Party joins coalition urging Obama to veto cybersecurity bill website, please send details to: to the issue of government debt, • LP political director discredits Dick Cheney's Iraqi commentary Haugh takes a very classic lib- • USA Today: Libertarian Patterson polling at 7% in high-profile Kentucky senate race ertarian position on a variety of [email protected] • “They’ve had two debates at the Arkansas Press Assoc., and a Libertarian has won both” hot topics, with probably more • Washington Post: LP poised to draw votes in at least 11 competitive Senate races this fall OR CALL THE LP HEADQUARTERS AT Democrats agreeing with him • Record-breaking 17 Libertarians on the ballot in Hawaii than Republicans.” (202) 333-0008 • “Cut, cut, CUT federal taxes and spending,” Libertarians say Salisbury Post, 7/13/2014