Going to Libertarian Party Convention Tomorrow Morning

I'm leaving for Denver tomorrow morning to go to the Libertarian Party national convention.

As usual, the rhetoric is heating up right before the convention, with various Libertarian interest groups claiming that another is going after the "soul" of the party. Obviously, Libertarian politics is not much different than any other political group's internal politics.

We have an overall outstanding group of people seeking the LP nomination. I have my favorite (Bob Barr, who I've endorsed). I see very strong qualities in Root and Gravel. In the LP past, I think six of the current candidates might have been nominated at a different convention (thus the strength of the candidates). However, no matter who is nominated, and how flawed they are, I will still support the Libertarian Party. It is a big tent party with very important common interests.

When Gary Nolan failed to get the nomination in 2004, I was very disappointed, but immediately helped where I was able with Michael Badnarik's campaign. Of course my level of support and where I put my limited resources will depend on who's nominated, but that is only natural. What's important is that I will continue to put some of my limited resources towards strengthening the Libertarian Party.

Lastly, every convention is about the "soul" of the party. The nice thing about politics, is that there is always the next convention to save the "soul" of the party, if you think it was lost at the last convention.

Horning Kick Off on Saturday

I received this notice today from the Indianapolis Libertarian meet-up:

"FREEDOM, IN - Andrew Horning, the only candidate for the constitutional office of Indiana Governor, will formally kick off his campaign at a cookout on the edge of the Owen Putnam State Forest.

Horning will lay out his plan to govern politicians (as opposed to ruling over citizens), restore Rule of Law, and make Indiana the place where liberty and justice for all is reborn and finally made manifest.

Why would you want to miss that?

Who: Andrew Horning the sole candidate for the constitutional office of Indiana Governor

What: A Constitutional Cookout

When: Saturday, May 24, 2008 , 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Where: 3323 Fish Creek, Poland, Indiana 47468"

Freedom, Indiana is in Spencer County, as is Poland, Indiana.

Two More Rex Bell Billboards in District 54

The Bell for Indiana House District 54 campaign has two more billboards up in the district. One is up on State Road 38 west of New Castle. The other is on US 36 in Sulphur Springs south of Middletown.

You can help Libertarian Rex Bell keep the billboards up by making a donation at www.electRexBell.com.

Gividen's New Proposed Indiana License Plate

Click here to see it.

New Libertarian Party of Marion County T-Shirts Available

Here's the notice taken from the newsletter of the Libertarian Party of Marion County:

"New LPMC volunteer t-shirts available

For all of you who plan to volunteer or campaign this year, the Libertarian Party of Marion County is offering (at cost) an LPMC t-shirt. Go to www.cafepress.com/indylp and check it out. Here's hoping to see you in yellow at all LPMC volunteer events."

Schansberg to Hill - Let's Debate

Here's today's press release from Schansberg for Congress:

"Contact:
Melanie Hughes
Campaign Manager, Schansberg for Congress
(502) 432-1930
SchansbergForCongress@gmail.com
www.SchansbergForCongress.com
or
Eric Schansberg
Libertarian Candidate
U.S. House, 9th District—IN
(812) 218-0443
May 15, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Schansberg challenges Hill to debate on gas prices

After challenging Rep. Baron Hill to a debate on gas prices, Eric Schansberg has yet to hear back from Hill's campaign. Dr. Schansberg is following the tradition set by Hill in May 2006 when Hill challenged former Rep. Mike Sodrel to a debate on gas prices.

Hill demanded a debate with Sodrel in 2006 after average gas prices increased from $1.99 in November 2004 (when Sodrel entered office) to $2.87 in May 2006—a 44% increase. Since Hill returned to Congress in November 2006, gas prices have risen from $2.23 to $3.74—a 68% increase.

"Voters deserve an explanation from Congressman Hill," Schansberg said. "Baron thought this was an important issue in 2006. Surely, he will want to address it now."

Schansberg added: "As an economist, I know that gas prices are determined by the market. And we all know that Democrats support a range of policies that restrict the supply of oil and gas—and thus, keep prices higher. Baron also supports increased government spending and debt, which continue to weaken the dollar and drive up the price of imported oil."

"That's why we need a change in Washington – a change of direction to help Southern Indiana families," Schansberg said. "I understand the hardships working families face, and in Congress, I'll support measures that will increase the supply of oil and lower gas prices—instead of sending taxpayer dollars to special interest groups like oil companies and corporations that produce alternative energy."

For more information or an interview, contact Eric Schansberg at (812) 218-0443, Melanie Hughes at (502) 432-1930, or send an email to SchansbergForCongress@gmail.com.

END"

How Campaign Finance Laws Chill Free Speech and Grassroots Opposition to the Status Quo

Learn more about the real reason for campaign finance laws in this blog post from the Center for Competitive Politics titled "The Big Chill".

See how California is ruining the lives of grassroots activists with huge fines, complex compliance regulations, time consuming compliance requirement (how do grassroots activists, who normally have jobs and not a lot of discretionary income do this?) and arbitrary interpretations and enforcement.

See how California protects incumbents, elitists and the powerful, who can hire a bevy of lawyers and accountants in order to comply with the rules.

I've seen this happen in Indiana. I was once at an Indiana Election Commission meeting several years ago. A person who had run for a state legislative position in a primary was before the commission for either failing to file campaign finance forms or failing to file them on time. She had run a campaign against an incumbent, with no resources, and was beaten soundly at the polls.

She claimed ignorance, lack of resources, and trying to participate in the political process with a new voice. She was fined.

As she walked out, I heard her tell a friend that the message was clear to her - the little people are not to participate in the political process.

Campaign finance law gives this clear message - only the already big and powerful get to be in the government. Little people stay away!

Somebody is Really Sensitive About Libertarians Out There

A friend of mine just emailed me the following: "Garrison, on The Greg Garrison Show, WIBC [93.1 FM, Indianapolis], this morning referred to Bob Barr and the Libertarians as having no effect in November, referring to them as just 'noise' and 'tin foil hats'."

This strikes me as a very nervous and defensive response. I wonder if yesterday's Republican loss in the Mississippi Congressional District special election had anything to do with this vitriolic, defensive and inappropriate comment.

Me thinks some people are really nervous about the presidential election this year.

Rex Bell Responds to Saunders' Comment on Big Government and Voters

Read it here in his blog post titled "Guilty as charged. . . ".

Tom Saunders on the Attack Against Rex Bell

Indiana House member Tom Saunders is on the attack already against his Libertarian opponent, Rex Bell. In the May 7, 2008 New Castle Courier-Times, Saunders states ""Rex wants you to do away with a lot of government, but I'm not sure that's what the public wants[.]".

Bell is running against Saunders for the Indiana House District 54 seat.

Bell is probably complimented by this statement. The overtaxed citizens of Indiana House District 54 are probably shaking their heads in disgust.

Rex needs your financial support to keep the pressure on Saunders and win in November. Contribute to Rex's campaign by clicking here and going to the donate button on his campaign web page.

Video From Both Libertarian Party of Indiana Presidential Debates

Click here to go to Third Party Watch blog post with link to video of both presidential debates at the Libertarian Party of Indiana convention. The video was recorded by Libertarian Party of Indiana Central Committee member Gregory Hertzsch.

Big Government Strikes Again - Another Group Cowers in Its Wake

The group putting on Campaign Training at the same time as the Libertarian National Convention is being held got word to me that they thought my blog post might effect their 501(c)(3) status. How silly. This is not an official political party organ. No one has control over what I write on this blog, especially that group.

However, this is causing problems for a dear friend of mine. I'm effectively removing the May 6th post about their program (which happens to be held in the same city during the Libertarian National Convention) for her benefit, not theirs.

I guess in a way this group does have control over what I write - I value good friends more than promoting a non-profit's campaign training program.

Klopfenstein to Guest Host Abdul in the Morning Tomorrow

Brad Klopfenstein, former Executive Director of the Libertarian Party of Indiana, will be tomorrow's guest host on WXNT's Abdul in the Morning. The show is on the air from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. WXNT is at 1430 on the AM dial and is in Indianapolis. You can listen to it live at www.newstalk1430.com.

Mark W. Rutherford & Associates, LLC

Here's my advertisement in the Politics Magazine' Political Pages (click on image to enlarge):

I've gone over the other advertisements, and it looks as if I'm the only Libertarian political consulting firm listed in the Magazine. I look forward to the day when there are scores of Libertarian political consultants.