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Page 5 December 2013 The Official Newspaper of the Libertarian Party Volume 43, Issue 4 In This Issue: LP influence rises as Democrats’ and Republicans’ favorability tanks Poll: 22% of Americans lean libertarian THE 2013 AMERICAN VALUES SURVEY lance. They understand the futility of mar- Chair’s Corner ...... 2 By Carla Howell ijuana prohibition and the War on Drugs. LP Political Director They’re angry about government waste Ohio Governor Candidate ...... 3 LP Newsand largesse. And they want to be spared In Search of Arizona Ballot Access Battle ...... 3 ibertarianism is a growing and in- the mandates, taxes, restrictions, and high fluential movement in the United Libertarians costs of Obamacare. LP Inroads in Europe, Russia ....4 LStates, say Time, the Washington in America Young voters and activists are fuel- Post, the Atlantic, the “Stossel” TV show, ing the rising popularity of libertarianism. LP National Convention ...... 5 and NPR in reports on a recent survey. They are more free-thinking than earlier North Dakota Candidates ...... 5 Nearly one in four Americans lean generations and more disapproving of Big libertarian, according to a September– Government. They favor marriage equal- 2013 Election Results ...... 6 October survey conducted by the Public ity. They’re concerned about mounting Religion Research Institute, which found government debt, the burden of which will How to Gather Budget Data .....7 that respondents don’t fit on the traditional lie at their feet. They face daunting student Initiatives Worth Watching ...... 8 liberal-to-conservative spectrum. loans while struggling to find well-paying “The 22 percent of Americans who jobs. They’ve seen both Democrats and

Public are consistent libertarians or lean libertar- Religion Public Republicans instigate war with little to Rally Against Surveillance ...... 9 Research Religion Robert P. Jones | Daniel Cox | Juhem Navarro-Rivera Research ian are fully capable of throwing any elec- Institute Institute show for the destruction they cause. Federal Budget Deal ...... 9 tion in their direction. That makes them This poll by the Public Religion Research Fewer of today’s young voters are the true wild cards of American politics,” Institute found that 22 percent of Americans trapped inside the box of a two-party are libertarian or lean toward libertarianism. Affiliate News ...... 10–13 said Reason editor Nick Gillespie in an ar- system. They’re more open to voting for LP Health Care Solution ...... 15 ticle for Time. “Which is a big reason why tive of individual issues, Americans are a third party. When a Libertarian candi- calling oneself a libertarian — or allowing aligned with Libertarians even more. A date gets sufficient media coverage, as Stop Voting for Evil ...... 15 oneself to be described as such — has be- majority want less government, less war, happened in the 2013 Virginia gover- come so popular for politicians ...” lower taxes, and reduced government nor’s race, there is a significant rise in LPKY vs. Mitch McConnell ...... 16 When examined from the perspec- debt. They disapprove of mass surveil- continued on page 13... Media Buzz ...... 16 Breakthrough media coverage, votes mark Sarvis for VA governor campaign By Carla Howell threshold required to participate in the gubernatorial debates. LP Political Director Despite the exclusion, and despite lacking a get-out-the-vote machine enjoyed by his well-financed opponents — which usually irginia Libertarian Robert Sarvis was featured or quoted results in Libertarian poll numbers dropping to low single digits as in 311 state and national media news stories during his Election Day approaches — Sarvis ended with an impressive 6.5 Vsix-month governor campaign, a breakthrough level of percent of the vote (145,762 votes). Previously, the highest gover- coverage for a non-presidential Libertarian candidate. nor vote in Virginia for a Libertarian was 0.8 percent in 2001. Because Bloomberg and others called the 2012 Virginia Sarvis’s vote was the highest for a third-party governor can- governor race a harbinger of 2014 elections, could this mean that didate in a southern state in the last 40 years. the media is finally becoming more willing to give Libertarian It was also the third-highest vote for a Libertarian for gover- campaigns their due coverage? nor in the party’s history. In 1982, state representative Dick Ran- Along with a lot of hard work by Sarvis and his campaign dolph won 15 percent of the vote for governor in Alaska. In 2002, manager, John LaBeaume, the exposure drove up Sarvis’s poll num- Ed Thompson, brother of George W. Bush cabinet member and bers, leaving him just shy of qualifying for the stringent 10 percent continued on page 14... Page 2 The Libertarian Party — www.LP.org December 2013

The following individuals became Lifetime hair s orner C ’ C Members of the Libertarian Party between Sept. 12, 2013, and Dec. 5, 2013: LNC has need for diverse experience Paul A. Brown Robert M. Clark By Geoffrey J. Neale, Chair Alan Clifton n six months, the delegates of the LNC. No specific prior experience is required, but all sorts of ex- Delor Cornell perience are valuable. We can only be strengthened by a diverse Libertarian Party affiliates from Edward G. Fayle Iacross the country will meet in Co- talent pool. If you’ve run a company, or run a campaign, you can lumbus, Ohio, to conduct business at the be valuable. If you work with computers, or work with people, Daniel Hopkins Libertarian Party National Convention. you can be valuable. Kurt G. Horvat One of the major agenda items for However, four specific experiences come to mind that I every convention is the election of the truly wish we had in more quantity. Frank Kassela Libertarian National Committee — the Experience at raising money: As a not-for-profit organiza- Ann Loudermilk LNC. tion, we rely on the donations from our members to fulfill the LP Eduardo J. Martinez The LNC is our Board of Direc- mission statement. tors, and is charged with responsibility Experience at working effectively in large groups: The Kyle-Pierre Nfr for the Libertarian Party between conventions. Membership on best boards work at reaching consensus wherever possible. Some- Frederick T. Nichols the LNC is open to all sustaining members. All you have to do is times, this requires accommodating different perspectives while Bryan Pauze get elected. not compromising our core principles. I welcome and promote all people who are interested in be- Experience at being on a board: If you’ve never sat on a Christopher Richter ing a member of the LNC to pursue that interest. As libertarians, board, there is much to learn. Most people pick it up, but those Roland Flattum Riemers we should all value competition, and I like to see as many quali- who come ready and prepared have an advantage. Many on the Pat E. Ryan fied candidates as possible for every role. LNC have often mentioned board training for LNC members, so But I don’t want you to make an uninformed decision. it should be obvious that such experience is valuable. Dr. Curry B. Taylor The LNC meets three or four times per year, in diverse loca- Experience at reading financial reports: Yes, we read Dustin D. Trammell tions within the United States. Our meetings are usually two days things like balance sheets and income statements, and we’re re- Ronald Van Wagenen long, and are held on weekends. sponsible for budgets. All LNC members pay their own way to the meetings, pay The right candidates might come without any of those ex- Brian Keith Waters for their own lodging, and pay for almost all of their own meals. periences, and learn as they go. Many of our LNC members have. John Charles Williams It’s expensive to be on the LNC. I’d estimate that it costs the aver- However, arriving with one or more of these experiences will help age LNC member in the range of $5,000 per term. you. The Libertarian Party grants In between, we have discussion groups where we conduct If you’re still interested, I suggest you read the bylaws and Lifetime Membership to some business, but mostly discuss or debate. the policy manual. That is the world you would be stepping into. individuals who contribute Most of our duties are truly board-level types of responsi- The LP needs a strong LNC. Perhaps you’d be a strong bilities. We perform many administrative roles. We review con- addition. at least $1,000 during any tracts. We make policy decisions. We approve budgets. We per- 12-month period. Call 202- form oversight over staff. 333-0008 to find out how much We do not set or change the platform or the bylaws. That role is reserved for the delegates in convention. We do review more you would need to donate publications to ensure that they conform with our platform and to become a Lifetime Member bylaws. today. There is an ongoing need for all types of people on the

LP News Send News, Articles, Libertarian Party News Essays or (ISSN 8755-139X) is the official The Purposes of the Libertarian Party: Photographs: newspaper of the The party is organized to implement and give voice to the principles embodied in the State- Libertarian Party Libertarian Party® of the United ment of Principles by: functioning as a libertarian political entity separate and distinct from 2600 Virginia Avenue NW, Suite 200 States. Opinions and articles all other political parties or movements; moving public policy in a libertarian direction by Washington, DC 20037 published in this newspaper do not building a political party that elects Libertarians to public office; chartering affiliate parties Phone: (202) 333-0008 necessarily represent official party throughout the United States and promoting their growth and activities; nominating candi- E-mail: [email protected] positions unless so indicated. dates for president and vice president of the United States, and supporting party and affili- ate party candidates for political office; and, entering into public information activities. Send Address Changes To: NATIONAL CHAIR: Libertarian Party Geoffrey J. Neale EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: 2600 Virginia Avenue NW, Suite 200 2600 Virginia Avenue NW, Suite 200 Wes Benedict Washington, DC 20037 Washington, DC 20037 Phone: (202) 333-0008 POLITICAL DIRECTOR: LP NEWS EDITOR: E-mail: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Carla Howell Eric D. Dixon CONTRIBUTORS: Carla Howell, Eric D. Dixon, Christopher Goins, R. Lee Wrights, Nancy Neale, Michael H. Wilson Vol. 43, Issue 4 The Libertarian Party — www.LP.org Page 3 David F. Nolan Memorial Arizona LP thwarts ‘anti-ballot’ bill with coalition law that would effectively take Ari- Office Fund donors, zona Libertarian Party candidates “We put together the most A off the ballot was defeated in Octo- diverse coalition in the Sept. 12–Dec. 5 ber 2013, thanks to a multi-partisan coalition to collect signatures, and will not be in effect in history of Arizona,” said Contribute today: lp.org/office-fund 2014. Its future will be decided by voters in the Arizona LP Vice Chair November 2014 general election. Benefactor of Liberty The Arizona Libertarian Party opposed Barry Hess. “Literally, S.B. 2305 because it changed the number of Dr. Deryl W. Martin Roland Riemers everybody except the signatures required to get a candidate on a pri- Eduardo J. Martinez M.D. John R. Sparduto mary ballot from a percentage of the people reg- Republicans wanted to Guy McLendon Loronzo "Ronnie" H. Thomson istered in the party to a percentage of everyone join our group.” — and shrunk requirements for Republicans. Defender of Liberty “It raised our signature requirements dra- Hess thinks that a total repeal is “probably William Conger Walter Stone Dr. Curry B. Taylor matically, sometimes as much as 4,000 per- what’s going to happen,” and believes the Re- cent,” explained Richard Winger, Libertarian publicans will repeal the entire bill before it hits Friend of Liberty Party activist and editor and publisher of Ballot the ballot in November. Winger said that it’s 11 Michael Candray Access News. months away, and way too early to tell. “We put together the most diverse coali- Voters will have the opportunity to repeal Advocate of Liberty tion in the history of Arizona,” said Arizona the entire law in fall 2014. John Bowers Stephanie Kane Chuck Ohmstead Constance Shank Jacob Brasher Michael Kraus Jan Prince Jamie Taylor LP Vice Chair Barry Hess. “Literally, every- Hess said that for the Libertarian side it body except the Republicans wanted to join our was very easy to persuade people to join the group.” cause. Winger said that part of the strategy was “Do you want diversity of choice on your Former GOP lawmaker Charles Earl that Libertarians would be the “poster children” ballot?” Hess asked. “Or do you just want a Re- for the effort, because they were the ones be- publican and a Democrat to choose from?” runs for Libertarian governor in Ohio ing “de facto kicked off the ballot.” Democrats He continued, “Many of them [voters] By Carla Howell tax to ‘zero’ were in it because the bill also changed rules for wanted libertarian ideas.” as well,” he collecting early ballots. When asked if the Democrats used the harles Earl, a former Re- said. “It is im- According to Hess, the Democrats provid- Libertarian Party, Hess said “Well, hell yeah.” publican representative in moral and un- ed the “muscle and the steam” to get the neces- But he explained: “We each used our strengths, Cthe Ohio General Assembly conscionable sary 86,405 good signatures to refer the issue to and our strengths were that we had the moral is- who switched his party affiliation for govern- the ballot. The last successful signature drive, sue that was going to win the day and pulled all to Libertarian in 2010, is running ment to bene- according to Phoenix-based Verde News, took these people together. So, yes, they used us but for governor in Ohio in 2014 to ad- fit from a per- place in 1998. Democrats put $500,000 into the I don’t think anything other than a political way vance personal freedom and consti- Charles Earl son’s labor.” 2013 effort, according to Hess. which is totally standard,” Hess said. “Because tutional government. Earl is Not only did they turn in more than in all honesty, we used them to the tune of a half A true fiscal conservative, not concerned if his race results in the necessary amount of signatures, but they a million bucks.” Earl decided to run for governor tipping the election to the Demo- verified each one and turned in a grand total He added that without the Democrats, he after Republican Gov. John Ka- cratic candidate, Ed FitzGerald. of 139,161 signatures, according to reports. doesn’t know whether the Arizona LP would sich supported Medicaid expan- “So what?” Earl told the However, almost 19 percent of those signa- have been able to complete the signature drive sion and a new tax for oil and gas Dealer. “If they can’t trust the tures were proved to be invalid, the secretary successfully. On the flip side, there were two companies. GOP-controlled House and Senate of state’s office reportedly said in October, opposition political action committees dedi- The Cleveland Plain Dealer to hold FitzGerald in check, then bringing the total number of valid signatures cated to defeating the effort to get 87,000 sig- reported that tea party outrage could they’ve elected the wrong General down to 113,583. natures, Hess said. mobilize the grassroots movement Assembly.” “Only at that time did the Republicans Libertarian Party members went on televi- behind a Libertarian for governor. Charles Earl served as the realize how bad it was,” Hess explained, add- sion and to picnics, held debates, gave speeches, Earl is running on a bold plat- representative for the 80th District ing that before their success the Arizona GOP organized press conferences, and participated in form to cut taxes. He told the San- of the Ohio House from 1981 to didn’t think they were going to pull it off. reporter interviews to spread publicity about the dusky Register, “We aim to reduce 1984 and chose not to seek re-elec- Hess said that one of the 16 people who issue. Regular LP activists and staffers helped business and corporate taxes to tion. A writer and retired college in- signed the original bill called and invited him collect the signatures over the summer. ‘zero.’ Therefore, no large corporate structor, he also ran as a Libertarian to his office. “He would introduce legislation, Winger said getting the voters to vote to entity will receive favored treatment for secretary of state in 2010. is what they were offering, to repeal that por- repeal it would be the really hard work. It would via the tax code. All businesses of tion that we, the Libertarians, were offended by take money, he pointed out, especially because all sizes will have equal competitive LP fights against ballot access attack because they realized that we have the issue that he expects the Arizona GOP to put up tons of statures under our plan.” Getting on the ballot in 2014 will win the day.” Hess declined the offer. “I cash for an advertising blitz to defeat the ref- “With the anticipated in- is no guarantee for Earl. Ohio told him, ‘no we’d rather take it from you than erendum. The Protect Your Right to Vote Com- crease in economic activity, we Democratic and Republican law- have you give it to us,’” adding that he wanted mittee, independent of the Libertarian Party, has plan to reduce the personal income continued on page 13... a total repeal of the bill. been set up to defeat the bill. Page 4 The Libertarian Party — www.LP.org December 2013 LP Chair Neale tours Libertarian parties in Europe, Russia By Carla Howell UKLP: His presentation was high- come up with cooperation proposals and ly informative, educational, and inspira- hopefully will be able to manage some P Chair Geoffrey Neale made an tional. joint events, as well as a visit to the U.S. historic trip in November to meet P-LIB: Everyone was really pleased. UKLP: We are running candidates with European libertarian leaders His speech was inspiring. It is important in the next U.K. local elections. Many of L to understand that, while libertarianism Neale’s points were very relevant to those from Spain, Russia, the U.K., Italy, Ger- many, and the Netherlands. is already almost a mainstream option in campaigns. His trip coincided with the emer- the U.S., it is still unknown and not very P-LIB: We certainly would like to gence of a new pan-European party, the respected here. Our members are isolated move in the direction of creating well- European Party for International Liberty in their daily lives, and they find relief functioning European and international (EPIL), which aims to advance libertarian and confirmation of their views when they umbrella organizations for libertarians policy in the European Union and in mem- come to our meetings. Having the leader [and to be seen as] our country’s represen- ber countries. of a U.S. party come to Madrid and tell tative of a world ideological movement. On Sept. 28 in the Netherlands, Lib- LP Chair Geoffrey Neale speaks to Spain’s them they are right and we are the future, Socialists and conservatives have such ertarian representatives from France, Ger- Individual Freedom Party (P-LIB). not the past, was extremely important to organizations. We shall certainly continue many, Holland, and Spain formed EPIL LP News: Were there any other ben- them. to develop the European umbrella and with the signing of the Utrecht Declara- efits you or your organization experienced LP News: What problems and chal- make it worthy of transatlantic coopera- tion and Covenant of European Classical from having the head of the U.S. Libertar- lenges for your party did you gain insight tion, while also strengthening our party in Liberal and Libertarian Parties. ian Party visit your country? into as a result of Neale’s remarks? Spain. EPIL’s second official meeting was LPR: Geoffrey Neale’s visit has LPR: First and foremost, it was LP News: What do you see as pos- held at a conference hosted by the Spanish helped us to ratchet up our organizational challenges related to attracting soft mon- sible for the future of your party? Libertarian Party, which goes by the name performance. Cooperation with foreign ey, because in Russia we’re only just cut- LPR: The LPR is looking forward to Individual Freedom Party (P-LIB) and partners helps to bring a political party ting our fundraising teeth. getting seriously involved in the 2014 re- which featured a presentation by Neale. into the spotlight and gives it more politi- UKLP: Firstly, we are up against gional elections to the Moscow City Duma Neale also addressed attendees of cal weight. a state-indoctrinated electorate, many of (parliament) and other city councils. This the Fifth Adam Smith Forum in Moscow, P-LIB: Yes. We got some media whom find the very concept of libertarian- is going to be the first major campaign for which hosted libertarians from more than attention in spite of the existing anti-lib- ism alien. Geoff Neale made the point that the LPR. We’re getting ready for a broad 20 regions of the Commonwealth of In- ertarian blockade. We strengthened the Rome was not built in a day. In effect, we outreach campaign involving small and dependent States (CIS), including Russia, cohesion of our organization. Party lead- are sowing the seeds of LPUK today, to medium-sized forums and conferences Belarus, Tajikistan, and the Ukraine. ers in over 10 regions and provinces came bear fruit tomorrow. across the whole expanse of Russia. Guy Montrose, chairman of the Unit- to Madrid, in the middle of the week, for Secondly, we need to box clever. We UKLP: We would like to become a ed Kingdom Libertarian Party (LPUK), this event. We were able to organize a sec- do not enjoy the resources of our bigger ri- major player and option for future genera- Andrey Shalnev, chair of the Libertarian ond meeting of EPIL thanks to this event. vals so we have to think creatively of ways tions of U.K. voters. Party of Russia (LPR), and Juan Pina, Representatives from three other countries to outmaneuver them. Geoff Neale [noted P-LIB: Our main short-term goal president of P-LIB, responded to ques- came to Madrid. that for advertising strategy] it is advanta- is getting through the enormous barriers tions from LP News about Neale’s visit. LP News: Are you pleased with the geous not to try to go head to head with to run at the European Parliament Elec- LP News: Did Chair Neale’s visit participation of libertarians in your coun- multimillion campaigns, but actually to tions in May. We need 15.000 valid sig- provide insights into how to advance your try at your event? wait for down times to gain more impact. natures from registered voters for this. It country’s Libertarian Party? LPR: It was definitely the [best at- P-LIB: We got valuable confirma- is likely but still uncertain that we shall P-LIB: Yes indeed. His speech al- tended] libertarian get-together in the CIS, tion that a third party, and NOT joining be successful. lowed P-LIB members to better under- ever. We had libertarians from over 20 re- one of the authoritarian parties for prag- LP News: Do you plan to build ac- stand that a political party, [even] without gions of Russia, from Belarus, Tajikistan, matic reasons, is the way ahead. This is tive working relationships with other Eu- representation in parliament, can be an ef- Ukraine, and other CIS countries. what we had always been saying, and it ropean Libertarian parties? fective way to advance our ideas. We also P-LIB: Pleased is not enough. We is important to hear that from the original LPR: Yes, we believe that libertar- appreciated his emphasis on the impor- are delighted, we welcome it, and we need Libertarian Party, the oldest one in the ians from all over the world should be tance of organizing ourselves to overcome it. We would like to sign a general agree- world and the one inspiring our founda- constantly sharing their experience of legal barriers to third parties, no matter ment on mutual recognition and coopera- tion in 2009. promoting ideas of liberty. We libertarians how bureaucratic and unfriendly the sys- tion at some point. LP News: Was there anything you have a huge advantage over other politi- tem is. LP News: What did participants at learned about U.S. Libertarian politics that cal movements in that there is a consen- LPR: Lots of libertarian ideas have your event say about Neale’s visit? surprised you? sus as far as our underlying principles are been brought into life in the U.S.A. That is LPR: Listening to Geoffrey Neale’s P-LIB: A positive surprise to many concerned. That means we’re much bet- why the opportunity to talk to a U.S. liber- views on American politics gave them of our members was to discover the very ter off in terms of mutual understanding tarian was so inspiring, and also edifying. quite a bit of a shakeup because what he large amount of votes received by the LP. and building working relationships. We’d The experience imparted by Chair Neale said sat oddly with the clichéd perceptions LP News: Did the event help to cata- gladly contribute to and become part of an with regard to building a political orga- of quite a few opposition-minded Rus- lyze your plans moving forward? international libertarian association bring- nization will especially come in handy, sians, many of whom believe that what- LPR: Yes, certainly. Geoffrey ing together libertarian parties from all despite all the differences between the ever happens in U.S.A. politics should be Neale’s visit helped us to, among other over the world. present-day political environments in our accepted without reservations, leaving no things, gain recognition among libertarian UKLP: This is already taking place respective countries. place for criticism whatsoever. parties from other countries. We’ll soon and part of joint initiatives. Vol. 43, Issue 4 The Libertarian Party — www.LP.org Page 5 Plan now to attend June 2014 LP national convention in Columbus, OH By Nancy Neale and education. I am encouraged by the work of many LP National Convention Organizer families who embrace a better way to raise and educate their children. I am also encouraged by the activism be- n the last issue of LP News, you read a column by my ing done by groups such as Students for Liberty. (Their fellow CMC member, Kevin Knedler, the state chair executive director, Alexander McCobin, spoke for us in Iof the Ohio LP. LP activity in the Buckeye State is Las Vegas in 2012, and has frequently been on “Stossel.”) very impressive, and we are excited that our next conven- Our national chairman (yes, my spouse) recently tion will be in Ohio. went to Europe, thanks to a generous benefactor. He spoke Although 2014 is not a presidential year, we prom- at libertarian forums in Moscow and Madrid, which includ- ise that you will have a wonderful time in Columbus this ed activists from all over Europe. Some of them were so summer, from Thursday, June 26, through Sunday, June inspired by meeting the head of the U.S. LP that they want 29. Our bylaws require us to hold a convention every two to come to Columbus — even on their own dime! So ex- years for delegates to conduct business. I see this as an pect to hear and meet some of our European brethren there. opportunity to gather as many Libertarians as possible Mark your calendars and start making your travel together for one long weekend, not just to conduct party Downtown Columbus, Ohio plans. Spend a few extra days before or afterward, and business but to meet each other and exchange ideas, and the thing that we Libertarians have that most of the D’s experience what Columbus and the Buckeye State have to have some fun! and R’s don’t have is character. The term encompasses offer. One great thing about this location is its proximity Besides the business sessions for credentialed del- attributes like honorable, trustworthy, reputable, ethical, to a very large portion of our membership — a reasonable egates* (on the Main Floor), there will be many great moral, and courageous. Liberty requires that we possess drive for most of you. The venue is the Columbus Hyatt speakers, with top speakers at the various meal events, these traits. Or, as Reed writes, “no people who lost their Regency, right in the heart of downtown Columbus. plus a few good ones on the Main Floor. And some excel- character kept their liberties.” Larry Reed has graciously Please visit LP.org for a link to the 2014 convention lent entertainment. agreed to be our keynote speaker! site, and contact me if you have any specific suggestions: Some of the usual topics will be covered, like the True, some of us don’t always act in keeping with [email protected]. I look forward to seeing you! drug war and Second Amendment issues. The hotter top- the best character, but that should be our goal — as can- ———————————————————— ics of the day we hope to cover will include NSA spying, didates and other representatives of the LP — to show * If you plan to be a credentialed delegate, be sure that Obamacare, and global warming (er, climate change). We people that we are worthy of their time, support, and you follow the procedures of your state and county LPs. will also feature some dynamic LP candidates. Lots of new votes. My hope is that the delegates and other attendees ———————————————————— speakers (and, yes, we are trying to get some biggies)! will show good character to one another and to everyone Nancy Neale helped organize the 2012 Las Vegas LP The theme of this convention will be “Character we encounter — during the convention and beyond. convention, and was the primary organizer of the highly Matters.” I was inspired by a talk and a small book by One reason that society has lost its way is the sad touted 2004 Atlanta convention. She has also organized Lawrence Reed of FEE. His book, titled Are We Good state of our public schools; character does not seem to several state LP conventions, in Texas and her native Enough for Liberty?, focuses on character. It hit me that matter so much anymore. So I also want to focus on youth California.

North Dakota LP Chair Roland Riemers recruits candidates for 2014 election, runs for secretary of state he Libertarian Party of North Da- builds awareness and support. volved even to a minor extent.” kota has already announced two “Every time you get a candidate on This is also where advance planning Thigh-profile candidates for the the ballot, that candidate brings a certain and organization by the state party can 2014 election, and state chair Roland number of voters with it, too,” Riemers yield dividends, Riemers pointed out. Riemers hopes to put together a full slate said. “The more candidates you get, the “One of the things we tried in the of Libertarians campaigning on solutions more votes you get. That’s the name of the last election, is that not only do we have to cut government spending and power. game: Get the votes.” candidates who have their own individual “We’re hoping that we’ll have all One of Riemer’s strategies for re- literature and program, but we have stan- of our candidate slots filled up this year,” Roland Riemers Jack Seaman cruiting candidates is stressing the impor- dard statewide literature that listed all the Riemers said. “By starting early, it gave us America’s empire building, restoring the 4th tance of showing up to the political pro- candidates and everybody could pass it an opportunity to get our funding together Amendment, ending the failed war on drugs, cess, even for those who may not have the out,” Riemers said. “The state party paid a little bit, which helps us tremendously.” marriage equality and getting government ability to run full-time campaigns. for that, so even if a local candidate didn’t Libertarian Jack Seaman is running out of our lives as much as possible, I ask for “A lot of people can’t commit to a have that much money for his own litera- for U.S. Congress on a platform of slashing your help in spreading the word,” Seaman lot of time and money in running a cam- ture, he could get the common literature spending and passing a balanced budget, wrote on his campaign website. paign,” Riemers said. “Probably the big and pass that out and still be involved eliminating the IRS, ending mass surveil- Riemers is running for North Dakota emphasis is to get them to run regardless, without spending a lot of money on it.” lance, bringing all troops home from wars secretary of state and continuing to fill his because even if they can just show up to Donations make all the difference in of foreign intervention, decisively halting role as state LP chair by recruiting addi- some of the candidate forums and answer this process, he said. the War on Drugs, repealing Obamacare, tional candidates who share Seaman’s am- some of the newspapers when they send “I think one of the big factors too is supporting Second Amendment rights, bitious plans to cut government across the out the candidate survey, it all helps the fundraising, which is always a perennial abolishing the Federal Reserve, and more. board. Filling every available space on the party. So even if they’re working two jobs problem,” Riemers said. “Money always “If you like my message of slashing ballot with a Libertarian Party candidate and don’t have a lot of time and resources, counts. We’ve been trying different tac- spending, abolishing the IRS, ending the is a priority for Riemers and the LPND, they can still be a help to the party just by tics for raising funds, so that when we do Fed, bringing the troops home and ending because that’s ultimately how the party having their name in there and being in- continued on page 16... Page 6 The Libertarian Party — www.LP.org December 2013 2013 election results for Libertarian Party candidates Libertarian Party candidates who won their respective elections are indicated by boldface Name Position Vote Total Percentage Name Position Vote Total Percentage Election Date: March 12 Bill Russell Mayor, Norwich 386 8.6% Chandler Alfred, Jr. Norwich Councilman 445 2.2% New Hampshire Julia Ann Gorman Norwich Councilman 669 3.3% Joe Femino Gofftown Zoning Board of Adjustments 541 16.5% Michael Holman Norwich Councilman 537 2.6% Axel Rodriguez Norwich Councilman 614 3.0% Election Date: April 2 Cynthia Shook Norwich Councilman 603 2.9% Joshua Katz Westbrook Planning Commission 1,074 37.4% Kansas Dan Hogan Manhattan City Council 719 4.5% Florida Michael Ogle Topeka Mayor 3,714 31.8% Marcos Miralles Hialeah City Council 3,964 23.8% Clinton Coen Wichita City Council District 3 814 46.4% Georgia Karen Richardson Johns Creek City Council 1,973 31.3% Election Date: April 9 Brett Bittner Marietta School Board District 1 156 56.5% Walter Reynolds Milledgeville City Council District 4 unopposed Florida Michael Malterer New Port Richey Council 240 12.2% Iowa Nick Taiber Cedar Falls City Council unopposed Illinois Roger Fritz Mayor, Roland 11 22.5% Lex Green Bloomington Mayor 1,246 12.8% Chad Grimm Peoria City Council District 3 270 18.8% Michigan Andy LeCureaux Hazel Park City Council n/a n/a New York Erwin Haas Kentwood City Commissioner Ward 2 1,105 51.6% Bruce Martin Longwood Library Trustee Minnesota Zavier Bicott Bloomington City Council 3,188 26.0% Election Date: May 10 Mary O'Connor Brooklyn Center School Board 35 7.1% Christopher Clark Mayor, Minneapolis 188 0.2% Texas Joel Brinker Mayor, St. Peters 439 38.0% Jamie Perez El Paso Mayor 816 1.7% Michael Katch Minneapolis City Council, Ward 3 363 5.9% Arthur Thomas IV San Antonio City Council Place 10 5800 12.0% Shaun Alexander Savage City Council 457 20.1% Jeremy Seykora Savage City Council 369 16.2% Election Date: May 21 Roger Parras St. Peters City Council 392 40.1% Arizona North Carolina Levi Tappan Page City Council Terrence Tucker Benson Town Commissioner At-large 49 10.3% Travis Wheat Charlotte City Council District 3 443 4.6% New York Eric Cable Charlotte City Council District 4 7,579 2.1% Halen Allison Avoca School Board 40 12.3% Thorbjorn Gylafson Greenville City Council District 3 Pennsylvania Matt Hoerner Hope Mills Commissioner 569 10.8% George Brown State House 42 (special election) 539 5.4% Matt Hoerner Hope Mills Town Council 551 10.8% Andrea Boyer Woodfin Alderman 179 15.3%

Election Date: June 4 New Jersey Ken Kaplan Governor 11,821 0.6% Missouri Sean O'Connor State Assembly 14 888 0.7% Bill Slantz US House 8 (special election) 968 1.5% Steve Uccio State Assembly 14 772 0.6% Patrick McKnight State Assembly 16 1,175 1.0% Election Date: August 6 Don Dezarn State Senate 14 1,001 1.6% Michigan New York Scotty Boman Detroit Clerk 4,461 5.1% Robert Porter Albany City Council District 9 217 16.6% Michael Brennan Livingston County Commissioner District 5 176 8.7% James Rosenbeck Batavia City Council At-Large 358 5.5% Lisa Whitehead Batavia City Council At-Large 243 3.7% Robert Brown Genesee County Legislator 8th District 82 12.5% Election Date: October 1 David Casavis Manhattan Borough President 39,413 17.1% Hesham El-Meligy New York City Comptroller 5,080 0.5% Alaska Helene Janane New York City Council District 4 8,213 29.8% Dave Lyle Valdez City Council 16 0.1% David Garland New York City Council District 5 9,951 33.2% South Carolina Christopher Giattino New York City Council District 8 124 0.8% Alex Thornton State Senate 42 (special election) 98 1.2% Michael Sanchez New York City Mayor 1,652 0.2% Alex Merced New York City Public Advocate 9,878 1.1% Silas Johnson Staten Island Borough President 331 0.5% Election Date: October 15 Pennsylvania Nebraska Anthon Muccie Bristol Borough Council North Ward 98 21.7% Mike Knebel Bellevue City Council District 1 41 4.3% Eric Sokalski Bristol Borough Council South Ward 144 32.8% Jason Grisolia Bristol Borough Council West Ward 123 31.8% Election Date: October 19 Nicholas Hillman Bucks County Judge Of Elections Warminster District 4 (unavailable) Mamie Barker Bucks County Judge Of Elections Warminster District 4 (unavailable) Louisiana Dominic Hughes Bucks County Judge Of Elections Warminster District 4 (unavailable) Henry Herford US House 5 (special election) 886 0.9% Alexander Humanick Copley Borough Council 242 10.6% Gregory King Lincoln Parish Justice Of The Peace, Ward 3 unopposed Shawn Felty Cressona Borough Council 195 34.5% Hobson McKown District Judge 49-2-01, Centre County (write-in) (unavailable) Matt Schutter Jim Thorpe School Director 547 28.3% Election Date: November 5 Steven Miller-Miller Judge of the Court of Common Pleas District 1 7,768 1.4% Connecticut Betsy Summers Luzerne County Judge of Elections Wilkes-Barre W9 64 99.9% Sean Foley Burlington Board Of Finance 1,028 19.0% continued on page 8... Vol. 43, Issue 4 The Libertarian Party — www.LP.org Page 7 Essential budget data needed to make case for shrinking government By Carla Howell Tips on researching government budgets overnment regulations, the IRS, 1. Prepare to be frustrated. Government finance is notoriously 5. State and local government Comprehensive Annual Financial the War on Drugs, overseas med- opaque. Published data serves more to sell the virtues of govern- Reports (CAFRs) account for actual spending and revenue for ment and to conceal high government spending than to inform the prior fiscal years. They are more comprehensive than general dling, Obamacare, and virtually public. Various published versions of a budget may be impossible budgets, which may disclose only a fraction of total state revenue G to reconcile. and spending. They are also fixed, unlike current-year budgets all Big Government programs owe their existence to the funding that pays for their 2. Focus on revenue and spending for the current year, not future which change throughout the year as legislators vote on new spending. operations. years. Big Government politicians like to talk about “10-year bud- gets” to propose phony spending cuts that are actually spending 6. The U.S. Census Bureau publishes government financial data To persuasively argue for the elimina- increases. To actually reduce the size of government, Libertarians for prior years that provides more data than some state and local tion or reduction of government programs, need to bring the focus back to current-year spending. budgets. However, their spreadsheets are poorly written. Data Libertarian candidates must know the total 3. Beware of budgets expressed as percentages of gross domestic within them sometimes cannot be reconciled. amount of money government spends in the product (GDP) or percentage increases over prior years. This is 7. Published government budgets reveal nothing about where the another diversion tactic. Look for budgets that show actual dollar NJ Government Finance Highlights jurisdictions where they seek office, how government waste is. A better source is mainstream news or blog amounts. articles, which provide anecdotal data, as(in well $ as billions) select white pa- much has been allocated for various depart- 4. Nice-sounding names of budget line items such as “Protect- pers published by think tanks. By making a habit of collecting such ments, and where the money comes from. It ing the Public’s Health” tell you nothing about how the money data and compiling it in a list, candidates can site these examples is also helpful to have examples of govern- allocated to this function is actually spent, how much is wasted,FY2011 orRevenue when asked the question,State “WhereLocal do you propose toFY2011 cut govern Expenditures- State Local ment spending?” ment waste within those departments. whether any of it actually “protects” anyone. Key Taxes Medical subsidies $3.3 $0.8 With key government budget data at Property $25.5 Housing subsidies 0.5 1.1 their fingertips, Libertarian candidates can ticians have saved for private sector IndividualNJ income GovernmentNJ Government Finance$10.6 Finance Highlights HighlightsOther welfare 13.2 1.2 formulate solutions for less government workers who are dependent on Social General sales (in $ billions)(in $ billions)8.1 Employee retirement 8.2 and sell those proposals effectively. For Security with the tens of billions of dol- Selective sales 4.4 0.1 Unemployment compensation 7.2 FY2011 Revenue State Local FY2011 Expenditures State Local example: lars accumulated in funds for federal,FY2011 Revenue Corporate incomeState Local FY2011 Expenditures2.2 StateHigherLocal education 4.3 1.4 Key Taxes Medical subsidies $3.3 $0.8 Key Taxes Medical subsidies $3.3 $0.8 • Knowing how much a government state and local government retirement Property Higher ed institutions $25.5 2.6Housing subsidies 0.7 Elementary0.5 & secondary 1.1 2.3 21.1 Property $25.5 Housing subsidies 0.5 1.1 function or department spends every plans further illustrates the gross ineq- Individual income $10.6 Other welfare 13.2 1.2 Individual income Sewerage $10.6 Other welfare 1.6 13.2Highways1.2 3.0 1.3 General sales 8.1 Employee retirement 8.2 year helps make the case for eliminating uity between government and private- General sales Hospitals 8.1 Employee0.9 retirement 0.3 Transit8.2 2.1 0.1 Selective sales 4.4 0.1 Unemployment compensation 7.2 it and cutting taxes accordingly. sector compensation and why handing Selective sales Highways 4.4 0.1 Unemployment1.1 compensation 0.3 Interest7.2 on general debt 2.1 1.4 Corporate income 2.2 Higher education 4.3 1.4 • Citing government waste within depart- out lucrative government worker retire - Corporate income 2.2 Higher education 4.3 1.4 Higher ed institutions Unemployment comp.2.6 0.7 4.2Elementary & secondary Correction2.3 21.1 1.4 0.7 Higher ed institutions 2.6 0.7 Elementary & secondary 2.3 21.1 ments supports the case for eliminating or ment packages must end. Sewerage 1.6 Highways 3.0 1.3 Sewerage Employee retirement trust1.6 Highways13.2 Judicial3.0 1.3 and legal 0.9 0.6 reducing them, along with more tax cuts. There’s only one federal govern- Hospitals 0.9 0.3 Transit 2.1 0.1 Hospitals Interest earnings 0.9 0.3 Transit 1.2 0.4 Sewerage2.1 0.1 1.6 Highways 1.1 0.3 Interest on general debt 2.1 1.4 • Showing the explosive growth in a ment, so it’s relatively easy for federal Highways 1.1 0.3 Interest on general debt 2.1 1.4 UnemploymentOther comp. 4.2 7.5Correction 5.1 Police 1.4 0.7 0.5 2.8 government’s annual spending makes candidates to gather essential financial Unemployment comp. 4.2 Correction 1.4 0.7 Employee retirementTotal generated trust revenue13.2 $56.0Judicial and $34.0 legal Fire 0.9 0.6 0.9 it easy to propose rolling it back to the data on the U.S. government. Many webEmployee- retirement trust 13.2 Judicial and legal 0.9 0.6 Interest earnings 1.2 0.4 Sewerage 1.6 Interest earnings Intergovernmental1.2 transfers 0.4 Sewerage Water 1.6and electric utilities 1.2 year 2006, 2000, 1990, or earlier. sites show a breakdown of federal revenue Other 7.5 5.1 Police 0.5 2.8 Other From federal government7.5 5.1 Police $14.2 $1.1 Other0.5 2.8 6.8 9.2 • Revealing the relatively small amounts and expenditures and other financial data. Total generated revenue $56.0 $34.0 Fire 0.9 Total generated revenue $56.0 $34.0 Fire 0.9 Intergovernmental From transfers state government Water and 11.3electric utilities Transfers between1.2 state, local 11.2 0.4 spent on police, fire, and roads belies the For down-ticket candidates, the taskIntergovernmental transfers Water and electric utilities 1.2 From federal government $14.2 $1.1 Other 6.8 9.2 constant threats from Big Government is more challenging. There are thousands From federal government From local governments$14.2 $1.1 Other 0.6 Total6.8 expenditures 9.2 $67.0 $45.8 From state government 11.3 Transfers between state, local 11.2 0.4 politicians who claim that spending cuts of state and local governments. Their fi - From state governmentTotal revenue 11.3 Transfers$70.8 between $46.4 state, local 11.2 0.4 From local governments 0.6 Total expenditures $67.0 $45.8 will harm these core government services. From local governments 0.6 Total expenditures $67.0 $45.8 nancial structures vary, as do how and Total revenue $70.8 $46.4 • Citing the egregious sums spent on gov- where they publish data. Total revenue Total state & local$70.8 revenue $46.4 net Total state & local expenditures Total state &intergovernmental, local revenue net plus federal: $105.3Total state & local expendituresnet intergovernmental: $101.2 ernment employee and retiree benefits Campaign volunteers and LP affiliTotal- state & local revenue net Total state & local expenditures intergovernmental, plus federal: $105.3 net intergovernmental: $101.2 makes the case for bringing them in line ates can help state and local candidates byintergovernmental, plus federal: $105.3 net intergovernmental: $101.2 FY2011 FY2014 * with private-sector worker benefits. researching and assembling key financial FY2011 FY2014 * FY2011 FY2014 * NJ state & localNJ state spending & local per household spending per$32,057 household$36,641 $32,057 $36,641 • Contrasting the zero dollars that poli- data needed for their campaigns. NJ state & local spending per household $32,057 $36,641

State Local Total State Local Total State Local Total FY2012 goverment debt $64 $38 $102 (billions) Growth in New Jersey State Spending FY2012 goverment debt $64 $38 $102 (billions) FY2012 govt.FY2012 debt per goverment household debt $32,067$64 $38 $102 (billions) Appropriations Act Spending FY2012 govt. debt per household $32,067 $35.0 FY2012 govt. debt per household $32,067 (does not include off-budget spending) State-owned financial assets State Local Total $30.0 State-owned financial assets State Local Total Employee retirement funds 74 74 Employee retirement funds 74 74 $25.0 Other funds State-owned financial assets41 16State 57 Local Total Fiscal Year Revenue (in billions) Other funds 41 16 57 $20.0 Total Employee retirement funds$115 $16 $131 (billions)74 74 1970 $1.3 Total $115 $16 $131 (billions) $15.0 Other funds 41 16 57 1980 $4.7 Sources: $10.0 Sources: Total $115 $16 $131 (billions) 1990 $12.0 State of NJ Governor’s FY 2012 Budget Budget Summary. State of NJ Governor’s FY 2012 Budget Budget Summary. $5.0 U.S. Census 2010. 2000 $19.5 U.S. Census 2010. $0.0 NJBiz, “N.J. Sources:has fourth-highest debt among states,” Aug. 28, 2012. 2013 $31.7 1970 1980 1990 2000 2013 NJBiz, “N.J. has fourth-highest debt among states,” Aug. 28, 2012. * Based on governor’s projected three-year revenue growth of 14.3 percent. * Based on governor’sState projected of NJthree-year Governor’s revenue FY growth 2012 of 14.3 Budget percent. Budget Summary. Source: U.S. Census 2010. New Jersey’s Citizens’ Guide to the Budget Fiscal Year 2012-2013 NJBiz, “N.J. has fourth-highest debt among states,” Aug. 28, 2012. http://www.nj.gov/treasury/omb/publications/13citizensguide/pdf/citguide.pdf * Based on governor’s projected three-year revenue growth of 14.3 percent. Page 8 The Libertarian Party — www.LP.org December 2013 Marijuana, pension reform, minimum wage, ballot access top subjects of ballot measures By Carla Howell Key measures from the November 2013 ballot n the November 2013 election, vot- Portland, Maine Remove penalties for adult marijuana possession (up to 2.5 ounces) Passed ers eliminated penalties for adult Colorado Tax marijuana (legalization of recreational marijuana passed in 2012) Passed Ipossession of marijuana in Portland, Lansing, Mich. Remove penalties for adult marijuana possession Passed Maine and in three cities in Michigan Jackson Mich. Remove penalties for adult marijuana possession Passed (Lansing, Jackson, and Ferndale), while Ferndale, Mich. Remove penalties for adult marijuana possession Passed Coloradans, who approved a measure in Albuquerque, N.M. Ban Late Term Abortion Defeated 2012 to legalize recreational marijuana, voted to tax it. Cincinnati, Ohio Convert city workers’ pension from defined benefit to defined contribution plan Defeated A measure to contain city govern- New Jersey Hike minimum wage Passed ment pensions lost decisively in Cin- SeaTac, Wash. Hike minimum wage Passed cinnati, Ohio, while another won over- Hialeah, Fla. Downsize future elected officials’ pensions Passed whelmingly in Hialeah, Fla. Measures that force employers to increase wages won in New Jersey and These initiatives and referenda are expected to be on the 2014 ballot in SeaTac, Washington. Arizona Referendum to repeal Republican-led law that severely restricts ballot access. In 2014, voters may see more South Dakota Nullify Obamacare ballot measures on marijuana, guns, Obamacare, ballot access, and mini- Florida Legalize medical marijuana mum wage. Washington Pro-Gun Rights Proponents of medical marijuana Washington Anti-Gun Rights or marijuana legalization are expected Alaska Legalize marijuana (August election) to place measures on the ballot in Flori- Arkansas Legalize medical marijuana da, Alaska, Arkansas, and Oregon. In Arizona, a key referendum to North Dakota Protect initiative process from weakening legislation repeal a Republican-led law that se- Oregon Marijuana legalization verely restricts ballot access has already Massachusetts Expand state’s beverage deposit law to include bottled water and other non-carbonated drinks qualified for the November ballot. Massachusetts Repeal the state’s 2011 casino law, but may need help from the courts. Does this violate a In Montana, voters will decide on a constitutional provision against the taking of personal property? Top Two Primary measure, also driven by Massachusetts Hike minimum wage (Senate passed on Nov. 19) Republicans, which if passed would ex- clude Libertarians from the general ballot. Alaska Hike minimum wage Voters in Washington may see Idaho Hike minimum wage measures that both expand and reduce Missouri Hike minimum wage gun rights. New Mexico Hike minimum wage North Dakota voters will likely see measures to establish a conserva- South Dakota Hike minimum wage tion fund, outlaw abortion, restrict ini- San Jose, Calif. Repeal ban on Styrofoam tiatives that appropriate tax dollars, and Montana Top-two primary measure that would exclude Libertarians from the general ballot ban real estate transaction taxes.

2013 election results for LP candidates Name Position Vote Total Percentage Jonathan Parrish State Assembly 23 5,035 22.4% ...continued from page 6 Patrick Hagerty State Assembly 33 871 3.4% Name Position Vote Total Percentage Laura Delhomme State Assembly 47 5,866 22.3% Anthony Tellez State Assembly 53 840 4.2% Mark Cowell New Hope - Solebury School District 241 8.1% Christopher Sullivan State Assembly 55 1,497 5.5% Niraj Patel New Hope - Solebury School District 226 7.6% Dan Foster State Assembly 78 888 3.7% Howard Sarvin New Hope - Solebury School District 232 7.8% Stanley Marcus New Hope - Solebury School District 237 7.9% Washington Andy Edmonds North Codorus Auditor 334 99.9% Brandon Robinson Anacortes Council Position #5 742 20.8% Matt Schutter Penn Forest Township Supervisor 517 96.1% Adam Baldwin Clark Co. Commissioner Freeholder D2 P5 2,125 16.1% Bill Mantzell Pennscrest School District Director 1,134 10.4% Eric Olson Marysville Position #1 1,802 30.3% Dave Powell Pittsburgh City Council 7th District 171 2.3% Gary Millar Sellersville Borough Mayor 92 22.7% Election Date: November 21 Drew Bingaman Sunbury City Council 298 12.1% Ryan McDonald Sunbury Mayor (write-in) (unavailable) Tennessee Barbara Barbrush Wheatherly School Director 260 9.7% Jim Tomasik Stte House 91 369 10.7% Manuel Gomez York City Council 58 11.7% David Moser York Mayor 74 27.5% Election Date: December 3 Virginia Georgia Rob Sarvis Governor 145,430 6.5% Karen Richardson Johns Creek City Council 1,016 33.5% Vol. 43, Issue 4 The Libertarian Party — www.LP.org Page 9 Libertarians help lead fight to end mass surveillance hile government propagandists Gary Johnson, try to convince Americans not 2012 LP to worry that the National Se- presidential W candidate, curity Agency (NSA) is spying on their speaks phone calls, emails, and other private data, before more a coalition joined by the Libertarian Party than 2,000 last June is turning up the heat, prompting activists who gathered to bills in congress to curtail mass surveil- protest mass lance. surveillance Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) announced a at the Stop The USA Freedom Act has sponsors budget deal on Dec. 10 that keeps Watching Us in both the House and Senate. If passed, it spending high. Photo by Gage Skidmore rally on Oct. (CC BY-SA 2.0). would end the NSA’s indiscriminate col- 26, 2013, in lection of Americans’ personal informa- Washington, tion and add oversight and transparency to D.C. government surveillance programs. LP-issued An amendment to the Defense Ap- propriations bill proposed by Rep. Justin news release: Amash (R-MI) last July nearly passed in The Libertarian Party Several days before the rally, the the U.S. House, showing a sharp turn in Latest federal budget deal lays claim to being the liberal news portal Salon posted a blog public opinion against the government’s entry titled, “Don’t ally with libertarians: screams, ‘Vote Libertarian’ mass surveillance. Sen. Ron Wyden (D- most consistent and ideologues co-opt an anti-NSA rally.” OR), who has worked for years to curb the vocal advocate for Fourth The commentary urged “social demo- resident Barack Obama and the NSA, said to a Cato Institute audience in Amendment rights of any crats” to exclude the Libertarian Party Democrats and Republicans in Congress, reeling from low October, “If you had told me six months political party in America. from the event, citing opposition to the P or a year ago that you’d get 200 votes on LP’s position on other issues. But it was voter-approval ratings, are anxious to the floor of the House of Representatives, I NSA’s mass surveillance, which she of- met with sharp rebuttals from a variety of cut a budget deal that takes the heat off would have said you were dreaming.” fered to share with her millions of readers. media outlets, articulating the hypocrisy of both parties yet keeps their special- The Libertarian Party was among the The event provoked major media of Democrats and their support of the interest masters content. first groups to join a broad coalition op- coverage, including articles and columns U.S. spy apparatus. Counterarguments “While people are busy prepar- erating under the umbrella Stop Watching in the Washington Post, Huffington Post, were published at media outlets and web- ing for the holidays, now’s a great time, Us, which is represented by more than 100 Daily Caller, Reuters, Breitbart, C-SPAN, sites which included antiwar.com, the they figure, to jam more government organizations concerned with government Guardian, Press TV, Russia Today, PJ Daily Paul, Before It’s News, Mediaite, overspending and tax increases on the spying. The coalition includes hard left Media, and numerous local and national Reason, New Republic, and the Indepen- American people, just as they did ear- “progressives,” libertarians, and groups TV news programs, many of which men- dent Institute, which noted, “If there is lier this year,” said Geoffrey J. Neale, concerned with privacy such as the Elec- tioned the Libertarian Party. any hope in beating back the surveillance chair of the Libertarian Party. tronic Frontier Foundation and the ACLU. The event also helped to inspire U.S. state, it will surely require more than a Last January — while Americans The Libertarian National Committee Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL) to cosponsor fringe coalition of Democrats.” were watching New Year’s Day pa- voted to endorse Stop Watching Us. Na- the USA Freedom Act. The Libertarian Party lays claim to rades, cheering for football teams, and tional Libertarian Party Political Director being the most consistent and vocal ad- recovering from hangovers — Con- Carla Howell and other D.C.-area Liber- vocate for Fourth Amendment rights of gress passed a bill to hike the Social Se- tarians have been meeting with coalition any political party in America. The LP re- curity payroll tax, costing the average members to organize events and support leased a video in August which calls for American taxpayer $800 every year. In lobbying efforts since June. the immediate dismantling of the NSA addition, they hiked taxes on estates, The coalition staged a major rally in and repeal of the Patriot Act, the National incomes, health care, and businesses. D.C. on Oct. 26, the 12th anniversary of Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), and Now leading Democrats and Re- the signing of the Patriot Act. A rich lineup the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act publicans in the U.S. House, with nods of speakers included LP 2012 presidential (FISA). It lists the hundreds of Republi- from Senate leaders and the president, candidate Gary Johnson, Rep. Amash, cans and Democrats in congress today have cut a tentative deal to: former NSA director and whistleblower who have voted for mass surveillance • continue to add nearly $1 trillion Thomas Drake, former Rep. Dennis Ku- bills, and it showcases LP candidates ad- yearly to the $17.2 trillion national cinich, and social critic Naomi Wolf. vocating privacy rights throughout the debt; “I was pleasantly surprised by how party’s history. • lock in funding for job-killing, life- enthusiastically the crowd responded to “If ever there were a time when we threatening Obamacare; Gary Johnson’s speech,” said Wes Bene- had a chance to put in place a new surveil- • add another $60 billion in new fed- dict, the LP’s executive director, who at- lance regime which demonstrated to the eral spending for special interests, tended the event. American people that Ben Franklin was including defense contractors and After the event, Naomi Wolf urged right, it is now,” said Sen. Wyden. “He un- federal government retirees; Gigi Bowman was one of several candidates • eliminate much of their celebrated Carla Howell to keep her informed of LP whose pledges to end mass surveillance derstood you shouldn’t give up your lib- candidates who are running to stop the were featured in a video released at LP.org. erty for security. We can have both.” continued on page 14... Page 10 The Libertarian Party — www.LP.org December 2013

abandoned the project. Bittner won re-elec- a Free Society. A spirited debate was also tion without a runoff in a three-way contest held on foreign policy between two Liber- Affiliate News And Events with 57 percent of the vote. tarians and two libertarian-leaning guests. November also provided an announce- A live auction on Saturday night, ment of the 2014 state convention date and along with a heartfelt fundraising appeal, Affiliate news and events are weekend, with a “Cocktails with the Can- venue. The Libertarian Party of Georgia will drew solid donations. With the spectacu- provided to LP News by didates” event, general business, many in- hold its annual state convention on March lar speaker lineup boosting attendance, the Libertarian Party state affiliates. formative seminars, a half-day communi- 7–8, 2014, in Marietta, Ga., at the Theatre in 2013 Illinois Convention was not only mo- cations course presented by Sharon Harris the Square and various area establishments tivational, but also a financial success. of The Advocates for Self-Government, a for meals and social events. Registration is On Sunday, the party got down to Arkansas banquet, and more! Confirmed speakers so live at: lpgeorgia.com/convention business, nominating statewide candidates Ballot drive success for 2014 election far are 2012 LP presidential and vice pres- In October, the party organized its for the 2014 election. Sharon Hansen, a idential candidates Gov. Gary Johnson and largest outreach event of the year at the fifth bed-and-breakfast entrepreneur, is running n July, the LPAR began the petitioning Judge Jim Gray, Billy Johnson of Amidst Atlanta PRIDE Festival, with its best ever for U.S. Senate to unseat Dick Durbin. process to obtain ballot access for the the Noise and NRA News, Evan McMa- results. The crowd was estimated to have Twice-experienced candidate Chad Grimm I2014 general election. On Nov. 1, the hon of the Libertarian National Campaign 250,000-300,000 in attendance. This year is running for governor. The candidate for Secretary of State verified that the LPAR Committee, and Mark Slaugh of iComply, had the greatest number of visitors to the comptroller is Julie Fox, a tireless activist exceeded the 10,000 valid signature re- LLC., with others currently in the works. market booth — hundreds of whom took for liberty and, once again, the only CPA quirement, allowing the party to run can- There will even be a raffle for a ski excur- the World’s Smallest Political Quiz, with in her race. Other candidates include Alex didates in any partisan race in 2014. To sion and lunch with Gov. Johnson! More nearly two thirds scoring in the Libertarian Cummings for lieutenant governor; Matt retain ballot access for 2016, the Libertar- information, updates, and a link to ticket quadrant — the most Libertarian volun- Skopek, Chair of the LP Illinois, for trea- ian candidate for governor must receive at sales may be found at: LPColorado.org/ teers to ever take part, the most Libertarian surer; Chris Michel for secretary of state; least 3 percent of the vote. Chairman Jessi- events/convention parade participants, the most contact data and Ben Koyl for attorney general. ca Paxton expects the LPAR to exceed its In Colorado election news, Colorado collected by Libertarian volunteers, and the In local activism, the Fox Valley goal of 50 candidates, more than tripling voters overwhelmingly rejected Amend- highest amount in contributions in all of the Libertarian Party (FVLP) has caused quite the number of Arkansas Libertarian candi- ment 66, a billion-dollar income tax hike years of participation. a stir in the community of East Dundee, dates in 2012. purportedly to fund education, but unfor- September saw the exit of Doug Har- where the village board was planning to Candidate nominations will occur tunately approved Proposition AA, which man, who served as chairman since 2012, subsidize the Anvil Club, a local private during the party’s annual state conven- imposes hefty excise and sales taxes for as his work demands became too much for supper club, to the tune of hundreds of tion, “Big Liberty, Little Rock,” to be held recreational marijuana. The LPCO has such a commitment to the party. Assuming thousands of dollars through tax incre- Feb. 21–23 at the Comfort Inn and Suites been fighting a legal battle during the past the chairman’s position was former Vice ment financing. An East Dundee board Downtown Little Rock. Other convention few months against a recently enacted Chair Doug Craig, who previously served member who attends FVLP meetings items will include candidate, activism, and election “reform” bill, which has a num- as political director for LP Georgia, and tipped off the chapter. The FVLP charged affiliate support training; awards; guberna- ber of constitutional, statutory, and basic currently serves as the alternate for Region into action with petitions and weekly pro- torial debate; banquet dinner with keynote implementation flaws. 2 on the LNC. The Executive Committee tests, earning excellent coverage by local speaker; two social events; and more. For filled the then-vacant vice chair role with newspapers, as well as community sup- the first time ever, the party is offering the former Flowery Branch City Councilwom- port. According to FVLP president Julie business and training sessions at no cost Georgia an Amanda Swafford after a unanimous Fox, “We have yet to talk to anyone during to attendees, while meals are available Two election victories vote at the November meeting. our protests who is in favor of this subsidy as an optional add-on package. For more once it’s explained.” A final vote has yet to information, visit LPAR.org or like “Big he Libertarian Party of Geor- be taken, so the FVLP is urging the com- Liberty, Little Rock” on Facebook. gia added another member to the Illinois munity to contact village board members Also in November, the LPAR rolled Elected Libertarian Club with No- Statewide slate nominated and voice their opposition. out an entirely redesigned website with T vember municipal elections, re-elected a clean, modern design and easy-to-nav- an existing member, and had a third enter he Libertarian Party of Illinois held igate, upgraded features. While the user into a runoff as Walter Reynolds joined the its annual convention September Indiana will find a more pleasant experience at Milledgeville City Council, Brett Bittner T20–22, with the theme “The Roots LPIN denounces anti–gay marriage law LPAR.org, the party’s new CiviCRM is was re-elected to the Marietta City School of Liberty.” In keeping with that theme, proving to be an asset to the ever-growing Board, and longtime elected Libertarian informative and inspiring presentations he Libertarian Party of Indiana re- LPAR. Karen Richardson entered a runoff to be were provided by top-of-the-line libertari- nounced the efforts of a northern held Dec. 3 to see whether she remains on an speakers Radley Balko, Steve Horwitz, TIndiana tea party group after news the Johns Creek City Council. Robert Murphy, Mary Ruwart, Dianna reports described the group’s support of Colorado Reynolds won his race without op- Visek, and Tom Woods. the passage of HJR-6 as a traditionally Events planned for March convention position, after qualifying ended without the The convention opened with fun on libertarian approach to politics. The LPIN incumbent running for re-election, and he’s Friday night: libertarian karaoke led by strongly opposes HJR-6, Indiana’s pro- he Libertarian Party of Colorado already working closely with the Central Robert Murphy and Convention Chair Ken posed constitutional amendment attacking will be holding its 2014 state con- State Hospital’s local Redevelopment Au- Prazak. Attendees also enjoyed an edu- personal relationships. Tvention, themed “Reclaiming Lib- thority on a mission to bring private busi- cational session on nullification with Lee In a news report published Wednes- erty,” the weekend of March 28–30, 2014, ness to make use of the now abandoned Wrights and Thomas Hill, which included day by WTHR in Indianapolis, Kosciusko at the Denver Marriott West in Golden, State Hospital and its 2,000 acres of devel- a partial showing of the documentary Nul- County Silent NO More President Monica Colo. This should prove to be an exciting lification, produced by the Foundation for oped infrastructure after the state literally continued on page 11... Vol. 43, Issue 4 The Libertarian Party — www.LP.org Page 11

Affiliate News And Events

...continued from page 10 Boyer explained that her group’s support Iowa Iowa LP hosts candidate training session of HJR-6 is based on religious freedoms. “There is nothing libertarian about he Libertarian Party of Iowa host- the position this group is taking,” noted ed a candidate training session in LPIN State Chairman Dan Drexler. “Our Newton, Iowa on Oct. 26. Rich- position is clearly stated and has not T ard Campagna, 2004 LP vice presidential changed over the years. Government does nominee and 2002 LPIA lieutenant gover- not have the authority to define, license or nor nominee, started the morning with an restrict personal relationships. Consenting inspirational speech. The 23 people in at- adults should be free to choose their own tendance heard words of advice from Nick sexual practices and personal relation- Taiber, current Cedar Falls City Council ships. Where others have allowed gov- member, and from a panel of Libertarians ernment to insert itself, we must demand who had previously run a campaign. Each equality under the law. Until we have the attendee received a candidate training The Libertarian Party of Iowa plays “Who’s Driving?” This game, created by LP Political legislative support to remove government handbook. One of the highlights of the day Director Carla Howell, teaches activists how to stay on the offense in cutting government. from intervening in personal relationships was playing “Who’s Driving” as shown in altogether, we must stand firm in our op- staffs and are traveling the state at county for themselves, but instead the govern- the picture to the right. Thanks to LP Po- position to this amendment and any simi- meet-and-greets. ment must now design a single plan for litical Director Carla Howell for teaching lar future efforts. Our Constitution was 2013 has seen a decrease of 40,000 everyone, and to which and within which the game at the State Leadership Alliance written to keep government in check. It registered voters in Kansas. While the Rs everyone in the society must fit and be Conference that was held in Denver this should never be used as a tool to restrict and Ds have seen losses of tens of thou- made to conform ... yet, in a free society past May. individual freedoms, including religious sands of registered voters, the LPKS has each individual makes his own plans about Other Iowa news: Nick Taiber won freedoms.” had a net gain of 1,000 new members the goals he decides to set for his life and re-election to his seat as Cedar Falls City The Libertarian Party of Indiana since the 2012 election. how best to use the income and resources Council At-Large. Taiber is doing a great strongly supports the efforts of Freedom The Kansas party is also active on at his disposal to achieve them.” job of explaining his Libertarian-based Indiana, a grassroots organization of citi- important issues. We will be active in the Eberling, recognized as one of the position on issues while providing good zens and businesses opposed to HJR-6. 2014 legislative session giving testimony leading members of the Austrian school of small-government service to his constitu- The Libertarian Party welcomes In- on a variety of bills, and we have an- economics, has written several books, in- ents. Keep up the good work, Nick! diana state Sen. Richard Young, Jr. lending nounced a new lawsuit through the newly cluding Liberty, Security, and the War on his legislative efforts to our longstanding organized Johnson County Open Carry Terrorism. mission to allow local farmers to make Group to renew the fight to overturn the Libby Awards money growing hemp, a native crop. Kansas open-carry firearm ban in Prairie Village. The Libertarian party of Michigan We concur with Young’s assessment: Aiming for major-party status in 2014 If this is successful it will set the stage also awarded three “Libby Awards” at the “Hemp and hemp products can be recycled for the effort spearheaded by the LPKS Libbyfest. he Libertarian Party of Kansas has to pass new legislation overturning all re- and are 100 percent biodegradable. Hemp • Leonard Schwartz, vice-chairman of been hard at work systematically maining open carry firearm bans through- can be grown as alternative to subsidy-de- the Oakland County Libertarians, won executing its strategy developed at out the state. pendent crops like corn and soy, and can T the Spokesperson for Liberty Award. the LPKS 2013 convention. The focus of provide an alternative safeguard should Leonard is “a member of the commu- all actions is to grow the party and support the market for traditional crops decline. Its nity whose patriotism and conviction candidates in an effort to achieve major- potential to replace pulp paper could make Michigan have inspired contributions to the cause party status in the Nov. 2014 fall election. Annual Libbyfest yields liberty insight Indiana hemp a staple of modern manu- of Liberty.” facturing, and could lead to a reduction in The party is searching for leaders to create global deforestation.” county LP groups, growing its database uthor and professor Dr. Richard • Rodger Young, chairman of the Livings- If Democrats and Republicans of contacts and volunteers, upgrading its Eberling gave an inspiring speech ton Libertarians, received the Producer would like to join the wave of the future, website, improving its communication Aat the Libertarian Party of Michi- of Liberty Award. Rodger is “a dedi- they should adopt another long-held Lib- with state members, planning for future gan’s annual Libbyfest in East Lansing on cated, behind-the-scenes Libertarian ertarian platform plank and decriminalize fundraisers, and attracting and identify- Saturday, Nov. 16. whose quiet labors over the years exem- marijuana for adults. ing better-qualified candidates a year in Eberling, professor at Norwood plifies the backbone of the LP.” advance. University, spoke of the dangerous ef- In other candidate news, Andrew • Karl Jackson, membership cirector of One of our goals was to create a gov- fect that the war on terrorism has had Horning has announced his run for the Oakland County, received the Promoter ernor candidate search team, with a plan on our liberties. Obamacare is just one Indiana 8th District congressional seat of Liberty Award. Karl is “a Libertarian to find multiple candidates to compete for example of the many decisions we now currently held by Dr. Larry Buschon (R). whose efforts have done the most to pro- the nomination. We have found two fan- allow our government to make for us, Horning most recently ran for U.S. Senate, mote the LP and Libertarian principles.” winning nearly 6 percent (145,000) votes tastic candidates in Tresa McAlhaney and Eberling explained. in a three-way race. Keen Umbehr. Both have active campaign “Individuals are no longer planning continued on page 12... Page 12 The Libertarian Party — www.LP.org December 2013

all minor parties from the ballot and take North Carolina away their party primaries in 2014. The Search for new ED, new website pending Affiliate News And Events bill was introduced on Sept. 19, the same day that Libertarian candidate Charlie xecutive Director Jason Melehani Earl announced that he intended to run for has resigned to take advantage of ...continued from page 11 governor. The LPO put up a valiant fight a professional opportunity, and the E during hearings at the statehouse. Key tes- LPNC Executive Committee has appointed timony and work against the “John Kasich Montana a search committee to find a replacement. Successful outreach throughout the state Re-election Protection Act” was given LPNC has a new website ready to by Communications Director Aaron Har- launch, as well as a new content manage- ere in Montana, the University of ris, Political Director Bob Bridges, State ment system. However, the death of the Montana College Libertarians are Chair Kevin Knedler, 83rd House District owner of our website has slowed the tran- meeting again. College Libertar- candidate Greg Norris, governor candidate H sition to NationBuilder for a few weeks, ian president and ASUM Sen. Ryan Hazen Charlie Earl, and many others. There was as we work through details with his estate. and others in the group collected signatures University of Montana College Libertarians no testimony in favor of the Senate bill. Our Facebook page now has more from University of Montana students to measure, which will come before voters in Representing the LPO is attorney than 5,000 likes! We’re closing in on the remain a qualified student organization, the 2014 general election. The 2013 legis- Mark Brown, who has been involved Republicans and Democrats. Please go to pending all the paperwork. Thanks to all lative Republican majority placed the is- in three LPO ballot access challenges in our page, LPofNC, and like us. of our students working for liberty. On sue on the ballot because Libertarians held Ohio since 2008. The LPO is confident On Saturday, Nov. 15, S4L held its Oct. 29, the UM College Libertarians were the balance of power in both the 2012 U.S that it will prevail in court, and expects most successful Regional Conference ever in a debate with college Democrats and Senate race and governor’s race. The Mon- a ruling by the end of December. This is with around 225 attendees. Alex Mathews, Republicans, with a story in the campus tana Republican party wants to eliminate important, because the filing deadline for director of university relations, and Alex newspaper. The MTLP also helped collect the competition, namely the Libertarians. candidates to be in the 2014 primary is Vuchnich, vice-chair, attended. signatures at Montana State University dur- If passed LR 127 would only allow the top Feb. 5, 2014. That just happens to be the On Monday, Nov. 18, the Davidson ing Catapolooza (new student orientation). two candidates to proceed to the general date that the new law would be taking ef- College student Libertarian group spon- Thanks to Aaron Strausbaugh and Frank election, so we could see two candidates fect. For more information, contact Aaron sored, with other student groups, four of Wendt for their hard work. of the same party in the general. Voters Harris or Kevin Knedler at [email protected]. their state House and Senate representa- In Missoula, the Missoula County wouldn’t have their views expressed. We Two new division directors begin tives. The discussion was lively, with two LP had a booth at the Missoula HempFest. encourage folks to run for office and sup- work with the LPO. Nathan Eberly has Democrats and two Republicans. More They were the only political party booth port the idea of liberty. accepted the director position in the Field than 100 were in attendance. at the event. The Missoula County LP Development Division. He is tasked with Dr. Jim Lark has been kind enough came out against a 1.7 million Transporta- the development of future members, can- to speak on North Carolina campuses tion mill levy, that passed. The group also didates, and county affiliates. Brian Hol- New York twice recently, at Appalachian State Uni- had a small rally at the Missoula County LPNY raises money for private charities laday has accepted the director position in versity and Davidson College. We very Courthouse for the 2013 Constitution Day. the IT Division. Brian’s background will much appreciate Dr. Lark’s efforts in NC. The MTLP and the Missoula County t’s not just about running candidates in enable him to help the LPO develop a new For 2012 the LPNC received more LP had an entry in the University of Mon- New York. Various chapters through- website, improve its communication, and than $100,000 of funding through the NC tana Homecoming parade. The parade is out the state have also raised money utilize a new database. I Public Political Finance Fund (PPFF). In one of the largest in Montana, with some for private charities. 2014, we will receive $0, as the General As- 25,000 people lined up along the route. In fact, the Queens County LP has sembly discontinued the funding. Ideologi- Our public access television show “Liber- been at it for a dozen years, with its annual cally, this is fine. Financially, it is terrible. Texas tarians Live — ‘Other People’s Pockets’” toy drive every December. Since 2001, State convention, other important events However, we plan to use this as an impetus continues on the Missoula Community New York City Libertarians have regular- to initiate a long-term fundraising strategy. Access Television. Our show of Sept. 5 ly contributed toys, dolls, stuffed animals, or Libertarians in Texas, there are Convention dates have not been set, celebrated Jury Rights Day. Remember and picture books to deserving children. several important events coming up but late March or early April is targeted. that our Founding Fathers saw juries as This year, New York Libertarians and we want you there! In November elections, Andrea Boy- F another check on abusive government. delivered toys and other gifts to QSAC, The state convention will be held er garnered more than 15 percent in a race Libertarians Live is always looking for a school in Whitestone, New York, with April 11–13 at the Mayborn Conven- for Woodfin alderman. Although unsuc- more volunteers, if you want to learn the 77 autistic and intellectually challenged tion center in Temple. The theme will be cessful, she ran an efficient and effective art of television. The MTLP also opposed children. focused on the youth liberty movement, campaign and the entire state learned from changing the Billings City Charter to al- In the state’s opposite corner, Bata- and will feature the founder of Students the process. Also, a special thanks to Gary low things like parking commissions. The via City Council at large candidates Jim for Liberty, Alexander McCobin. There Shoemaker, her campaign manager. issue was defeated by the voters of Bill- Rosenbeck and Lisa Whitehead, along will be contested nominations for the state ings. Some of the more successful down- with Genesee County Legislature candi- general election ballot and for party lead- towns in Montana have neither parking date Robert Brown, were the guest bar- ership. It will mark the completion of Pat commissions nor parking meters. tenders at The Ten Cent Millionaire Pub in Ohio Dixon’s 10 years as state chair, and will be Fighting for third-party ballot access Next year is our statewide elections, Batavia. They donated all tips that night to his final event in that capacity. Delegates with U.S. Senate, U.S. House, Montana the Salvation Army. will cast important votes on rule and plat- he LPO filed suit in U.S. District Supreme Court, legislative seats, and lo- New York Libertarians prove that form changes for the state party. Above Court after Ohio Senate Bill 193 cal county elections. We will be also op- charity is truly meaningful when volun- all, it will be a lot of fun with great speak- was passed, which would remove posing LR 127, a Top-Two Primary ballot tarily given without government coercion. T continued on page 13... Vol. 43, Issue 4 The Libertarian Party — www.LP.org Page 13

Charles Earl in Ohio didates to about 90 days of campaigning before the 2014 general election. ...continued from page 3 On Wednesday, Nov. 13, the Lib- makers are trying to change the rules ertarian Party of Ohio won a legal chal- in the middle of the game and knock lenge in federal court in a voting rights LP candidates off the ballot with a bill case that could signal how the same court dubbed the “John Kasich Re-election might rule on SB 193. The court granted Protection Act.” an injunction against enforcement of SB S.B. 193 would require the LP and 47, a measure enacted in July banning other challenger parties to get tens of any Ohio group or candidate from using thousands of signatures in a short time out-of-state signature gatherers for peti- period while the Democrats and Repub- tioning efforts. LP Wisconsin activists John Gatewood, Robert Burke, Paul Ehlers, Jon Augelli, and David licans are free to focus on campaigning. “We don’t think it’s a coincidence Ayala maintain a booth at the Great Midwest Marijuana Harvest Festival. Libertarians are fighting back. Lib- that they passed the unconstitutional Affiliate News We believe the “Launch 2014” cam- ertarian attorney Mark Brown filed suit restrictions on petitioning a couple of paign will be the best ever. You can be on Nov. 8 to strike S.B. 193. months before introducing S.B. 193,” ...continued from page 12 involved in helping make important deci- “Our legal team expects that the said Knedler. “We certainly hope the ers, breakout sessions, and socializing. sions and provide support. It will be a lot court will move quickly on this issue court is seeing this clear pattern of po- Look for registration information soon at of fun and we look forward to having you since we are now less than a year away litical suppression from the same people LPTexas.org on our team as we grow the Libertarian from the general election and almost and will block S.B. 193.” For delegates, the process starts Tues- Party of Texas! two months before the Feb. 5, 2014, The LPO has lobbied the state leg- day, March 11, at precinct conventions. deadline for candidates to file for the islature for fair election law since 2006, This is where delegates must appear to be- 2014 primary election,” said LPO when federal courts in LPO v. Blackwell come credentialed. The voting begins at Wisconsin Executive Committee Chair Kevin struck down a law concerning “minor” county conventions on Saturday, March 15. Successful outreach at marijuana festival Knedler. political parties. Since then, the LPO has For candidates running in districts (such as Without court action, S.B. 193 is won two more federal court fights over U.S. Congress) that span multiple counties, he Libertarian Party of Wisconsin slated to take full effect just before Feb. ballot access. nominations occur at district conventions a again had an information booth 5, 2014. Ohio was one of four states where week later on Saturday, March 22. The fi- at the 43rd annual Great Midwest In addition to imposing absurd sig- the GOP tried and failed to knock Liber- T nature requirements on challenger po- tarian Gov. Gary Johnson off the ballot nal nominations for statewide office occur Marijuana Harvest Festival in Madison, at the state convention. Wisconsin in October. In addition to offer- litical parties, S.B. 193 takes away their in 2012. To help candidates, a candidate ing literature, this year the LPWI featured right to a primary election as guaranteed The latest developments in the handbook is available at https://www.lp- Libertarian cartoonist David Ayala, who by the Ohio Constitution. It also effec- LPO’s battle to maintain ballot access are texas.org/candidate-handbook. drew caricatures of festival goers. tively limits challenger parties and can- being posted at its website: www.lpo.org.

Libertarians rising keep their existing insurance plans and their choice of doc- The Libertarian opportunity ...continued from page 1 tors. As their health care premiums and out-of-pocket costs In 2014, Libertarian candidates can take advantage of skyrocket, they’re waking up to the reality that the govern- the emerging libertarian movement and the vulnerabilities youth voter turnout. ment’s “Affordable Care Act” is anything but affordable. of Democrats and Republicans by running on bold, small- 2014 will be the LP’s best year ever to advance lib- Republicans are divided as well. government solutions that appeal to young voters, to dis- erty through elections by placing Libertarian candidates Tea party members and activists inspired by Ron Paul enfranchised factions within both old parties, and to the 22 on every ballot possible and by offering Libertarian solu- are attempting to move the party in a libertarian direction. percent of Americans who lean libertarian. tions to America’s pressing problems. They want lower government spending, a stable dollar, and Bold proposals to remove government regulations and While the popularity of libertarianism rises, Demo- an end to Obamacare. Despite being spurned by GOP lead- wipe Obamacare off the books may win the support of mod- crats’ and Republicans’ favorability ratings are at their ers during the 2012 election, many continue to battle for in- erate and fiscally conservative voters more than ever before. lowest levels ever. More trouble lies ahead for the old fluence within the party. Republican candidates stand to lose Proposals to end drug prohibition, legalize gay mar- parties as they divide on major issues. their support in crucial races. riage, and discontinue deadly drone attacks may convince Democrats and Republicans divide At the same time, social conservatives continue to disaffected Democrat-leaning voters to opt for Libertarian The Democratic Party is losing support within its push for abortion regulations, hardline immigration poli- candidates instead. ranks both from hard-left socialists and moderate Demo- cies, and bans on gay marriage. Even though their ranks Libertarian solutions that legalize medical marijuana, cratic voters. are shrinking, they remain a sizeable force within the GOP. end mass surveillance, cut government overspending, cut The left wing of the party is angry with Obama’s bla- Divisions within both parties will create turmoil in taxes, bring troops home, and halt growing government debt tantly imperialist foreign policy. They abhor his close ties to primary elections in 2014, leaving Democrats and Repub- can appeal to voters across the political spectrum, especially bailed-out banks. They feel betrayed by his mass surveillance licans with damaged candidates and weakened general the 22 percent of voters who lean, or who are, libertarian. policies and “kill lists” of alleged terrorists, granting himself election support. The more that Libertarians who run for office ex- the power to assassinate an American citizen without trial. Meanwhile, Big Government special interests advo- pose the old parties for the high-spending, controlling, At the same time, Obamacare is creating divisions cating more government spending and more government warring, Big Government advocates that they are, and within the Democratic Party. Moderate Democratic vot- debt remain the primary driving forces within both the give voters a choice for much less government — the bet- ers are rejecting the program, put off by its shaky launch. Republican and Democratic parties, opposed by a grow- ter they will fare, both on Election Day and in the collec- They feel betrayed by Obama, who promised they could ing majority of voters across the political spectrum. tive consciousness of Americans. Page 14 The Libertarian Party — www.LP.org December 2013 Breakthrough coverage popular among most Virginia voters and small-government Republicans. Many of young voters in particular. It stood in stark them became disillusioned in May when ...continued from page 1 contrast to Sarvis’s advocacy of personal Republican Gov. McDonnell broke his former governor Tommy Thompson, won freedoms, including marriage equality. In campaign pledge to never raise taxes. 11 percent of the vote in Wisconsin. ads and interviews, Sarvis cited his per- Gov. McDonnell signed into law a Rob Sarvis ran his campaign for gov- sonal experience both as the offspring and transportation bill that included the larg- ernor on a mix of fiscal and personal liberty the husband of interracial marriages. est tax increase in Virginia’s history. Al- issues. He vowed to root out crony capital- This endeared Sarvis to mainstream most half the Republicans in the state leg- ism by cutting subsidies, ending favorable Robert Sarvis John LaBeaume media while the conservative media, per- islature voted for the tax increase, which tax and regulatory treatment of particular LP candidate Sarvis campaign ceiving him as a threat to Republican Cuc- raised the state sales tax, raised local sales companies or industries, and “eliminating all for VA governor manager cinelli, frequently attacked him. taxes, and raised gasoline taxes. regulations that insulate market incumbents When asked of lessons “The conservative media was not our Although Cuccinelli opposed the from competition.” He also ran to “lead the friend. They believe Libertarians should bill, he refused to pledge to repeal it if fight … to recognize same-sex marriages,” learned from his campaign, be part of their coalition — or shut up,” elected, thus helping to brand the Virginia legalize marijuana, and restore Fourth Sarvis said, “For one, noted LaBeaume. GOP as tax hikers. Amendment rights by reversing the militari- just show up.” He noted In the end, Cuccinelli boosted his The Sarvis campaign got a boost from zation of law enforcement and restricting the that, once you get on the vote total by shifting his focus to the failed Purple PAC, an independent super PAC government’s mass surveillance. ballot, you never know launch of Obamacare during the last week headed by former Cato Institute president When asked of lessons learned from when you’re going to find of the campaign, closing in on McAul- and founder Ed Crane, which spent ap- his campaign, Sarvis said, “For one, just liffe’s 10-plus-point lead in the polls in proximately $300,000 on TV ads support- show up.” He noted that, once you get on the yourself faced with an mid-October. Cuccinelli finished with ing Sarvis. The Sarvis campaign raised and ballot, you never know when you’re going opportunity. 45.5 percent of the vote, just 2.5 percent spent more than $200,000 on its own, which to find yourself faced with an opportunity. behind McAuliffe’s 48.0 percent. Sarvis was used to get on the ballot, to buy and ship The stage had been set for an exciting media expertise learned during a stint as beat the margin between the two candi- yard signs throughout the state, and to place campaign when Sarvis’s team overcame a reporter for the Washington Examiner. dates by more than four percentage points. TV ads in Virginia regions where Sarvis was the first hurdle: collecting more than 10,000 He built a media list for the campaign, is- The prospect of Sarvis causing Cuc- getting his strongest support. voter signatures to meet the state’s difficult sued weekly press releases and campaign cinelli to lose provoked a flurry of attacks A Sarvis ad that ran during a debate petitioning requirements. His campaign’s advisories, kept in regular contact with the on Sarvis from Republican allies and between the Democrat and Republican success made him one of only three gover- media, stayed positive, and arranged daily media pundits before and after Election prompted a Washington Post column to nor candidates on the ballot. campaign events and interviews. Day. But several analyses suggest that declare, “Sarvis wins the Virginia guber- Soon thereafter, the campaign be- “Having a candidate who could talk Sarvis may have taken more votes from natorial debate.” tween his opponents, governor-elect Dem- in depth on policy issues was a huge as- the Democrat, as well as a sizable portion Fundraising for the campaign was ocrat Terry McAuliffe and Republican set for the campaign,” said LaBeaume, re- from those who would not have voted at unusually strong by Libertarian standards, Ken Cuccinelli, became ugly. Both were ferring to Sarvis’s background as a small all without him in the race. but Sarvis was nonetheless massively out- embroiled in scandals, and both ran non- business entrepreneur and as an economist The cause of Cuccinelli’s loss may spent by his opponents. Still, it was enough stop negative ads attacking the other. who earned his master’s degree at George lie more in lack of GOP support, both from to make a notable impact and to win votes But Sarvis and LaBeaume did much Mason University. the party’s key backers and from the rank- cost-effectively. The Sarvis campaign spent more than just “show up.” They cam- The Sarvis campaign was especially and-file. just $0.81 per vote, while Democrat McAu- paigned full-time at breakneck speed attractive to young voters. An exit poll con- The National GOP and the state’s liffe and Republican Cuccinelli spent $30.77 through Election Day, and lined up Sarvis ducted by Edison Research showed that Chamber of Commerce spent a net of and $18.91 per vote, respectively (as of cam- to appear at more than 82 campaign events. Sarvis won 15 percent of voters age 18–29. $3 million less for Cuccinelli than they paign finance reports through Oct. 23). The campaign drew national atten- “Running on a balanced libertarian did for Republican incumbent Gov. Bob “Many great volunteers helped to tion, as Virginia was one of only two states theme of ‘open minded and open for busi- McDonnell in 2009, leaving his campaign make this campaign possible,” Sarvis said. (along with New Jersey) running elections ness’ worked,” said LaBeaume. “And we unable to run ads in the crucial final weeks “I’m especially grateful to John LaBeaume, for governor or state legislature in 2013. didn’t run away from the word Libertarian.” of the election. who was indispensable, and to Chris Taylor, John LaBeaume, a long-time Lib- Sarvis’s success was aided by Cuc- But perhaps more costly to Cuccinelli Joe Enroughty, Josh McCullough, Juanita ertarian and political strategist, lent his cinelli’s social conservative agenda, un- was the lackluster support of disaffected Billings, and Josef Storm.”

Latest federal budget deal — budget deal, Democrats and Republicans figure, so are letting it fly, refusing to defund it. If left unchecked, they don’t have to deal with prickly budget negotiations Obamacare will force more small businesses to close; bar ...continued from page 9 next fall, right before many of them are up for re-elec- Americans from needed health care, leaving diseases un- “sequester,” a pathetically small reduction in future tion?” he continued. treated; raise health insurance premiums; and raise out- government overspending; High government overspending is killing the econ- of-pocket costs. The unaffordable burdens of Obamacare • and raise taxes, including an increase in TSA fees that omy, killing jobs, and devaluing the dollar — along with may well deal the final, fatal blow to America’s status as they will tack onto the cost of airline tickets. the savings and earnings of every American. the world’s leading economy. “Why not grab every tax dollar they can, they fig- High taxes, including the hidden tax of inflation that “An ‘outrage’ does not begin to describe the level of ure, and nail down a budget during the holidays that will results from Democrats’ and Republicans’ deficit spend- wanton, self-serving, fiscally irresponsible, and heartless avoid the backlash of a possible government ‘shutdown’ ing, is depleting Americans’ wealth and is sending more behavior of today’s Democratic and Republican politicians in January?” Neale asked. American jobs overseas. in Congress,” Neale said. “There is only one way to stop “Why not pass a two-year — rather than a one-year Republicans who pretend to oppose Obamacare them from destroying the economy: Vote Libertarian.” Vol. 43, Issue 4 The Libertarian Party — www.LP.org Page 15 Libertarian Solution: Expand marketplace of health care practitioners By Michael H. Wilson Repeal the Certificate of Need laws: Thirty-six Occupational licensing laws are Editor, Washington Libertarian states have some form of Certificate of Need laws. In many some of the last Jim Crow–era laws, states, Certificate of Need regulations are being used to istorically, occupational licensing laws and other serving to protect professions from slow or halt the development of lower-cost alternatives, regulations have deprived midwives, denturists, competition, rather than protecting such as retail health clinics. Retail health clinics offer a low chiropractors, and others of an opportunity to cost alternative to people needing immediate care instead H the interests of patients. practice. This deprives patients of a choice and denies of going to an emergency room. One study suggests that workers their right to practice in their professions. retail clinics save about 80 percent of the costs of an emer- Occupational licensing laws are some of the last Jim are prohibited from practicing in many states. Direct entry gency room visit. In jurisdictions where they are allowed, Crow–era laws, serving to protect professions from compe- midwives may have learned this craft through an apprentice- retail health clinics have grown significantly since 2006. tition, rather than protecting the interests of patients. ship or by attending a college that trains midwives. Twelve Abolish the FDA: There is no reason that the func- Republicans running for office in 2014 will attack states prohibit direct entry midwives and in the others the tions performed by the FDA cannot be carried out by a pri- their Democratic opponents’ support of Obamacare, but right to practice varies. Studies have shown midwives to be vate organization, such as Consumers Union. Prescription will offer no concrete solutions to expand health freedom. as good as doctors — if not better — and less expensive. medicine was supposedly originated to protect patients, but One of the ways that Libertarian candidates can distinguish Midwives would be especially beneficial to Native Ameri- in reality it does more to keep costs high and protect the themselves from their Republican rivals is by proposing can and African-American infants whose mortality rates are profits of the pharmaceutical industry. We should abolish to reduce government authority over who may or may not significantly higher than those of white infants. the need for a prescription. If nothing else, we should let practice medicine. Almost 50 percent of births nationwide are paid for pharmacists prescribe medicine as they did in the past. Repeal occupational licensing laws that restrict by Medicaid, so expanding the opportunities for midwives If the government didn’t manage the health care in- advance nurse practitioners: Seventeen states and Wash- would save significant tax dollars and result in healthier dustry for quality, who would? One good example is the ington, D.C., allow advance nurse practitioners to set up children. Economist John C. Goodman explains in his National Committee for Quality Assurance. Founded in their own practices independent of doctors. In the other book Priceless that although the nurses and midwives at 1990, this nonprofit has a large influence in the health care states, they are required to be supervised by a doctor or Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas, Texas, deliver high- industry. Organizations using the NCQA seal must pass a work in collaboration with one. Repealing the laws in the quality care at a lower cost, “the infant mortality rate is demanding review and report yearly. states that restrict Advance Nurse Practitioners will give only half the national average.” These common-sense solutions would provide peo- the patients more choices and save tax dollars. Abolish or privatize the state medical boards: ple with more choices, cut costs, improve health-care qual- Repeal occupational licensing laws that restrict di- The state medical boards are controlled by the professions. ity, and save tax dollars. They would also create jobs for rect entry midwives: Nurse midwives are recognized in all They do little or nothing to protect patients and are a classic many qualified practitioners, and greatly increase access to states, but direct entry midwives, who did not study nursing, example of what is known as regulatory capture. needed health care services. Rather than accepting the ‘lesser of two evils,’ stop voting for evil By R. Lee Wrights The worst thing about voting for the to you, and no one else. It doesn’t belong of evil is better for America somehow? LNC Vice Chair “lesser of two evils” is that it actually has to the Republican or Democratic Party, Monkey muffins! the opposite effect of what it’s intended to or any party or candidate for that matter. By accepting the lesser of two evils “Always vote for principle, though you do. Winning candidates don’t know, they Your vote is your voice; it is one of your as a legitimate voting strategy, people lock may vote alone, and you may cherish the don’t want to know — and, frankly, don’t unnamed, inalienable rights, the ultimate themselves into a perpetual existence of sweetest reflection that your vote is never care — why people vote for them. They expression of your right to free speech simply accepting evil. Lost is the desire to lost.” — John Quincy Adams certainly don’t know and don’t care how and self-government. Your vote cannot battle the evil, just do what we can to stop many of the votes they got were so-called be wasted, or stolen, or lost — unless you someone else from being more evil than ow long will people continue to protest votes. All they want is enough make a decision to waste it. ourselves. How can this be legitimate? fall for this lesser-of-two-evils fi- votes to win. They’ll consider all the votes Now, in defense of the voting for How can anyone believe that evil of any Hasco? Election after election, evil they get as an endorsement of their cam- the lesser-of-two-evils strategy, someone sort is acceptable and still expect people begets evil. Vote that way and all you ever paign promises or past performance to cited this as their position: to take them seriously? You have already get is evil. All you can get is evil! claim a “mandate from the people.” Republicans are “less evil” than admitted evil is okay with you, and that First, both Republicans and Demo- The government you are complain- Democrats because they only want a 4 you will vote for evil every time as long as crats fall into a lesser-of-two-evils trench ing about right now is a direct result of percent increase in spending while the 8 it is not as evil as someone else. How can out of which they never emerge. Then, your voting for the lesser of two evils for percent spending increases called for by you be trusted? American voters gobble it up like children generations. The problem is … too many the Democrats are way out of line. What? Stop the evil. do their Halloween candy, accepting evil don’t see that their vote is a self-defense Do folks really believe some of these Stop wasting your votes on evil peo- as okay. And, after it is all said and done, device, so they fail to vote. You use it to things? This fallacy fails miserably for ple with evil intentions and playing it off they feel guilty about all the evil in the defend your property and rights. Voting is lack of logic and reason. like it is just the way things go. Let every world; so, they become benevolent bene- the difference between ballots and blood- Spending increases of any kind for politician and political party know, evil factors with the money they steal from shed. But, when the choice becomes only a country with the huge national debt is unacceptable! Period! Evil doesn’t be- their fellow citizens, plunging everyone between Satan and Lucifer, the Devil al- Americans carry already is insane! The come good just because it is accepted by a involved into perpetual debt. You see what ways wins. only thing more absurd is to defend these majority! We must be different to make a just a little evil can do to a country? Stop Let me be clear: There is no such spending sprees because they are not as difference in this country. voting for evil! thing as a wasted vote! Your vote belongs extravagant as someone else’s. This brand Stop voting for evil. Media Buzz About LP STAFF LPKY takes on Mitch McConnell the Libertarian Party LP NATIONAL CHAIRMAN By Carla Howell Geoffrey J. Neale “After a dozen-plus years of govern- ibertarian David Patterson is making ment mismanagement of the economy, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR a bid to unseat U.S. Senate Republi- foreign policy, and basic civil liberties Wes Benedict under Republicans and Democrats, Lcan Leader Mitch McConnell. a record number of Americans rightly Patterson, a Harrodsburg police of- believe that the government has too POLITICAL DIRECTOR much power. Libertarians are young, Carla Howell ficer, is concerned with federal debt and unfunded liabilities that federal legislators intense, principled, and highly engaged in politics. They are going to be around OPERATIONS DIRECTOR have amassed over the past decade, espe- David Patterson Ken Moellman for a long time to come, and in ever- Robert Kraus cially through bank bailouts. LPKY U.S. Senate LPKY State Chair larger numbers.” Ken Moellman, long-time Kentucky Candidate Time, 10/29/2013 CANDIDATE AND AFFILIATE LP activist, 2011 Libertarian candidate for in the past few years, and I intend to use that “Of all political organizations, the Liber- SUPPORT SPECIALIST state treasurer, and current chairman of the network of Libertarians not only to get on Bob Johnston tarian Party deserves praise for its im- state LP, is working behind the scenes to the ballot, but to spread the word of my pressive ability to file nearly full slates EDITOR & TECHNOLOGY help Patterson make the ballot, lending his campaign to every county in Kentucky,” in practically every election.” DEVELOPER years of activism to the cause. Patterson said. Houston Chronicle, 12/12/2013 Eric D. Dixon If elected, Patterson vows to fight Moellman is host of the Internet radio “The D.C. Libertarian Party seeks to against all bailouts, legalize industrial show “Liberty Unbridled” and a spokes- make political process more competi- MEMBER SERVICES & AFFILIATE hemp, and reduce business regulations. He person with Northern Kentucky CHOICE, tive in the district, which is virtually a RELATIONS MANAGER aims to end the war on drugs, end state mar- which opposes bans on smoking. one-party jurisdiction with incumbents Casey Hansen serving for life.” riage, and end the federal government’s do- Patterson and McConnell will prob- Examiner.com, 11/22/2013 SPECIAL PROJECTS mestic spying. ably face Alison Lundergan Grimes, Ken- Nick Dunbar Patterson contends that U.S. foreign tucky’s secretary of state, who is expected “The Libertarian Party represents true policy over the past decade has not made to win the Democratic nomination for U.S. free enterprise by allowing American MEMBER SERVICES SPECIALIST Americans safer. He advocates a non-inter- Senate. Polls show the race between Grimes citizens to offer their goods and ser- Molly Schwoppe vices to each other without government ventionist foreign policy and free trade. and McConnell will be tight, giving Grimes interference. The party also advocates Kentucky has among the worst ballot a 2 percent edge in October polls. Patter- freedom to life, liberty and property in access laws for third parties. Politicians have son’s race has the potential to swing the the form of individuals being able to de- given Democrats and Republicans a walk, election, which will get nationwide media cide for themselves what to eat, drink, smoke, and who to love without fearing requiring that they submit a mere two voter attention from McConnell’s status as Sen- ® criminal penalties.” THE LIBERTARIAN PARTY signatures to get on the ballot for U.S. Senate. ate Republican leader, as well as concerns The West Georgian, 11/4/2013 2600 Virginia Ave. NW, Suite 200 Libertarians must gather 5,000 signatures. about whether Democrats or Republicans Washington, DC 20037 Phone: (202) 333-0008 “Our ranks within the LP have swelled will control the Senate. Fax: (202) 333-0072 Website: www.LP.org statewide candidates and officeholders from North Dakota LP the other major parties at these candidate ...continued from page 5 forums, and you get to understand them a WHAT’S GOING ON have candidates, we can put together some little bit,” Riemers said. “They get to know money for them.” who you are and what you stand for, and IN YOUR STATE? The importance of running can’t be you do have an influence on what they think overestimated, Riemers said, because Lib- and believe in later years. Even if you don’t A list of Libertarian events ertarian Party influence is felt within the po- win, if you come up with some good ideas, can be found online at litical process regardless of the vote totals your opponents will probably pick up on LP.org/event. You can get and long after Election Day is over. some of those ideas in later years and carry more information by visiting “If nothing else you meet the other through on them.” the website of your state Mark Your Calendars! affiliate. (See a list at LP.org/ What have you missed recently on LP.org? Come to Columbus for the states.) If there is an event • Elected Libertarian councilman campaigned on high city debt LP National Convention you would like to see listed • Poll says majority of Americans aligned with Libertarian Party on foreign policy on the website, please send • LP to incumbents: Defund Obamacare — or risk voter backlash in 2014 • Three D.C. Libertarians heading for ballot June 26–29, 2014 details to: • 63% of libertarians believe marijuana prohibition will be over within 10 years Hyatt Regency • Libertarians win historic court case putting partisan LP Tennessee candidates on ballot • Three GA Libertarians win elections for school board, city council Columbus, Ohio [email protected] And visit LP.org soon for the official • LP Ohio files suit to protect third-party ballot access 2014 LP Convention Site OR CALL THE LP HEADQUARTERS AT • With Libertarian Sarvis — mission accomplished (202) 333-0008 • CT Libertarian Joshua Katz lands first place in race for Planning Commission It’s a Vibrant, Happenin’ Town! • There's only one way to stop reckless overspending: Vote Libertarian ExperienceColumbus.com