shrinking Big government • advancing liBerty WWW.LP.ORG LEGALIZE FREEDOM! LP 2016 Presidential Nominating Convention Orlando • May 27–30 Register by Dec. 31 for best rates! Page 9 December 2015 The Official Newspaper of the Libertarian Party Volume 45, Issue 4 In This Issue: LP candidates reach 100s of thousands, 23 elected Chair’s Corner ...........................2 n the face of record low voter turnout ran in local races in 18 states throughout LPduring an off-yearNews election, Libertar- the country, including for county commis- 2016 LP Candidates ................3, 7 ian candidates offered hundreds of sioner, city council, and school board. 2015 LP Vote Totals ....................4 Ithousands of Americans an alternative to Three Libertarian candidates in Mis- Big Government in elections this fall. sissippi, including two for legislature, won Johnson & Ventura in Media ......5 Ninety Libertarian candidates across double-digit vote totals, which has not Presidential Debate Lawsuits .....5 the country were ballot-qualified to run happened “in nearly 30 years,” according for office. to State Chair Aaron Barksdale. LP Presidential Candidates ...6–7 Twenty-three Libertarians were elected In Washington state, Don Myers was to 24 offices, including eight incumbents elected councilman of Moses Lake, un- LP vs. Trump: News Release ......8 who were re-elected. seating incumbent Jason Avila. Myers was LP 2016 National Convention ....9 Voters also ruled on several ballot mea- trailing Avila until the end, when he edged sures of interest to Libertarians on topics him out by 0.52 percent, just enough to Ballot Access Updates ...............10 that included marijuana, Airbnb, and cam- avoid a mandatory recount. paign finance. “I’m excited to stop city power-grabs Affiliate News .....................12–15 Virginia, New Jersey, and Mississippi and spread the Libertarian message of per- were the only states holding elections for Making rounds in a pedicab, Jay Lewis & sonal freedom and a simpler government, Libertarian Solution .................15 Troy White promote Don Myers for City state legislature, where ten Libertarian Council, in Moses Lake City, Washington. which gets out of people’s way,” Myers said. 2016 Ballot Measures ...............15 candidates were on the ballot. Candidates continued on page 8... 2016 LP Convention Dates .......16 LP training gives activists key tools for success What Have You Missed? ............16 he first offering of the national ing Libertarians to run, vetting candidates, Rachel Mills, who managed Sean Media Buzz ...............................16 party’s “LP Activist Training by and helping them file papers to be on the Haugh’s 2014 U.S. Senate campaign and Libertarians for Libertarians,” held ballot. was press secretary for former congress- Tin Alexandria, Virginia, was a hit, offering New LP national staff members Lauren man Ron Paul, offered lots of tips on how expert training, fun, and camaraderie. Daugherty and Andy Burns talked about to get the attention of the media, including Participant Mary Phelps of Tennessee how to run a successful Libertarian booth. how to write a press release. wrote, “Please do it more often. It was in- “Intentional tabling,” repeated Daugherty LP national Political Director Carla spiring and I hope I can fire up my people throughout the session, stressing the need Howell led the game she created, “Who’s at home like you’ve helped to fire me up.” to stay focused on engaging passers-by. Driving?” Her session covered how to for- Photo by Mary Phelps Mary by Photo Victor Curbelo of Indiana said, “I Burns focused on outreach fundraising mulate game-changing Libertarian pro- would love to see [this] training expand and merchandise sales. continued on page 11... throughout the country!” Libertarian National Committee mem- ber and seven-time Libertarian candidate Sam Goldstein led a session on campaign management where he described key func- tions of a successful campaign: communi- cations, new media, events, volunteers, fundraising, working districts, treasurer duties, and advisory council. He also led a session on campaign recruiting, which LP training participants sightsee in D.C. covered organizing and setting goals, ask- Rachell Mills addresses LP Activist Training participants in Alexandria in October. Page 2 The LiberTarian ParTy — www.LP.org December 2015 The following individual joined the Chairman’s Circle: Chair’s Corner Richard Winger Reflection and thanks The following individuals became Beacon of Liberty contributors: by Nicholas Sarwark, Chair The following individuals became Pioneer of Freedom contributors: s we come to the end A special thank you to all of the Libertarian Party Michael Chastain Daniel Fylstra of 2015, it has been a candidates who have run for office across the coun- very successful year try in 2015. Libertarians ran for office in regular and Afor the Libertarian Party. Our special elections in Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, The following individuals became Lifetime Founder contributors: party came through some Georgia, Indiana, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Missis- Mark Guidry John Stagliano financial challenges with sippi, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Edwin Murray Margaret Thomson revenue over budget and Texas, Virginia, and Washington. They went out to expenses under budget, all their neighbors and shared a vision of more freedom The Libertarian Party grants lifetime membership to while adopting a new logo, for individuals to pursue their own happiness without bringing on additional staff government interference. If you haven’t run for office individuals who contribute at least $1,500 during any to help build state affiliates Nicholas Sarwark yet, please visit www.LP.org/run-for-office to get more 12-month period. Call 202-333-0008 to find out how and increase our media outreach, and running bal- information on how you can help us meet our goal of much more you would need to donate to become a lot access drives in multiple states. This puts us in a over 1,000 candidates around the country in 2016. Lifetime Member today. great position as we head into a presidential election On a personal note, my mother-in-law, Melanie year with ballot access in more states than we’ve had Sisson, passed away earlier this year after a fight with in decades, hundreds of candidates gearing up to run cancer. The Christmas season was her favorite time of David F. Nolan Memorial Office for office across the country, and opportunities to grow the year. She went above and beyond to reach out to as more and more Americans get fed up with the tired others and pick out thoughtful gifts and bring family Fund donors, July 10–Oct. 27 and petty politics of the old parties. and friends together. She had a terminal prognosis be- Benefactor of Liberty None of these successes would have been possible fore last Christmas, but didn’t tell the family until after Raymond D. Craig without you, our sustaining members. You provide the holidays to keep up the spirit of the season. As our Chuck Moulton the financial support that keeps our party going family enters our first holiday season without her, it’s a James Palidar strong. You go out and talk to your family, friends, reminder to me to keep her spirit alive by being good Advocate of Liberty and neighbors about how Libertarian solutions can to others, instead of focusing on my own problems and make their lives and our country better. Many of you difficulties. Joshua Katz Christopher S. Paslawski Ruth H. Witt Martin Moulton Daniel Paul Wiener are monthly pledgers, whose ongoing support allows My holiday wish to you is to cultivate that spirit. Be us to be the only third party that owns a permanent good to each other. Show your friends and family who Plaques are now on display at the Libertarian National office with a hardworking staff that helps magnify our Libertarians are this holiday season. Use this time to Committee office space in Alexandria, Va., that recognize our impact. If you’re not a pledger yet, please consider reconnect, recharge, and prepare for incredible prog- top donors. To have your name appear on a plaque, or if you’d just like to help pay off the mortgage (the LNC has a goal of starting a monthly pledge at $10 per month; it’s a small ress in 2016. paying off at least $60,000 of the principal in 2015), mail in investment that gives us the support we need to keep Yours in liberty, your donation or visit LP.org. growing. Contribute today: LP.org/office-fund libertarian party newS www.LP.org (ISSN 8755-139X) is the official LP News newspaper of the Send newS, articleS, Libertarian Party® of the United The Purposes of the Libertarian Party: eSSayS, or photographS: States. Opinions and articles The party is organized to implement and give voice to the principles embodied in the Email: [email protected] Statement of Principles by: functioning as a libertarian political entity separate and distinct published in this newspaper do not addreSS changeS: from all other political parties or movements; moving public policy in a libertarian direction necessarily represent official party Phone: (202) 333-0008 by building a political party that elects Libertarians to public office; chartering affiliate positions unless so indicated. Email: [email protected] parties throughout the United States and promoting their growth and activities; nominating candidates for president and vice president of the United States, and supporting party and poStal mail: national chair: Nicholas Sarwark affiliate party candidates for political office; and, entering into public information activities. 1444 Duke St. Email: [email protected] Alexandria, VA 22314 E DITOR: Carla Howell Phone: (202) 333-0008 CONTRIBUTORS: Elizabeth C. Brierly, Paul Frankel, Andy Jacobs, Bob Johnston, J.J. McCurry, Michael Pakko, Nicholas Sarwark, Richard Winger VoL. 45, issue 4 The LiberTarian ParTy — www.LP.org Page 3 Buckley, Haugh announce 2016 runs for U.S.