The Rutherford Report

Ran Paul Detained at Nashville Airport

2012-01-23T11:38:00.001-05:00

Straight out of the book "1984" - "TSA says Sen. Paul was *not* detained but was escorted out of security area for targeted screening." - Jamie Dupree

Reeves Group Sues Wagner Group on Libertarian Party of Oregon Matter

2012-01-18T14:24:00.000-05:00

Tim Reeves, David Terry, M Carling, Greg Burnett and Richard Burke sue Wes Wagner and Libertarian Party of Oregon over the legal officers of the Libertarian Party of Oregon.

Here's a copy of the lawsuit sent out by Reeves.

Libertarian National Committee Secretary Alicia Mattson's Comments on the Building Fund

2011-11-22T18:20:00.000-05:00

Here are Libertarian National Committee Secretary Alicia Mattson's Comments on the building fund, delivered this morning (Tuesday, November 22, 2011) around 9 am EST:

"You have my permission to distribute this to others who might be wondering about my opposition to this building purchase.

This will be long because I have experienced a long string of previous disappointments before I got to the point where I would write a message like this. Some of it is info you already know, but I am piecing it all together in one place to put it in perspective. If you just can't read it all, at least skip to the "AND THE KICKER" section just before the conclusion.

This experience is Exhibit A for why experts will tell you that you should run a capital campaign FIRST and have cash in hand before you pick a site and try to buy. Then there are no urgent races between the fundraising effort and the banks and the seller and the closing agents and the contracts and the lawyers and the mail ballots and the clock.

Regarding the execution of the building fund plan, I feel like this board has been manipulated, repeatedly misinformed, intimidated, and given artificial deadlines to pressure us into voting based on something other than our good judgment and the merits. And I believe that members, donors, and state chairs have been misinformed as well.

Frankly, for some of us, this is no longer about whether it's a better decision to buy or lease. That concern is overshadowed by a fear that our party might be willing to tolerate decisions being made in this way.

SELLING THE IDEA

I'll summarize the story of the plan that was sold to us.

Last November we saw a great presentation with a great plan for a capital campaign to eventually purchase a building. I voted for it without any reservations. If executed, it would be a beautiful thing for the LP. I've reviewed the audio of that session, and among the features of the plan were:

1) It would be at least a year-long effort, not a rush job just before the end of our Watergate lease.

2) We would raise the money first before selecting a site, not pick a site and then wage war to get into that site at all costs. From page 1 of the business proposal that was forwarded to us before the November 2010 LNC meeting, we were told "A decision as to the actual location would not be decided until sufficient funds were raised for the purchase."

3) Besides raising funds for the down payment, we would raise funds to also cover $50K of moving expenses, closing costs, etc.

4) We should expect some degree of cannibalization of our general fundraising, though how much is hard to predict.

5) We would know by the next LNC meeting if it was "a raging success or the Titanic". If it failed, we would give the money back, and we could spin that as a positive thing, championing our having been responsible and honorable.

6) Since it was imperative that we be able to give the money back if it didn't work out, we didn't want the building fund to be used to pay for fundraising costs. To help alleviate this concern, Geoff Neale volunteered to pay any fundraising costs in the "first phase" of the plan.

All we had to do was vote to create the fund, and the team would go to work!

The LNC then voted overwhelmingly to create an unnamed building fund with no specific property in mind.

AUGUST 2011 LNC MEETING

By the August 2011 LNC meeting, approximately 9 months after the vote to create the building fund, there had been essentially no fundraising from anyone except staff and LNC members. The chair indicated he had made about 5 phone calls for the project. We had $1000 cash and pledges totaling just under $100,000 for the building fund. This was far short of the numbers we had discussed in November that we'd like to raise.

But there was a piece of property for sale at 1428 Duke St in Alexandria, and the Chair put 15 minutes on the meeting agenda in which we were asked to consider purchasing it. (Tick, tock) We were given a spreadsheet comparing the purchase to some alternative 5-year lease options. The draft minutes reflect that we were told we needed to make a decision by October at the latest due to the amount of time needed to close a purchase deal, and we were told that staying at the Watergate beyond our existing lease which ends in February 2012 would result in our rent increasing dramatically.

Since we didn't have building funds ready to make a purchase yet, we asked if we could get a 3-year lease somewhere while we continued to work on the building fund. We were told no, that 5-year leases were the standard in the DC area, and our options were buy now or lease for 5 years. (A post-meeting spreadsheet update indicated that one particular property was "one of the few" 3-year leases available, and that building had been closed since the DC earthquake and was scheduled for demolition.)

We postponed the discussion until the next day. In discussions outside the meeting that evening, it was evident that a number of LNC members felt like we were being pushed to make a decision too quickly with insufficient information. The next day we voted to send me and another LNC member to the DC area for up to 10 days to bring back more information. Between the meeting and my DC trip, the Chair repeatedly complained that I would be going and wanted me to cancel. Then it was argued to me that I should shorten my trip, or limit myself to only seeing properties with Staff and our realtor, and not work on my own. But I did work on my own anyway.

On the trip in September, I found that 3-year leases were plentiful. And I found some 3-year lease options that would offer cheaper monthly expense than the building purchase shown on our spreadsheet.

URGENCY TO APPROVE A PURCHASE NOW

During the extensive email discussion, there was a drumbeat that it was imperative that we buy now. We had to get out of the Watergate, and the time was ticking. LNC members wanted a large down payment raised before agreeing to purchase, so that even if no extra principal payments could be made on the mortgage and real estate values dropped we wouldn't find ourselves underwater when the balloon payment came due in a few years.

Even though we hadn't really tried any substantial fundraising so far, the story now became that creating the building fund wasn't sufficient. We had to vote to approve a purchase before they could actually raise the funds.

We gave that a shot. From 10/3/11 to 10/18/11 the LNC adopted a motion dubbed as the "Dan Wiener motion", which authorized a purchase offer to be made under certain conditions, if certain fundraising milestones were made on a certain timeline. It also required that pledges be collected on legally enforceable pledge forms drafted by our attorney so that we could be confident the pledges were worth more than the paper the email was printed on. The Secretary was one of the people tasked with verifying that the milestones were met and verifying that any offer met the conditions of the adopted motion. The attorney provided the pledge form language on October 21st.

The Chair and Staff began trying to fundraise. On October 24th an email blast went to our email list asking for building fund donations. The Chair started working the phones calling those capable of large donations. A fundraising dinner was planned for December.

BACKUP PLAN

One of the requirements of the Dan Wiener motion was that a separate motion would be adopted to authorize signing of a lease in the event that the fundraising milestones could not be met. On October 28 a mail ballot was started to do just that, provide a backup plan. The Chair promptly accused those sponsoring and voting for this motion of "sabotage" and "undermining" the building fund, even though it was a requirement of the motion we had adopted, and for which the Chair had voted. Even last November when we heard the plan, we discussed the need for a backup plan should the fundraising not reach the goal.

THE OFFER TO PURCHASE

The Chair felt it was imperative that we immediately sign an offer to purchase, even though the fundraising requirements of the Dan Wiener motion had not yet been met to permit an offer to be made.

A draft of an offer to purchase was presented to the Secretary for certification that it was ok for the chair to sign it. The offer contained a 45-day opt-out-for-any-reason clause. The Secretary said that in numerous ways the offer to purchase was not compliant with the approval given by the LNC, including the fact that it was still 66 days before we could determine if the conditions of the Dan Wiener motion would be met, and including the fact that it authorized purchase with a much smaller down payment than the LNC had approved (and would leave us with a larger mortgage balance).

The Chair and Staff wanted to sign it anyway, because it wasn't enough that the LNC had created a building fund and authorized a purchase, now we supposedly had to have a signed contract in hand to show the donors or else we couldn't raise the funds.

The Chair wanted to sign the contract first, and then ask the LNC to ratify the action by rescinding the previous authorization in the Dan Wiener motion and approve this instead.

The Secretary was told time was short because the seller expected it to be signed by October 31st. Keep in mind that this property has been on the market for 2 years, so this seemed to the Secretary like a false urgency.

The Secretary advised the Chair and Staff that she didn't feel it was likely the LNC would approve these purchase terms after-the-fact, and the Chair should talk to LNC members before proceeding. But if they wanted to go ahead and submit a purchase offer that was not compliant with what the LNC authorized, they must include adequate clauses to make sure the contract could not be binding if the LNC did not subsequently approve the offer, and that a backup person should be authorized to opt-out should the Chair for some reason be unable to do so before the opt-out period ended. There was much resistance to these suggestions. The Secretary was initially told that the Seller would not agree to these types of changes, but the Secretary insisted it was imperative to add them before signing a legally binding offer.

To create such protection, the Secretary proposed specific language for the contract that would require LNC approval to be received before the contract became effective and before the 45-day clock started ticking. The Secretary was told that clause was not acceptable, and the Seller would not wait that long. The Secretary suggested that someone instead draft language that would allow the LNC approval to happen during the 45 days, but would result in the contract being automatically canceled on day 45 should LNC approval not be obtained by then.

Instead, the language in the final draft for the Secretary's approval was crafted to allow only 15 days after contract ratification (both parties signing) for the LNC to give approval. Note that only allowing 15 days for approval (tighter than the 45 days the Secretary recommended) created a stronger urgency argument that the LNC must approve this ASAP. And it meant that the LNC would need to approve now before knowing about future fundraising progress.

The Secretary agreed that the contract finally had sufficient protections for cancellation if necessary, so the Chair's plan commenced. A 15-day mail ballot was started on Nov 2 (let's call this the Hinkle motion) asking the LNC to rescind the previous Dan Wiener motion with its conditions and instead approve this offer. Five days later the Chair and seller signed the offer while the mail ballot was underway, starting the contract clock ticking, with 15 days for LNC approval else the contract automatically terminates, and an additional 30 days after during which we could opt out. The Seller did accept the contract a week later than I was told would be acceptable, and with the clauses that I was told they would not approve.

During the voting on the Hinkle motion, LNC members were lobbied with urgency that if we didn't vote for this motion right now, the Seller and the banks would be done with us, and the deal would be impossible at any future time. It was not enough to just have created the building fund, or to have approved purchase conditional on fundraising results. Now we were told we had to vote for this motion and have the deal locked in or else the rest of the funds could not be raised.

The Chair applied pressure by sending emails to state chairs in two regions where the representatives were poised to vote no, giving those state chairs inaccurate/misleading/incomplete information and asking them on that basis to direct their LNC representative to vote yes. Lobbying is one thing. Misinforming is another. The Chair told those state chairs that though the LNC had previously agreed to do this, now LNC members were getting "cold feet".

The LNC did not approve the Hinkle motion, with the most common objection being that it didn't require a down-payment large enough for what the LNC had said it wanted. Instead of proposing to pay off the building with a capital campaign for a large down payment, the supporting spreadsheets forwarded during the Hinkle motion voting proposed that the mortgage balance would be lowered later by promising to use future general funds to make extra principal payments. Note that this LNC cannot bind future LNC's to make sure they will make such extra principal payments instead of using those funds for something else.

Even though the Hinkle motion had not passed, the Dan Wiener motion was still in effect, allowing an offer if certain fundraising goals were met on a specified timeline.

CONFUSION?

Numerous times after the Dan Wiener motion was adopted, the Chair and Staff complained that they didn't understand it, and alleged that nobody could tell them how much they were expected to raise for a down payment - in spite of having at least three LNC members who at any time would calculate from a given set of inputs what the requirement was - in spite of a spreadsheet having been provided on which they could change the inputs and the spreadsheet formulas would do the work - and in spite of the motion itself having laid out example calculations of what were likely the best-case and worst-case scenarios demonstrating a range between $245,000 and $300,000 would likely be needed.

Yet the October 24 email blast to our email list told membership that our goal was to raise only $125-200K.

FIRST MILESTONE

Along the way, Staff in passing told the Secretary and Dan Wiener that the first milestone of the Dan Wiener motion had been met, but provided no data. When pressed for more information to verify, totals of amounts donated and pledged were provided, and it was not actually sufficient to meet the first milestone of the Dan Wiener motion.

When the first Dan Wiener motion milestone date later arrived (Nov 5th which was during the voting on the Hinkle motion), the Secretary requested data to determine if the milestone had been met. No data was provided. Instead the LNC was told we shouldn't bother with such details, that they weren't using the legally enforceable pledge forms required by the Dan Wiener motion, and we should just wait to see if the Hinkle motion passed, which had no milestones or requirements to verify fundraising.

And we were told that we shouldn't even expect them to abide by the legally enforceable pledge form requirement because it was offensive to ask people to sign a "blood oath". The Chair was apparently not offended by the Seller's requirement that he sign a legally enforceable pledge to pay for the building, and many of us think the pledges we're counting on for the down payment should be as certain as our obligation to pay for the building.

CANNIBALIZATION

We understood from the beginning that during a capital campaign for the building fund would inevitably attract some donations from people who otherwise would have been willing to give the same money to our general fund, thus cannibalizing our general fund somewhat. We expected some, no ballpark predictions attempted, of that to occur. And we'd have to cover some credit card processing fees, naturally.

But it was clear that the goal was not to create the building fund by intentionally cannibalizing our general fund, as we still have to fund party operations, especially coming into a presidential election year.

Early in the discussions some complained that the LNC's fundraising expectations were too stringent, so the Dan Wiener motion generously loosened the terms to allow payment of perhaps $50,000 of moving costs and closing costs out of the general fund, so only the mortgage down payment would have to be raised.

Both the Dan Wiener motion and the Hinkle motion included explicit provisions that the down payment must be made with donations that had been restricted to the building fund, not from our party's unrestricted general fund.

In early September the LNC was informed of a large donation that the Chair specifically indicated was unrestricted. Later this was reclassified as a restricted building fund donation.

A donor who has previously given the legal annual maximum to our general fund has pledged to give two future-year donations to the building fund. This may well be direct cannibalization of our future general fund.

The original capital campaign fund plan, with its promises of a team of past LNC Chairs and past Presidential candidates making 1-on-1 calls to large donors as phase 1, making calls to medium donors as phase 2, and then finally as phase 3 making general email/letter appeals to our broad membership base to finish the job...that plan was never executed. A handful of large donors have been called by the chair, but largely the fundraising effort has been to send mass emails to our broad donor base which we typically rely upon for our general fund.

The plan offered with the Hinkle motion proposed to replace a large down payment with a smaller down payment and promise of future extra principal payments...from the general fund.

Since the LNC from the beginning a year ago insisted that the building funds had to be protected in case of a need to refund, thus they cannot be used for fundraising costs, I am left to presume that the LNC general fund is paying for a fundraising dinner in Las Vegas in December, so that all revenues can all be preserved in the building fund.

Since there was no "phase 1" fundraising according to the plan, I do not know if Geoff Neale is redirecting his offer to pay for phase 1 fundraising costs and instead helping offset costs of some other aspect of the effort.

Saturday our Executive Director asked the LNC Executive Committee to approve spending $25,000 out of the general fund to send a fundraising letter out to our broad donor base. Sunday the request was repeated but with only a request for $10,000. The Executive Committee has so far not considered this idea.

In spite of the intent of minimizing general fund impact, the execution so far has been based nearly entirely on using the general fund to create the building fund.

MISINFORMATION, SPIN, AND MORE PRESSURE

The LNC did not name our building fund, nor has the LNC voted to name any eventual building after anyone. After the LNC created the generic building fund, the Chair began calling it the David F. Nolan Memorial Building Fund and started using that in fundraising appeals. Though when asked later by LNC members, the Chair indicated it was the name of the fund rather than the building, many LP members, understandably, inferred that if we purchased a building, it would be named after Mr. Nolan. When the Chair sent emails to state chairs in at least two regions asking them to pressure the votes of their regional representatives, he claimed that the LNC had created the fund for the purpose of honoring Mr. Nolan, though at the time the fund was created the LNC had not yet learned of Mr. Nolan's death. After complaints from board members, at least this problem has now been addressed with an explanatory message to our email list sent on Monday.

At the beginning we were told that it would be no big deal if we didn't raise enough money, and we could generate good donor vibes even if we had to give the funds back because we hadn't raised enough. But since fundraising efforts began, the Chair has repeatedly applied pressure for continued moving of the goalposts implying that it would be a horrible thing to have to give back any funds.

The Chair's previously-referenced emails to some state chairs indicated that a failure to approve the Hinkle motion would mean we would have to return around $150K of donations, yet we had less than half of that in cash which would need to be returned.

When on November 16, well past the first milestone date of the Dan Wiener motion, some additional fundraising documentation was provided to two LNC members, it still was counting in pledge totals a $5,000 pledge that has clearly been retracted. When this was mentioned, the response was dismissive, and I presume that pledge is still being reported in the fundraising status totals.

On Monday a message was sent to the LP email list asking for $30,000 more to convince those pesky (my word choice) LNC members who have been voting "no". I believe it is inappropriate to use our email list to suggest to future convention delegates that certain LNC members are not performing well. We often praise Ron Paul for being "Dr. No" on things he finds to be unacceptable in Congress. But vote "no" on this plan on the LNC, and the Chair might try to get your state chair to squeeze you, or he might send an email to the membership about you.

AND THE KICKER

All of the above has caused me and many others quite a bit of dismay. But in the past few days, after the Hinkle motion failed to be adotped, I've learned something new that has infuriated me.

All along, we've been pressured that we HAVE to leave the Watergate.

LNC draft minutes from August indicate we were told that if we stay in the Watergate beyond February, our rent will increase dramatically.

The October 24 email blast to our general email list included the following:

"The lease on our national Libertarian Party headquarters is up at the end of February 2012.
The landlord has indicated they'll be raising the rates 10% to almost $140K per year.
The building (the infamous Watergate Building) is only 60% leased as it is, so we think they're trying to get everyone to leave.
Speculation is that the owners want to sell an empty building, ready to occupy, to George Washington University, which is right across the street from our office.
Also, building maintenance has begun to slip and we're overrun with mice and rats!
Time to move!"

So I thought it strange when recently I started receiving emails from proponents of this particular purchase saying that if we're not going to buy this particular building, maybe we should just stay in the Watergate for a bit longer while we continue to raise building funds.

When did that become an option? Our rates are going up to an unaffordable level, right? It's rat-infested, right? The owners want us out, right?

I was confused when on November 16 an email from the Chair to the LNC included the following:

"If we want to purchase a building later, it makes more sense to stay put and avoid the moving expenses into another leases building and commit ourselves to a 3 year lease at a minimum.
Let's avoid the expense of two moves and move just once, shall we? We don't want to waste our donors money, do we?"

We haven't even been talking about staying at the Watergate. Wasn't an option. Had to move.

Then over this past weekend in an off-list discussion with some EC members and Staff, I was told that one of our options now that the Hinkle motion had failed was:

"Hold off a year and stay at the Watergate at current rent, raising even more funds for a much better HQ..."

About 10 hours later in the same email thread I was told that if we stayed at the Watergate it would cost us double what we're paying now.

(Recall that the message to our LP email list on Oct 24 indicated there would be a 10% increase. The numbers have varied.)

I asked which statement was correct, that we could stay at current rate, or it would cost us double to stay. The answer I received was that if we just over-stay our existing lease we will be penalized with a substantial increase, but we could possibly negotiate a new 1-year lease and keep our current rent rate. ! ! ! ! !

The LNC has not before been told that this was even an option. Instead we, and our members, and our donors heard talk of outrageous rent increases, creating a sense of urgency that we must buy this building right now. And we had been told we shouldn't expect to find a lease for any term less than 5 years.

Has this entire process since August been based on scare tactics about something that wasn't even true? All the sense of urgency, the artificial deadlines, the claims of what the seller will/won't agree to, the attempted intimidation of regional representatives, the difficulty getting accurate information about our fundraising status...???

CONCLUSION

Sadly, with this history of misinformation, moving goalposts, and the bait & switch operation, I'm at the point where it would be naive of me to believe anything I am told about this project. What else might we need to know to make an informed decision? Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Fool me 20 times ... it's downright embarrasing.

Asking me to continue to vote for this particular purchase at this point is to ask me to reward some unacceptable behavior. It's not just been offending people and stepping on toes. It's more than that.

Over this past weekend, the LNC has been asked to scramble (in the 5 days between failure of the Hinkle motion and the automatic cancellation clause of the signed contract) to try to salvage the contract signed by the Chair before he had LNC approval for it, with its artificially urgent 15-day do-or-die deadline that may have been designed to pressure to the LNC to act sooner, a process started before getting LNC input on the idea.

It's no wonder some of us have had enough and are putting our collective foot down. It's no wonder that some of us want some means to verify what we're being told from here on out.

I feel like I've been manipulated and misinformed into wasting a colossal amount of my time over the past few months. And many others have invested a lot of time also. It is quite an understatement to say I am unhappy about this.

At this point, I have to consider which is worse for the future of the party:

a) to spend a little more money for office space for the next few years, or

b) to allow the LP to become one of those parties where $860,000 internal decisions are based on misinformation, confusion, and manipulation

I can live with (a). If I vote for this purchase now, am I contributing to (b)?"

Transparency, Competency, Honor, Adherence to Fiduciary Duty, Accountability and the LNC Building Fund

2011-11-19T23:21:00.000-05:00

There are eight members of the Libertarian National Committee, including me, that are being attacked for demanding transparency, competency, honor, adherence to fiduciary duty and accountability regarding the building fund the LNC created last November 2010. Just like Ron Paul does with Congress, I will continue to vote no regarding the LNC building fund until there is transparency, competency, honor, adherence to fiduciary duty and accountability.

Libertarian National Party Has Not Given a Name to Its Building Fund

2011-11-18T17:21:00.003-05:00

The Libertarian National Committee has not named the building fund after David F. Nolan. Chairman Mark Hinkle is unilaterally calling it the David F. Nolan Memorial Building Fund. The Libertarian National Committee has approved a building fund.

Make of this what you will. However, I want to be transparent about it.

Un-proofed Transcript of Geoff Neale Presentation on Proposed Building Fund - New Orleans LNC Meeting - November 2010

2011-11-16T18:16:00.007-05:00

The following is an un-proofed transcript of Geoff Neale's presentation on a proposed building fund before the Libertarian National Committee in November of 2010. The presentation took place in New Orleans at the New Orleans Hilton. It is of the first 44 minutes of the 54 minute presentation. I hope to have the remaining transcript of the last 10 minutes up as soon as possible, and to have a proofed transcript on display as soon as possible too. (CLICK ON EACH PAGE FOR EXPANDED VIEW).

Republican Faction of Local Socialist Party Promotes Smoking Ban Before Democratic Faction Does

2011-11-15T21:55:00.001-05:00

Indianapolis Star reports that Indianapolis City-Council Republicans plan to push for a smoking ban before the Democrats do so.

Advice to Indianapolis Mayor Ballard

2011-11-12T13:03:00.000-05:00

The supporters of Smoke Free Indy are not your friend. Don't forget what these people who support Smoke Free Indy had to say about you in that postcard that was sent out during your re-election bid:

It is summarized as "You Are A Liar".

Do not think for one minute they will support you if you kowtow to the Prohibitionists in this fine city.

By the way - organic food has been killing millions of people over the centuries. It killed my grandfather's best friend in Kentucky over 100 years ago.

Save the children - ban organic food.

Two More Names to Add to the Indiana Libertarian Roll of Elected Officials, as well as a Third Term for Susan Bell

2011-11-11T14:38:00.001-05:00

Here is the list of partisan Libertarians elected in Indiana. 17 different Libertarians have been elected to partisan office in Indiana. Here are their names, followed by their office, year(s) elected and term(s) of office:

(1). Mary Dufour, Jefferson Township Trustee, Washington County, 1998, 1999-02

(2). Zenith Caudill, Jefferson Township Advisory Board, Washington County, 1998, 1999-02

(3). Phil Miller, Greenfield City Council, 1999, 2000-03

(4). Darren Nolan, Universal City Council, 1999, 2000-03

(5). Gale Owen, Silver Lake City Council, 1999, 2000-03

(6). Edward Dilts, Needham Township Advisory Board, Johnson County, 2002, 2003-06

(7). Anita M. Amspaugh, Union City Clerk-Treasurer, 2003, 2004-07

(8). Susan Bell, Hagerstown Town Court Judge, 2003, 2007, 2011, 2004-15

(9). Susan K. Pyle, MD, Union City Council, 2003, 2004-07

(10). Russell Reichard, Union City Council, 2003, 2004-resigned 06

(11). Jay Thompson, Gosport Town Council, 2003, 2004-07

(12). Conley Tillson, Clay Township Advisory Board, Wayne County, 2006, 2007-10

(13). Steve Coffman, Liberty Township Advisory Board, Henry County, 2006, 2010, 2007-14

(14). Michael Sloan, Pottawattamie Park Town Council, 2007, 2008-11

(15). Cheryl Heacox, Clay Township Advisory Board, Wayne County, 2010, 2011-14

(16). Dennis Denney, Shirley Town Council – North Ward, 2011, 2012-15

(17). Miccah Shepherd, Claypool Town Clerk/Treasurer, 2011, 2012-15

Indiana Libertarian Election Wins 2011

2011-11-09T14:40:00.000-05:00

Clerk/Treasurer
Claypool
Miccah Shepherd -L 42 44% Winner
Paul Berkey -R 33 34%
Tricia Marino -D 21 22%

Town Judge
Hagerstown
Susan Bell - Unopposed - Winner

Shirley Town Council – North Ward
Rebecca (Becky) Hammer -R 92 49.73%
Dennis Denney -L 93 50.27% Winner

Libertarian To Be Elected? An Interview with Libertarian City Councilman Ed Coleman

2011-11-07T15:33:00.001-05:00

Great Yard Signs for Libertarian Candidate for Rushville, Indiana Mayor

2011-09-20T11:22:00.002-04:00

Ed Coleman at Miracle Mile Parade, Indianapolis, September 3, 2011

2011-09-06T12:08:00.000-04:00

Judicial Committee Opinion of Wagner v. LNC

2011-08-26T17:10:00.000-04:00

A Libertarian Perspective on the August 2011 “Week of Woe”

2011-08-08T07:42:00.001-04:00

From Atlas Liberty PAC:

A Libertarian Perspective on the August 2011 “Week of Woe”

The news headlines last week were unlike any we’ve seen before: “S.& P. Downgrades U.S. Debt Rating for the First Time”.

The Democrats and Republicans who have been at the helm for the past 40 years have wrecked the U.S. economy, as evidenced by last week’s S&P downgrade of the U.S. credit rating, the selling off of global equity markets in the fear of a “double-dip” recession, and the failure to resolve any long-term structural problems with the U.S. budget.

The past week will go down in U.S. financial history as one of the most dramatic.

On Tuesday August 2nd, after a wrenching battle in Washington, President Obama and Congress agreed to a budget package that raised the debt ceiling by $2 trillion, and formed a committee to propose spending cuts by November of this year.

Then on the following Thursday, reacting to this news and the fear of a new global economic slowdown, stock markets worldwide dropped to their lowest levels since 2009 and their biggest single-day drop since 1998.

Finally, in the evening of that Friday, Standard & Poor’s, one of the largest rating agencies in the world, downgraded U.S. sovereign debt for the first time since the agency’s inception in 1917.

Not one, but two credit rating agencies have already downgraded their opinion of U.S. sovereign debt. Egan-Jones, a well respected credit rating agency, had already downgraded the U.S. rating as of July 16th. They cited “...relatively high level of debt and the difficulty in significantly cutting spending,” as their reason for the downgrade. Other agencies may follow in a “you go, I go” fashion. [1]

Moody’s, another major rating agency, has already stated that over 7,000 municipalities with financing arrangements tied to Treasury securities are in danger of an automatic downgrade if the U.S. loses its top-rating. [2]

For the average consumer, the threat of interest rate hikes for credit purchases of any thing from credit cards to home and car loans and student loans will be more real. The economy has been dependent on cheap credit for so long that an economic slowdown in what appears to be a double-dip recession becomes more likely. The cost of borrowing for small business, already devastated by the Great Recession, will increase. This will crimp their cash flow and make it much harder for them to justify new capital expenditures and other investments that would create jobs.

A recent poll put Congress’ approval ratings in the mid teens, a record low. [3] This will only continue, especially as the average American’s financial choices become tougher.

A generation of out of control spending, partisan budget battles and empty rhetoric brought us to the events of the past two months, a situation that’s likely to continue for the next two to four years. Coincidentally, Libertarians have been railing against economic profligacy for that entire period.

We are now seeing up close how larger, ever expanding government affects the basic prosperity of the American citizen. But for 40 years, the Libertarians have been advocating a smaller-government solution.

Mark Rutherford, Vice-Chair of the national Libertarian Party states:

“The solutions are simple to muster, simply spend less. The political change is hard. I implore you not to vote out of anger or fear, but instead out of reason. Look for and support the people, causes, organizations and candidates that are really fighting for our economic, political and social freedoms.”

The two Parties that have been running this country have failed to govern responsibly and are dysfunctional. This is America’s bipartisan problem: the two parties in power increasingly consume taxpayer money to grow the government rather than to improve our economy. There can be no excuses for the lack of action in Washington as politics have become increasingly polarized over the past few decades.

It is time to consider a different direction. The Libertarians offer that new vision of leadership and the principles to make that happen.

Join us in our mission. Get involved today with the National Libertarian Party, your State and County Party as well as groups like Atlas Liberty.

In November 2012, let’s work to make the headlines once again unlike any we’ve seen before: “LIBERTARIANS SWEEP POLLS!”

In Liberty,

Evan McMahon,
Executive Director
Atlas Liberty PAC
317-586-8317
emcmahon@atlasliberty.com

“Providing Libertarians with the resources, money and training to WIN elections.”
- AtlasLiberty.com

References

[1] Bloomberg, “Egan-Jones Cuts U.S. Rating to AA+ on Spending-Cut Concern”
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-07-18/egan-jones-cuts-u-s-rating-to-aa-on-spending-cut-concern-1-.html
[2] Wall Street Journal, “Downgrade Poses Challenge for Local Governments“, http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424053111903366504576492032031492642.html?mod=WSJ_article_LatestHeadlines

[3] CNN/ORC International Poll, August 1, 2011
http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2011/images/08/02/rel12a.pdf

Libertarian Party Vice-Chair Response on US Credit Downgrade

2011-08-08T07:39:00.001-04:00

Mark Rutherford, Vice-Chair of the national Libertarian Party states:

“The solutions are simple to muster, simply spend less. The political change is hard. I implore you not to vote out of anger or fear, but instead out of reason. Look for and support the people, causes, organizations and candidates that are really fighting for our economic, political and social freedoms.”

2010 Indiana Libertarian Candidates - For the Memory Hole

2011-07-30T17:05:00.001-04:00

2010 INDIANA LIBERTARIAN CANDIDATES

May Election:

Allison Maguire, Pike Township (Indianapolis) School Board
Jo Coleman, Indianapolis School Board At-large

November Election:

United State Senator: Rebecca Sink-Burris
Congressional House District 1: Jon Morris
Congressional House District 2: Mark Vogel
Congressional House District 3: Scott Wise
Congressional House District 4: John Duncan
Congressional House District 5: Chard Reid
Congressional House District 6: T.J. Thomson
Congressional House District 7: Dav Wilson
Congressional House District 8: John Cunningham
Congressional House District 9: Greg Knott

Secretary of State: Mike Wherry
State Auditor: Eric Knipe

State Senate District 6: Charles Barman
State Senate District 27: Don Crossely
State Senate District 31: Benjamin Hale
State Senate District 38: Ed Gluck

State House District 3: John Schick
State House District 5: Ron Cenkush
State House District 9: Andrew Wolf
State House District 15: Steve Heisel
State House District 17: Richard Liedtky
State House District 19: Jeff Duensing
State House District 21: Ben Jarvis
State House District 22: Thom Cox
State House District 28: Jim Rainwater
State House District 36: Greg Noland
State House District 37: Rob Jozwiak
State House District 40: David Hinkle
State House District 44: Dennis Beatty
State House District 52: Chuck Hanneman
State House District 54: Rex Bell
State House Distirct 55: Sarah Jordan
State House District 56: Brad Hyatt
State House District 59: Ed Dilts
State House District 60: David Murdoch
State House District 65: Al Cox
State House District 70: Darrell Dillard
State House District 81: Elizabeth Sepponen
State House District 85: Paul Leslie
State House District 87: Joe Hauptmann
State House District 90: Kevin Vail
State House District 91: Matt Amormino
State House District 92: Jason Sipe
State House District 93: Kent Raquet
State House District 94: Mike Smythe
State House District 97: Josh Barker
State House District 99: John Meuser
State House District 100: Paul Dijak-Robinson

Allen County:
Tom Perl, Lake Township Trustee

Brown County:
Duncan Adams, Sheriff
Barbara Adams, Van Buren Township Board

Clark County:
Bob Isgrigg, Surveyor

Elkhart County:
Amy Hapner, County Council District 1

Hamilton County:
Lars Noldan, Fall Creek Township Trustee
Mike Kole, Hamilton County Council, District 2
Joe Tucker, Hamilton County Council, District 3

Hendricks County:
Chris Sherman, Washington Township Board
Todd Singer, Washington Township Trustee

Henry County:
Bill Claar, Sheriff
Jon Bell, County Council
Steve Coffman (Incumbent), Liberty Township Board

Howard County:
Jerry Titus, County Council District 2
Keith Henry, Center Township Board

Knox County:
Jason Cooper, County Council District 1

Lake County:
David Tyssen, County Council District 4
Jeanine Kirpec, County Council District 5
Ryan Stewart, County Council District 6
Janice Glueckert, County Council District 7
Mark Lambert, St. John Town Council

LaPorte County:
Mike Sloan, County Commissioner District 1
Gregory Kelver, County Council District 1
Mark Lindborg, Michigan Township Board
K.P. Nfr, Coolspring Township Board
Sheila Garriott, Kankakee Township Board

Madison County:
Daniel Ferris, County Council District 1
Christine Nealis, County Council District 3
John Nichols, County Council District 4

Marion County:
Joell Palmer, Auditor
Mike Bishop, Pike Township Constable
Drew Bisson, Wayne Township Trustee
Christopher Bowen, Lawrence Township Trustee
Zachary Capehart, Center Township Trustee
Richard Cunningham, Washington Township Trustee
Jon Henderson, Perry Township Trustee
Erik Morris, Pike Township Trustee
Jared Wales, Decatur Township Trustee
Terrie Cloud, Franklin Township Trustee
Josh Featherstone, Warren Township Trustee
Christopher Ward, Lawrence Township Constable
Mike Bishop, Pike Township Constable

Monroe County:
Mark Burris, Washington Township Board

Rush County:
Victoria Foley, County Commissioner
Joyce Morrell, County Council

St. Joseph County:
Tom Zymsio, County Council District A

Steuben County:
Ken Bisson, Pleasant Township Board
Bill Leider, County Council District 3

Wayne County:
Matthew Hisrich, County Comissioner District 1
Gayle Bond, County Council District 2
Mark Harris, County Council District 4
Cheryl Heacox, Clay Township Board
Marvin Heacox, Clay Township Board
Conley Tillson (Incumbent), Clay Township Board

A light-hearted look at the serious problem of government overreach.

2011-07-23T19:24:00.002-04:00

Check out Rex Bell's "Stinky Shorts".

Poll: If you were a member of Congress, would you vote to raise the debt ceiling?

2011-07-18T13:43:00.001-04:00

Libertarian Party of Indiana Poll: If you were a member of Congress, would you vote to raise the debt ceiling?

Ed Coleman on Atlas Liberty.

2011-07-07T10:43:00.000-04:00

Rutherford's Atlas Liberty PAC

2011-07-03T10:01:00.001-04:00

After the 2006 Libertarian Party national convention, I founded Atlas Liberty PAC along with several friends. It formally started in September 2006.

Its mission is to provide Libertarian candidates (and parties) at all levels the practical, nuts-and-bolts support necessary to become an effective force in local politics. This is because Atlas Liberty is not a think tank, for its focus transcends ideology, positions and principles to focus on the mechanics and hard work of real politics providing the knowledge and resources our affiliates need to win elections.

In November 2010, Atlas Liberty PAC took a big step by naming Evan McMahon to be its Executive Director. Evan has already provided support to several candidates in Nebraska and Indiana, and has worked with volunteers in Ohio.

In the past, Atlas Liberty PAC has provided scholarships for libertarians to attend campaign training programs in Ohio and Washington, D.C. and provided financial support to candidates in Arizona, Texas and Indiana.

You can help by making a contribution to Atlas Liberty by clicking here to help us raise $100,000 in 2011.

Please also take a look at Atlas Liberty PAC on Facebook. Click here to link to Atlas Liberty's Facebook page.

Did You Know?

2011-06-29T12:01:00.002-04:00

I meet with Indianapolis City-County Councilor Ed Coleman before every council meeting to discuss the agenda and proposed ordinances. George Edwards, John Meuser and Tim Maguire often join Ed and me too at these meetings.

My political action committee is Atlas Liberty PAC.

Its mission is to provide Libertarian candidates (and parties) at all levels the practical, nuts-and-bolts support necessary to become an effective force in local politics. This is because Atlas Liberty is not a think tank, for its focus transcends ideology, positions and principles to focus on the mechanics and hard work of real politics providing the knowledge and resources our affiliates need to win elections.

Click here to link to Atlas Liberty's Facebook page. Click here to go to its website.

I have a politician Facebook page. Click here to go to it.

I have a personal Facebook page. Click here to go to it.

Click here to go to my Twitter page.

I attended my first Central Committee meeting of the Libertarian Party of Indiana during the summer of 1998. It was possible to know almost every active Libertarian in the state in 1998. Most were on the Central Committee. The activities of the party were limited and mostly centered around the Secretary of State race that year.

In 2011 I meet very active Hoosier Libertarians all the time who I have never met before. In fact, it has become impossible to know about all the Libertarian activities in the state and all of the active Libertarians in the state. The party is now that big!

Good Evening

2011-06-28T17:22:00.001-04:00

It is good to have some time to update The Rutherford Report.

Ed Coleman for Indianapolis City-County Council District 24 is working hard on his re-election campaign.

Check out the web site of Atlas Liberty, PAC, my political action committee, at www.atlasliberty.com.

Check out the Atlas Liberty Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/AtlasLiberty

Deadline to Register for Redistricting and Gerrymandering Seminar is Wednesday, December 15th

2010-12-11T15:40:00.005-05:00

Here's a reminder that the deadline to sign-up for Common Cause Indiana's seminar Redistricting 2011:
An End to Gerrymandering or More of the Same Political Game? is December 15th.

Click here to register for the seminar.

Lot's of Libertarians attended their seminar last year. I'll be there this year, as well as Mike Kole.

Libertarians - Redistricting and Gerrymandering Seminar on December 17th

2010-12-03T12:52:00.005-05:00

Dear Libertarian Friends:

I am once again helping Common Cause with their yearly December seminar on the 17th. It is a topic near and dear to the hearts of most Libertarians – Redistricting and Gerrymandering.

Below is a brochure on it.

It is $25 for non-attorneys - $15 for students.

Try to make it if you can. Libertarians who went last year had a good experience.

I will be there and so will 2006 Libertarian Secretary of State candidate Mike Kole.

MWR

Add One More Name to List of Indiana Libertarians Elected to Partisan Office

2010-11-03T21:47:00.002-04:00

Here is the list of partisan Libertarians elected in Indiana. 15 different Libertarians have been elected to partisan office in Indiana. Here are their names, followed by their office, year(s) elected and term(s) of office:

(1). Mary Dufour, Jefferson Township Trustee, Washington County, 1998, 1999-02

(2). Zenith Caudill, Jefferson Township Advisory Board, Washington County, 1998, 1999-02

(3). Phil Miller, Greenfield City Council, 1999, 2000-03

(4). Darren Nolan, Universal City Council, 1999, 2000-03

(5). Gale Owen, Silver Lake City Council, 1999, 2000-03

(6). Edward Dilts, Needham Township Advisory Board, Johnson County, 2002, 2003-06

(7). Anita M. Amspaugh, Union City Clerk-Treasurer, 2003, 2004-07

(8). Susan Bell, Hagerstown Town Court Judge, 2003, 2007, 2004-11

(9). Susan K. Pyle, MD, Union City Council, 2003, 2004-07

(10). Russell Reichard, Union City Council, 2003, 2004-resigned 06

(11). Jay Thompson, Gosport Town Council, 2003, 2004-07

(12). Conley Tillson, Clay Township Advisory Board, Wayne County, 2006, 2007-10

(13). Steve Coffman, Liberty Township Advisory Board, Henry County, 2006, 2010, 2007-14

(14). Michael Sloan, Pottawattamie Park Town Council, 2007, 2008-11

(15). Cheryl Heacox, Clay Township Advisory Board, Wayne County, 2010, 2011-14

Democrat Mailers on Libertarians Knott and Vogel Fail to State that They Aren't Authorized by the Candidates

2010-10-30T23:42:00.003-04:00

The last couple of days, the Democrat Party of Indiana has sent direct mass mail pieces to voters claiming that Libertarian Congressional candidates Greg Knott and Mark Vogel are "true" conservatives.

I have received photographs of both direct mail pieces, and have failed to see where the Democrat Party of Indiana states whether these mailings have been authorized by the candidates themselves. It is my understanding that public communications concerning a federal candidate must state whether the candidates have authorized the piece or not.

If you look at a lot of the negative campaign television commercials out there produced by PAC's, it will have printed at the end of the television commercial words to the effect of "Paid for by ABC, PAC. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee".

Click here to read more about disclosure requirements pursuant to federal law.

Secretary of State Editorial Cartoon - Comparison of Wherry, Osili and White

2010-10-29T16:14:00.002-04:00

Mike Wherry for Secretary of State Radio Commercials

2010-10-29T11:37:00.006-04:00

Here is the list of stations in which Libertarian Mike Wherry for Indiana Secretary of State radio commercials are running from now until Tuesday:

WHON - Richmond/Wayne County
WQLK - Richmond/Wayne County
WLEG - Elkhart/Michiana
WRAY - Princeton/Evansville
WCOE - La Porte/NW Indiana
WIOU - Kokomo/Central
WIFE - Rushville/East Central
WXNT - Indianapolis/Central
WOWO - Ft. Wayne/Northeast
WWWY - Columbus/Indianapolis/Southeast
ESPN/WBOW/WSDX - Terre Haute/Lafayette West Central

I heard one on WXNT in Indianapolis yesterday!

Editorial Cartoon

2010-10-26T22:15:00.003-04:00

Rex Bell Newspaper Ads Start This Week

2010-10-03T21:15:00.006-04:00

Rex Bell Libertarian for District 54 Representative newspaper ads begin to run this week.

Rex won 8 of 59 precincts for the same race in 2008.

Here is a picture of Rex Bell, followed by the advertisements:

The Rutherford Report 10-2-10

2010-10-02T16:36:00.006-04:00

Brendan Kelly is running for District 14 New Hampshire State House, www.brendankellylpnh.com.

Brandan is an elected official, serving as a Selectman on the Seabrook Council. He has served as Chair of the Seabrook Council.

The Seabrook Council overlaps two-thirds of the 14th District.

In 2008, before Kelly became better known through his position as a Seabrook Council selectman, he came in sixth of nine candidates seeking a house seat in District 14. The top four candidates are elected to the New Hampshire house in the 14th District.

This year, there are only seven candidates for the four seats available in the 14th District.

Kelly is in need of funds to make two mailings and run newspaper advertisements before the election. The legislative districts in New Hampshire have relatively few voters, so $2500 can help him put the final touches on his campaign.

Why he might get elected:

1. He's an elected official within the legislative district.
2. He ran well in 2008 despite a lack of name recognition he had at the time.
3. He has vastly improved name recognition since 2010 from his service as a Selectman.
4. The relatively low number of votes needed to win means that $2500 can meaningfully help him reach crucial voters.

Go to his web site and hit the donate button to donate on-line or follow the instructions on his web site to give by check. Let me know if you help Brandan by leaving a comment to this post.

Libertarian Chris Bowen Gets FOP Endorsement

2010-09-18T13:41:00.001-04:00

Indiana Libertarian Christopher Bowen has been endorsed by the Indianapolis Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #86 for Lawrence Township Trustee.

The Rutherford Report 9-15-10

2010-09-15T21:23:00.007-04:00

Here's may latest list of "best bets" for Libertarian candidates:

Best bets for Libertarian wins for state legislature (in no particular order):
1. Tim Mullen, 120th Pennsylvania State House, www.votemullen.com
2. Bill Yarbrough, 9th Ohio State Senate, www.yarbroughforohio.com
3. Joseph Hauptmann, 87th Indiana State House, www.electjoeh.com
4. Rex Bell, 54th Indiana State House, www.electrexbell.com
5. Scott Kolhaas, 20th Alaska State House, www.scottforhouse.org
6. Brendan Kelly, 14th New Hampshire State House, www.brendankellylpnh.com

Best bets for best percentage of votes for US House (in no particular order):
1. Carlos Rodriguez, US House District 28 California, www.rodriguezgoestowashington.com
2. Edward Gonzalez, US House District 16 California, www.edwardmgonzalez.com
3. Jim Prindle, US House District 4, Texas, www.prindleforcongress.com
4. John Jay Myers, US House District 32, Texas, www.johnjaymyers.com
5. Chard Reid, US House District 5, Indiana, www.beatburton.com

Support these candidates with money and/or time. Tell them you learned about them through The Rutherford Report. Spread my list to your Libertarian friends.

Like any good oddsmaker, I'll change the list as I learn new information. Give me new information!!! Thanks.

Big Brother Ballard and New License Plate Readers

2010-09-10T14:53:00.004-04:00

The Republicans are getting really good at being Big Brother, making it even harder for the Democrats to keep up (unfortunately the D's are getting really good at it as well).

Learn more about the new license plate readers purchased for the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department in the Indianapolis Star article "IMPD plugs in new license plate scanners".

Can you say "Police State"?

Thank you Big Brother Ballard, the Mayor of Indianapolis.

Rebecca Sink-Burris Is Featured on Front Page of Indianapolis Star

2010-09-06T10:04:00.005-04:00

Indiana Libertarian United States Senate Candidate Rebecca Sink-Burris is featured on the front page of today's (September 6, 2010) Indianapolis Star. Click here for the article on the Star website. Click here for the Indianapolis Star home page, go to the left column, scroll down about half-way, and click on the link "View larger version" below the picture of today's front page. You can see the feature article's placement on a picture of the actual front page.

City of Cleveland Promotes Illegal Dumping of Trash

2010-08-20T12:25:00.002-04:00

I'll bet good money that the result of the efforts of Cleveland to promote recycling will have an unintended consequence - illegal dumping of trash. Why don't the nanny staters get the law of unintended consequences?

Does This Mean That All Rapists, Murderers, Child Molesters, Burglars, and Robbers Have Been Arrested and Convicted?

2010-08-18T17:30:00.007-04:00

I assume that since government law enforcement is now going after fire breathing bartenders that all of the rapists, murderers, child molesters, burglars and robbers have been arrested and convicted?

Want to Win an Election - Get Robert Butler's Handbook and Workbook

2010-07-03T15:53:00.004-04:00

Robert Butler, Executive Director of the Libertarian Party of Texas, has written 18 Steps to Win a Local Election, consisting of an handbook and workbook.

I highly recommend both of these to Libertarians running for office.

Both the handbook and workbook are easy to understand, easy to read, and systematically lay out the necessary framework all campaigns should follow.

Both only cost $25 as well. It is an incredible bargain.

Take a Look at These Texas Libertarian Candidates

2010-06-25T14:33:00.004-04:00

As Libertarian Party national Vice Chair - I hear a lot about campaigns across the nation. A lot of good reports come from Texas.

The Texas Libertarian Party has really grown over the last six years, and is running very good candidates, and lots of them. It has also significantly improved its fund raising prowess, and has Robert Butler as Executive Director. Robert worked for the Libertarian Party of Indiana several years ago.

Here are some candidates and campaigns in Texas in which I'm hearing some good things:

1. John Jay Meyers 32 US House www.johnjaymyers.com 214-824-4150
2. David Smith 2 US House www.dsmithforcongress.com 832-329-5313
3. Robert Nowotny for State Rep 73 www.needtovote.com 830-228-5950
4. Jim Prindle 4 US House www.prindleforcongress 214-909-2311
5. Bruce West 8 US House www.brucewestforcongress.com 281-622-0732
6. Jim Strohm 21 US House www.strohmforcongress.com
7. Jim Stutsman 25 US House 512-797-3905
8. Ed Mishou 27 US House 956-541-7091

Now who to list is always a subjective call, and information changes daily. I'm sure I've missed some good campaigns in Texas that deserve to be called out as well.

Help Wayne Root and Mark Rutherford Win at the National Convention

2010-05-12T16:24:00.004-04:00

It costs money to communicate with the delegates at the Libertarian National Convention and to run for internal party office. Any help with money - helps!

You can help Wayne Root's campaign for National Chair by giving what you can by clicking here: http://www.rootforamerica.com/home/paypal.php

You can help Mark Rutherford's campaign for National Vice-Chair by sending a check or money order to Rutherford at 151 N. Delaware Street, Suite 1900, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204 or by donating to Rutherford's political action committee by clicking here: https://atlasliberty.com/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=1

Latest Press Release by Greg Knott, Libertarian for Indiana's 9th Congressional District

2010-05-10T15:37:00.001-04:00

"May 10, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Knott defends FairTax proposal after Hill’s attack

In his May 5 press release, incumbent Democratic Congressman Baron Hill attacked the FairTax as “an extremist and economically-detrimental” idea and misrepresented the revenue neutral proposal as a “23 percent national sales tax on goods and services”.

Greg Knott, the Libertarian challenger for the 9th District responded to Hill’s misleading statements saying, “FairTax is just a better way to collect the same amount of taxes, and is not a tax increase for anyone except criminals. Drug dealers, prostitutes and other tax cheats in the underground economy currently pay no taxes because they don’t report their cash income to the government and don’t receive paychecks with payroll taxes already taken out. The FairTax forces these criminals to pay their fair share when they buy items at the store which will allow taxes to be lowered for honest middle class Americans while collecting the same amount of revenue to pay for government services.”

Asked who else benefits from the current tax system, Knott replied, “As the third wealthiest person in the world, Warren Buffet paid a 17.7% tax rate on his $46 million of taxable income in 2006, while his employees paid an average 32.9% tax rate (his receptionist's tax rate was 30%). I agree with Buffet that his real tax rate should not be lower than the people who work for him, and believe FairTax is the best solution to fix this injustice. Congressmen like Baron Hill also benefit from the status quo since they only pay social security taxes on $106,800 of their $174,000 salary while middle class Americans pay social security taxes on their whole income.”
When asked who will benefit most from the FairTax when it is passed into law, Knott said, “People who are unemployed or underemployed will benefit the most because economists have concluded export prices are inflated by an average of 20% due to federal hidden taxes. Removing the hidden taxes makes exports more competitive globally and will result in high paying manufacturing jobs flowing back to depressed areas like the Midwest. The working poor will also benefit since their paychecks will no longer be reduced by taxes and the sales tax rebate on poverty level spending will insure everyone is able to put food on the table and a roof over their head.”

Knott reminds Hoosiers who want FairTax to, “call 202-225-5315 and educate Baron Hill’s staff with the facts on fairtax.org so that he will co-sponsor the legislation. If Hill continues to block this progressive jobs bill then voters should fire him in November and elect me to send a message to Washington demanding common sense tax reform.”

For more information on “Knott for Congress, not politics as usual”, call campaign manager, Jonathan “Luke” Hilton, at 317-850-6078 or email nobullcongress@gmail.com.
END"

Two Indianapolis Libertarians Finish Strong in School Board Races

2010-05-05T12:18:00.004-04:00

Indianapolis Libertarians should be very proud today.

Allison Maguire finished a strong fifth in a field of 13 candidates for Pike Township School Board. Unfortunately, only the top three finishers were elected to the board.

Allison is currently on the Central Committee of the Libertarian Party of Indiana, representing the 7th Congressional District.

Jo (Josephine) Coleman placed a strong third out of seven candidates for an at-large position on the Indianapolis Public School's board. She has been an officer of the Libertarian Party of Marion County.

Both didn't hide their Libertarian ties, and wore them proudly during these non-partisan races. They both know that non-partisan refers to how one gets on the ballot and is labeled on the ballot. It does not mean you can't proudly be a Libertarian and say so.

Lastly, the Libertarian Party of Marion County also endorsed Paul Ogden, who finished sixth behind Allison Maguire.

Here are the results of both races:

Indianapolis School Board at-large (only one elected):

Chequrita (Cece) Booker, 1,626, 9.01
Josephine Coleman, 2,674, 14.82
Justin Paul Forkner, 2,580, 14.30
Ronald (Ronnie) Hampton Jr, 1,581, 8.76
William Jackson, 1,292, 7.16
Leroy Robinson, 3,789, 21.00
Andrea J. (Annie) Roof, 4,503, 24.95

Pike Township School Board (top three finishers elected):

John E. Brown, 2,194, 11.76
David S. Copher, 1,344, 7.20
George E. Crooks, 1,229, 6.59
Thomas Allen Haynes, 662, 3.55
Eric Huffine, 2,056, 11.02
Carl Z. Liggins Sr., 1,243, 6.66
Allison Maguire, 1,784, 9.56
Tammy D. Moon, 876, 4.69
Paul K. Ogden, 1,529, 8.19
Brownell Payne, 534, 2.86
Regina Randolph, 2,395, 12.83
Wanda N. Thomas, 720, 3.86
Yvette R. White, 2,094, 11.22

Washington Township (Indianapolis) Libertarian Club Meets May 19th

2010-05-03T14:52:00.003-04:00

The next meeting of the Washington Township Libertarian Club is Wednesday, May 19th from 7 to 9 pm at Cornerstone Coffee/Moe & Johnny's at 54th and College.

Many, many thanks to Washington Township Libertarian Douglass Gaking who is organizing and spearheading this meeting!

Learn more about it on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/mwrutherford#!/event.php?eid=105578559485803&ref=mf

Libertarian Election Season Again - So Far in 2010 - 59 Partisan and 2 Non-Partisan Candidates in Indiana

2010-05-03T12:43:00.003-04:00

This is going to be a good year for the Libertarian Party of Indiana. So far, at the State Convention and various County Conventions, 59 Libertarians have been nominated for partisan office. Additionally, two Libertarians are running for non-partisan school board positions.

As I've done for several election seasons, I'm keeping a track of Indiana Libertarian candidates at the right top of this page. Let me know who I've missed. I believe Rush County and maybe Lake County have nominated candidates for local office, but I don't have reliable information on this as of yet.

Rutherford Seeks Libertarian Party Vice Chairmanship

2010-05-03T11:14:00.001-04:00

I am seeking the Vice Chairmanship of the Libertarian Party at its national convention in St. Louis this May 28th through 31st.

Chard Reid Seeks LPIN Nomination for 5th Congressional District

2010-04-21T17:40:00.002-04:00

Chard Reid is seeking the Libertarian Party of Indiana nomination for Indiana's Fifth Congressional District this Saturday, April 21st. He is an Economics teacher at Heritage Christian School in Indianapolis.

He also is a graduate of Anderson University.

New Indiana Libertarian County Chairs

2010-04-19T18:06:00.001-04:00

There are three new Libertarian Party of Indiana county chairs in Indiana. They are:

Allen - Russ Scribner
Hancock - Rob White
Monroe - Luke Hilton

Jason Cooper has been named organizing Chair for Knox County and its efforts to affiliate with the Libertarian Party of Indiana:

Libertarian Officeholders from Marion County, Indiana (Indianapolis)

2010-04-13T18:29:00.002-04:00

Past and current Libertarian officeholders from Marion County, Indiana (Indianapolis) taken at a gathering in February 2010 of Marion County Libertarians at the downtown Indianapolis Antelope Club. From left to right, Brad Klopfenstein (former member of the Metropolitan Board of Zoning Appeals), Ed Coleman (Indianapolis City-County Councilor), Mark Rutherford (Indiana State Public Defender Commission, Chairman), Chris Spangle (Indiana HAVA Commission), Tim Maguire (former member of the Metropolitan Board of Zoning Appeals).

Marion County (Indianapolis) Libertarian Party Nominates Candidates at Convention

2010-04-13T15:30:00.002-04:00

At its annual convention last Saturday afternoon, the Libertarian Party of Marion County (Indianapolis) nominated the following candidates for office:

James Madjak, Marion County Assessor
Garry Adams, Franklin Township Trustee
Drew Bisson, Wayne Township Trustee
Christopher Bowen, Lawrence Township Trustee
Zachary Capehart, Center Township Trustee
Richard Cunningham, Washington Township Trustee
John Henderson, Perry Township Trustee
Erik Morris, Pike Township Trustee
Mike Bishop, Pike Township Constable
Jared Wales, Decatur Township Trustee

The Terrorists Have Won - We Are Now a Police State

2010-03-30T09:40:00.003-04:00

The terrorists have succeeded in causing us to turn our political principles upside down.

The police are toting machine guns on New York City subways.

Shame Presidents Bush, Shame President Obama, Shame Mayor Bloomberg, etc., etc., etc. . . .

Your names will never be uttered with praise among the defenders of freedom and liberty.

AHIMSA and SWARAJ

2010-03-26T22:10:00.002-04:00

Amisha, Swaraj, Satyagraha - Ghandi

2000 Indiana Libertarian Attorney General Candidate Featured Actor in Super Bowl Commercial

2010-02-08T14:11:00.003-05:00

Did you notice a familiar face in the Indiana Farm Bureau commercial during last night's Super Bowl? The male lead in the commercial was acted by Sean Harshey. Sean, a local Indianapolis attorney, was the 2000 Libertarian candidate for Indiana Attorney General.

"Disarming the law-abiding public is not an option" - James Majdak, Treasurer, Libertarian Party of Marion County

2010-01-17T16:07:00.003-05:00

Marion County, Indiana Libertarian Party Treasurer James Majdak is quoted in the Indianapolis Star article titled "Public safety nominee passes test with ease" in regards to Indianapolis Mayor Ballard's appointment of Frank Straub as Public Safety Director - "Disarming the law-abiding public is not an option(.)".

Just Like Homeland Security, the Indiana Petroleum Marketers & Convenience Store Association Has Lost All Common Sense

2010-01-12T21:59:00.007-05:00

The Indiana Petroleum Marketers & Convenience Store Association and 13 chains in its membership has lost all sense of proportion and common sense and will ask for proof of age (ID) from all customers for alcohol (I can hear the puritans bemoan that it is legal at all).

I haven't looked under 21 for a long time. But I will be carded at their stores.

Whatever happened to common sense? Well the corporatists have joined politicians in this effort. House Bill 189 has been introduced in this years General Assembly by the apparently big government, nanny state loving Republican Phil Boots of Crawfordsville which will require all stores to throw out common sense and card everyone who purchases alcohol. The Indiana Petroleum Marketers & Convenience Store Association has also thrown its lot with big government and the nanny state, and has endorsed House Bill 189.

By the way, as I learn about stores that card everyone for alcohol, I will post information about them. I will not frequent them for any business, but will take my business to those stores that exercise common sense. The inconvenience and idiocy makes their business unappealing to me.

Here's the list of stores so far that have elected to become like government, and throw common sense out the window - Village Pantry, Speedway, Circle K, Gas America, McClure, Ricker’s, ampm, Luke’s, Good to Go, Chuckles, Circle A Food Marts, Super-Test and Gallahan Kwik Marts.

Colts To Rest Starters For First Game - The Onion

2010-01-12T14:57:00.002-05:00

Click here to read all about The Onion's inside scope on the Indianapolis Colt's game plan for the first game of the playoffs". Hilarious, with a grain of truth in it.

Class Warfare is Now the Private Sector (the poor) vs. the Government Sector (the rich)

2010-01-12T12:15:00.002-05:00

Read about the new class warfare - private sector (the poor) vs. government sector (the rich) - in the Reason Magazine article Class War - How public servants became our masters.

Obama Executive Order on Council of Governor's a Thinly Veiled Power Play to Further Diminish Federalism and the Role of State Governments

2010-01-12T08:48:00.004-05:00

President Obama has created by executive order dated January 11, 2010 a "Council of Governors" regarding "homeland security" matters. It consists of 10 governors of which no more than 5 can come from the same political party.

Here is what my friend Stephen Gordon of Alabama has to say about this: ". . .the president is clearly pushing the edges on state sovereignty. It's especially noteworthy at a time the Dems are already being accused of overreach. (I am)(n)ot sure (how) compliant this is with the 10th Amendment, either."

He further states: ". . . it's not all 50 states, but 10. While this Council has no regulatory authority, if they issue a report to the national media, it will shift the direction of media conversation in the direction of the decision of the Council, making it easier to approve the agenda of the governors appointed by Obama.

Second of all, it's now easier to take a second step and grant the Council some unconstitutional authority. This is especially easy when it's in response to some sort of "crisis.""

New From Reason TV: "We're the TSA and You Can Count on Us! (to overreact to tiny threats and ignore big ones)"

2010-01-07T12:48:00.001-05:00

Update on US Government's Efforts to Destroy the Airline Industry and Give the Terrorists a Victory

2010-01-06T21:25:00.003-05:00

Read more about the incompetence that is the United State's government hallmark regarding airport security in the New York Times article "New Route for Airports: Contradictions, Delays".

Did we have this type of problem in security with stagecoaches and trains, the precursors of the airplane? If I remember correctly, the private stagecoach and train companies had armed men with them and everyone knew it. They also allowed riders to carry their own weapons too.

I bet if the government was in charge of security during the heyday of the stagecoach and trains, there would be no airports and the west would still be undeveloped because it took too many years to get through security and get somewhere else! We all just decided to stay at home, cowering from the terrorists, like our government wants us to do (so it can protect us and control us).

Win the war against terrorism - elected statesmen to political office and get rid of the carpetbaggers now invading most of our public institutions. Vote Libertarian.

Big Brother Indiana Government Strikes Again - Fail to File Income Tax Return Even if You Owe Nothing - Get Fined $500

2010-01-06T16:34:00.004-05:00

The Indiana General Assembly, with one house controlled by Democrats and the other by Republicans, has introduced another Big Brother is watching tax law.

Starting with the 2010 Indiana income tax return, the failure to file a tax return, even if you owe no taxes or are owed a refund, means you may be fined $10 a day up to a maximum $500.

For the lawyers out there, the new provision is found in Indiana Code 6-8-10-2.1(g).

File your voluntary income taxes, or else! (Sarcasm intended).

Since this provision passed both a Republican controlled chamber and a Democratic controlled chamber, it is further proof that there is little difference between the old political parties.

We Are All Criminals You Know - Part 3

2010-01-06T15:46:00.001-05:00

Even our TSA screeners may someday be breaking child porn laws - see Hit & Run blog post titled "The Fine Line Between Airport Screener and Child Pornographer".

We are all criminals you know.

We Are All Criminals You Know - Part 2

2010-01-06T15:42:00.002-05:00

See Reason Magazine Article "Securing the Border Against Creepy Pictures on Some Guy's Laptop"

I Rarely Fly if the Drive is Five and 1/2 hours or Less

2010-01-05T11:15:00.007-05:00

What has been a major effect of the TSA (Transportation Security Adminstration) on my life?

I no longer fly to St. Louis, Detroit, Chicago and Cleveland at the drop of a hat (and I miss the resulting reduced number of Cubs games I attend). If the drive is five and 1/2 hours or less, I am most likely to drive rather than fly now.

Why is this?

First, the TSA screening lines, especially during top travel periods, are too unpredictable and not an efficient use of my time.

Second, the government's security measures at airports are reactionary, ineffective and have limited value. Systems that "punish all" are usually less effective than a sieve is at holding water. Security measures that are targeted make more sense (if only the government had done so, a certain Nigerian might have been intercepted long before he tried to blow up a plane in Detroit as it was getting ready to land).

Third, the screening is too intrusive (guilty unless proven innocent comes to mind) without an effective cost/benefit aspect that overwhelms its intrusive nature.

Fourth, with the security measures, hassle, parking, etc. at the airport, I can get to my destination by driving in a comparable period of time.

Does the government realize that its programs for security, as represented by the TSA, is reducing air travel, has the potential to drive airlines out of business, is changing our lifestyles, promotes irrational fear and is showing to the world that we are afraid and reactionary? It is my opinion that these results are the goals of the terrorists. Therefore, the terrorists are winning.

When is the American government going to get tough with terrorists and not do things that allow the terrorists to declare victory? Our government has grown soft! Where is John Wayne when you need him?

193 Libertarians Seeking Party Nomination in Texas

2010-01-05T11:01:00.004-05:00

The Libertarian Party of Texas has announced that 193 Libertarians have filed their paperwork to seek the Libertarian nomination for an office at their various county, district and state conventions. Five Libertarians are seeking the Libertarian nod to run as the Libertarian candidate for Governor of Texas.

Congratulations and good job to the Texas LP.

Libertarian Party of Texas Executive Director Robert Butler is a former employee of the Libertarian Party of Indiana. Since leaving Indiana he has also been Executive Director of the Libertarian Party of Ohio.

Check Out Harvard Economist Jeffrey Miron's Blog, Libertarianism, from A to Z

2010-01-04T16:42:00.004-05:00

Harvard economist and Cato Institute Senior Fellow Jeffrey Miron has a relatively new blog that is worth following. It is titled Libertarianism, from A to Z.

I first became aware of Miron in the Spring of 2005 when I attended a lecture at Wabash College. Miron was the 2004-2005 lecturer at Wabash College's annual Rogge Memorial Lecture.

The Rogge Memorial Lecture honors the late Wabash College professor Ben Rogge, a champion of libertarian principles and free market economics. (Milton Friedman's book Capitalism and Freedom is based on a series of lectures he gave at Wabash College, at the behest of Rogge, in 1954.)

Rogge also narrated the film The Incredible Bread Machine, which has an appearance by Friedman:

Miron has appeared on many news shows as well:

Prohibition Makes Smoking Fashionable (and the Smoking Ban Ignored) in New York City

2010-01-02T15:25:00.004-05:00

Click here to read the New York Times article on how smoking bans are being ignored in New York City.

The only winners with the smoking bans are those willing to flaunt the bans, and the law enforcement and code enforcement officers hired to enforce the bans. Once a smoking ban is in place, expect the law and code enforcement officers to be the strongest supporters of the bans.

Sadly, it appears to me that effect of the smoking bans is to make smoking more exotic and desirable - the opposite effect allegedly intended by the puritanical supporters of smoking bans. However, if you believe smoking bans are really the creation of elites who want to control and harass people, well, maybe the fact that smoking bans encourage and create more lawbreakers is the true purpose of the bans.

We are all criminals, you know.

Why I am no longer a Republican, Part 356 - 2009 Nanny of the Year - New York City Republican Mayor Michael Bloomberg

2010-01-02T12:40:00.001-05:00

The Rewards of Socialism - "The Grandiose Decay of Abandoned Detroit"

2009-12-31T09:36:00.002-05:00

Click here to see very interesting pictures of a major achievement of American socialism - the abandonment of Detroit.

When I have more time, I'll find pictures of another major achievement of American socialism, the slums of the Bronx in the 1970's that were caused in large part by rent control laws.

Failing to Win Because You Give Up is Not Admirable

2009-12-27T21:14:00.002-05:00

Click here to see an excellent blog post titled "Colts are like my students who f-ailed" on the difference of failing to win because one gives up (like the Colts) and failure (in which the effort is still admired).

When the Taxpayers Subsidize Your Business - You Should Give it Your Best at All Times, Part Two

2009-12-27T20:34:00.002-05:00

If your business does not depend upon explicit taxpayer subsidies, a decision not to give your customers the best may be fool-hardy, but it's your business and business plan. Customers can protest by refusing to buy your product or service.

However when your business relies on taxpayer subsidies and largesse, such as the big business Indianapolis Colts, then you owe your best at all times. It is hard for a taxpayer to refuse to subsidize your product or service when government takes the money away from the taxpayer whether you like it or not.

By the way, I'm curious if readers of this blog think that Lucas Oil Stadium is more important than putting the same amount of money into Indianapolis' sewers so the City stops polluting the White River with raw sewage? Our city "leaders" most certainly thought raw sewage in the White River was a lower priority than Lucas Oil Stadium.

When The Taxpayers Subsidize Your Business - You Should Give it Your Best at All Times

2009-12-27T20:32:00.002-05:00

What say you Indianapolis Colts to the above? If you think I'm talking about you - I am.

My Thoughts about Today's Indianapolis Colts Display of a Lack of Character and Fortitude

2009-12-27T19:53:00.002-05:00

Colts fans at the game should demand a refund of their money and I demand from the Colts and the City of Indianapolis a refund of "temporary" (since the mid-80's) restaurant tax used to support their stadium.

But should I be surprised by today's events by a big business in bed with big government?

Further Proof that the US Government is Dominated by One "Tax and Spend" Political Party With Two Factions Called the Republicans and Democrats

2009-12-26T22:45:00.005-05:00

Click here and read this ABC News article and carefully review how the Republicans in Congress justify their "tax and spend" days during the immediate past Bush Administration.

It is further proof there is only one political party dominating the US Government which has as its main mission "tax and spend". It has two factions - the Democratic faction and the Republican faction.

It is time for all to vote for and elect Libertarians to office, the party for fiscally responsible and competent limited government.

Vote for Real Change and True Hope - the Libertarians!

Merry Christmas - Blast From The Past - Libertarian Party of Indiana State Convention 2001

2009-12-25T15:55:00.007-05:00

The 2001 Libertarian Party of Indiana State Convention was held in the Spring at the French Lick Springs Resort in French Lick, Indiana.

Libertarian Party of Indiana convention delegates. Jame Goldstein and Sam Goldstein are pictured at the left front table.

Current Libertarian Party of Indiana Chair Sam Goldstein (l) and past State Chair (2000-07) Mark Rutherford (r)

(From left to right) Past Indiana State Chair (1984-85, 88-89), past Libertarian Party National Chairman and past Libertarian Party Executive Director Steve Dasbach, Charlie Kennedy, Carla Howell (Massachusetts) and Bob Thayer.

Luncheon Speaker Andy Horning (past Indianapolis mayoral candidate and gubernatorial candidate).

Sam Goldstein introducing luncheon speaker Andy Horning.

Lunch (Eric Barnes in the sunglasses).

Former Libertarian Party of Indiana Executive Director Brad Klopfenstein at the podium and convention chair Cheryl Pearcy at the table.

Past State Chair (1989-96) Dr. Barbara Bourland.

Mark Rutherford (standing and arm raised) fund raising by asking for everyone to empty their wallets for the good of the order.

Past Secretary of State candidate (1994, 98) and current national president of NORML Steve Dillon (l) and convention speaker Carla Howell of Massachusetts.

French Lick Springs Resort in 2001.

Republican Mayor Ballard Shows Anti-Second Amendment Side

2009-12-23T21:48:00.002-05:00

Disappointingly, Republican Indianapolis Mayor Ballard has shown a pro gun-grabbing, anti-Second Amendment side to his administration.

He has asked the Indianapolis City-County Council to approve Frank Straub as the new Public Safety Director for the City of Indianapolis.

Straub has made it clear that he believes there are too many guns on the street, that there needs to be a national policy on guns, and that there has to be a control of the flow of guns between the states. (See Indianapolis Star article on Staub).

Make no mistake about it - these are code words for GUN CONTROL and IGNORING THE UNITED STATES AND INDIANA CONSTITUTIONS.

In Indianapolis it now appears there is no difference between most Democrats and Republicans - the elected officials from the two old parties support GUN CONTROL.

How Government Bureaucracy and a Lack of a Free Market Kills a City

2009-12-23T21:34:00.004-05:00

Read in the New York Times article "A City Shaken to its Core."about how government bureaucracy and a lack of a free market is doing more to destroy the Italian city of L'Aquila, Italy than a recent violent earthquake.

Editor's note - it reminds me of New Orleans, Louisiana, another example of governmental incompetence and a lack of a free market.

Republican Mayor Ballard Shows Pro-Regulation, Anti-Small Business Side

2009-12-23T20:37:00.007-05:00

Disappointingly, Republican Indianapolis Mayor Ballard has shown a pro-regulation, anti-small business side to his administration.

Instead of pushing the City-County Council to get rid of unnecessary, small business-inhibiting regulations and fees, the Mayor proposes to raise licensing fees on 27 types of businesses.

If he wants to increase the tax receipts for the city, he needs to work on a program that will help small businesses grow and hire more employees.

Lastly, does he really think these small businesses will pay the increased fees? LOL. They usually pass it on to the consumers or reduce costs by firing employees. Here's to more unemployment in Indianapolis (which is already too high because of minimum wage laws whose real purpose are to keep the wealthy - wealthy; and the poor - poor).

Libertarians - The Sensible Center

2009-12-21T11:19:00.005-05:00

Click on graphic to enlarge.

Click here for your own .pdf copy of the above.

D.C. Police Detective Shows Us How to Turn Snowball Fight into a Near Riot

2009-12-21T09:04:00.004-05:00

Amazing.

What is amazing is how the Washington, D.C. police detective in this video turns a relatively peaceful snowball fight targeting Hummers into a near riot - and gives a lot of people lots of reason to distrust and disrespect the police.

A good police officer would have pulled over - said it is wrong to throw snowballs at vehicles, and ask they keep the snowball fight between themselves. However, this detective pulls a gun and does lots to incite the crowd (we are all criminals you know)!

I hope the leaders of law enforcement give this detective sensitivity lessons and lessons on how he serves the people, not the reverse. He also needs to be taught that we are not all criminals and that we are not all targets of the war on crime.

This detective/police officer has done great damage towards the public's respect for the rule of law. I haven't heard a citizen call a policeman a "pig" in years.

Sad. Most policeman get it - but this one doesn't.

Libertarian Party of Marion County Chairman Attends Indiana Equality Fund Raiser

2009-12-21T08:38:00.002-05:00

On December 10th, Libertarian Party of Marion County Chairman Timothy Maguire attended the Indiana Equality holiday fund raiser in Indianapolis.

All three Marion County chairman of the ballot access political parties were there and a picture was taken of the three of them, together with leaders of Indiana Equality.

This was mentioned in yesterday's Indianapolis Star columnist Cathy Kightlinger's weekly column. The picture of the political party chairman accompanies the column.

Click here for a direct link to the picture.

Marion County Libertarians Mark Rutherford and Michael Schultheiss also attended the event.

Nevada Senator Harry Reid - You Made a Big, Big Mistake But It Will Help Get Libertarians Elected

2009-12-07T14:08:00.003-05:00

United States Senator Harry Reid has taken the rhetoric against his opponents on the health care debate to unbelievable levels. Interestingly, this is as he and his big government cohorts attempt to enslave United States citizens even further to the whims of the self-described political elite who have control of the United States government.

Great Graph on Government Process

2009-12-06T19:51:00.000-05:00

see more Funny Graphs

Heart Disease Death Rate Increases By 16% in Indianapolis After Smoking Ban - Thus Smoke Free Indy Logic Suggests Smoking Ban Should be Rescinded!

2009-12-03T12:06:00.008-05:00

Read the blog post "Heart Disease Death Rate Increased by 16% in First Year Following Indy Smoking Ban; By IOM Committee's Logic, Ban Caused Increase in Heart Attacks" for information on this drastic increase in heart disease after the passage of Indianapolis' Smoking Ban.

By using some of the logic applied by Smoke Free Indy in its attacks on the current Smoking Ban compromise, the general Smoking Ban enacted by the Indianapolis City-County Council in 2005 resulted in a 16% increase in deaths by heart disease in Indianapolis!

In my opinion this goes to show that Smoke Free Indy's efforts are not about the general health and welfare of people, but are about control and power over others, especially small and nascent businesses, by self designated elites including established big corporations represented by the local Chamber of Commerce (whose position on the Smoking Ban shows they do not represent the interests of small business owners). If this truly was about second hand smoke hurting workers, the statistics would show immediate health benefits, which they do not do.

Is the Bloomington Herald-Times Inadvertantly Helping Criminals Be Better Criminals?

2009-12-03T11:22:00.003-05:00

The Bloomington Herald-Times online web site is launching a new gun permit database for Monroe County and Bloomington, Indiana.

It is my opinion that this will make it easier for criminals, especially burglars, to target their victims in a way that minimizes the chance of a poor outcome (such as being shot).

A smart burglar will check the database and avoid areas in which there is a high number of homes with permit holders.

Below, from the Libertarian Party of Indiana Liberty Beacon is a reproduction of the news release about this from the NRA:

"On November 30, 2009, the Bloomington Herald-Times made the following announcement:

"This week, HeraldTimesOnline.com will launch its new gun permit database. You'll be able to search gun permit records by county, city or town and street."

The Herald-Times has begun receiving calls and emails, and their response is a defiant defense of their online gun permit database. Anyone who visits the newspaper website will be able to search the number of permits on a given street or neighborhood. Although at this point the names and house numbers are not listed, the newspaper's website treats law-abiding Indiana gun owners like sex offenders on a searchable database.

It is NRA's firm belief that there is no public good served by the publishing or cataloguing private citizens' gun ownership information, and that more harm is done by such an action. Law-abiding Hoosiers should not be subjected to the same treatment as sex offenders, and if the newspaper won't listen to their constituents and customers, then NRA Members and Indiana gun owners should send a financial message by cancelling their subscriptions to the Bloomington Herald-Times.

Please contact the Bloomington Herald-Times to respectfully voice your displeasure at the irresponsible action the newspaper has made."

Todd Rokita Headlines Common Cause Seminar on Redistricting

2009-11-20T11:05:00.006-05:00

Redistricting 2011: A New Day for Democracy or Politics as Usual?

I am honored to serve on the organizing committee for the Redistricting 2011: A New Day for Democracy or Politics as Usual? seminar on redistricting by Common Cause. The organizing committee is a group of people of different political interests (supporters of all three Indiana ballot access parties are represented) who have something in common - redistricting in Indiana needs to be less partisan and more representative of the needs of the people.

Current Indiana Secretary of State Todd Rokita is the headline speaker.

The seminar is set for December 18th in the Senate Chambers of the Indiana State House. It starts at 11:30 am and includes lunch. Details on cost are contained in the below brochure. You can register on-line at www.commoncause.org/indiana.

I hope to see a lot of Libertarians in attendance. We need to be supportive of the good ideas and efforts of other organizations when we have mutual agreement on important issues. This is how one implements Libertarian ideas.

Text of Yesterday's Press Conference of the Libertarian Party of Marion County on Possible Use of Taxpayer Money for Political Activity

2009-11-17T11:11:00.001-05:00

Following a money trail that includes the Marion County Health Dept, Clarian Health Partners, the Indiana Academy of Family Physicians, and Smoke Free Indy

Text from the Libertarian Party of Marion County’s press conference, held today (11/16/09).

Timothy Maguire: As we all know, Smoke Free Indy is “a coalition…dedicated to reducing secondhand smoke, tobacco usage and tobacco initiation through education, prevention and advocacy.” As far as we can tell, their chief spokeswoman, Lindsay Grace, is actually employed by Indiana Academy of Family Physicians. We also know that Smoke Free Indy’s activities as of late have included political activity, including putting out negative public comments about both Republican Mayor Ballard and the Libertarian Party. And as I have not heard any negative comments from them about the Democrat Party, I could only assume they were involved in partisan political activities. We have also heard that Lindsay Grace, who again, is employed by the Indiana Academy of Family Physicians, has been heavily lobbying members of the City-County Council to pass the specific public proposal 371.

Remarkably, even with what they proclaim themselves to be, Smoke Free Indy is not your standard advocacy group. As far as we can tell, they are not a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation, a registered lobbying group, or even a 527. It simply a unincorporated group of around 30 organizations, including Clarian Health, the Indiana Academy of Family Physicians, the Marion County Health Department, and others.

Because of Abdul’s reporting, we have now also learned that Smoke Free Indy has received up to $86,000 of taxpayer money to fund its activities. This $86,000 in taxpayer money comes from Indiana tobacco settlement dollars. Based on the information Abdul has published, we find that Indiana dolls out tobacco settlement dollars, and one of those agencies that distributes money is Indiana Tobacco Prevention and Cessation. Indiana Tobacco Prevention and Cessation gives money to the Marion County Health Department. The Marion County Health Department gives money to the Indiana Academy of Family Physicians and Clarian Health Partners. Clarian has a contract to promote anti-tobacco activities, but as far as we can tell, the Indiana Academy of Family Physicians is the home office for the unincorporated Smoke Free Indy on Monument Circle and employs Smoke Free Indy’s staff, including Lindsey Grace.

The reason I stand here today is that, based on this information, we are concerned about the possibility that there may have been improprieties committed by Smoke Free Indy as well as Lindsay Grace and the Indiana Academy of Family Physicians. In a few moments I will be asking our County Prosecutor, Carl Brizzi, to investigate this matter to see if there HAVE been improprieties, and if so, to prosecute the responsible parties fully under the law.

Later today I will also be filing a complaint with the Indiana State Board of Accounts, and will be asking them to look into potential state violations and we are exploring filing a federal complaint to see if there have been any Hatch Act violations by Smoke Free Indy’s organizational partners.

If Smoke Free Indy and their associated coalition members have not committed any improprieties, and we hope they have not, then the facts will bear that out. But if either Prosecutor Carl Brizzi, the State Board of Accounts or federal authorities find anything peculiar during their investigation, I will then ask Council President Bob Cockram to investigate what role any Councilors may have played in Smoke Free Indy’s attempt to push forward political legislation and sanction them accordingly.

Libertarian Party of Marion County Has Press Conference at Marion County Prosecutor's Office

2009-11-16T15:54:00.005-05:00

Read more about it in the Indianapolis Star article titled "Marion County Libertarian Party takes aim at Smoke Free Indy".

Libertarian City-Council Member Ed Coleman Offers to Match First $200 in LMPC Charity Drive for Second Helpings

2009-11-02T10:09:00.002-05:00

Indianapolis City-Council member at-Large and fellow Libertarian Ed Coleman has offered to match the first $200 in value collected during the Libertarian Party of Marion County's annual charity drives.

The Libertarian Party of Marion County is now collecting nonperishable food for its annual November food drive and new or gently used clothing for its annual December clothing drive. Additionally, the Libertarian Party of Marion County will also accept monetary donations this year to give to its beneficiary.

This year’s beneficiary is Second Helpings. Second Helpings not only distributes food and clothing, it also provides job training opportunities. Its website is http://www.secondhelpings.org/.

If you are interested in making a contribution, please bring nonperishable food to the LPMC November business meeting and clothing to the December Holiday Party. For monetary donations, you can donate through the LPMC PayPal account at http://www.indylp.org/donate. Specify "Food and Clothing Drive” when using PayPal to ensure that your donation is allocated to Second Helpings.

Marion County Libertarian Party Monthly Meeting to Focus on Fundraising

2009-11-02T09:56:00.002-05:00

The guest speaker for the November 10th Libertarian Party of Marion County Business Meeting is fellow Libertarian Jeff Stanger. Jeff is the Development Director for the Indiana Division of the Salvation Army. His speech topic is "Fundraising 101 for Libertarians".

Jeff Stanger is a veteran fundraiser and teaches workshops on grant writing and online fundraising. He is the co-host of Red Shield Radio and an author. He has worked with clients as large as the Salvation Army and as small as local churches. He specializes in helping small nonprofits find low cost solutions to their fundraising challenges.

The Libertarian Party of Marion County holds its monthly business meetings at the historic Athenaeum Building in Downtown Indianapolis located at 401 E. Michigan Street. They start at 7 pm and generally conclude by 9 pm.

Why Does Carrie Gurney, a Nonsmoker and Cocktail Waitress, Work at a Smoking Establishment?

2009-10-26T15:26:00.005-04:00

The Indianapolis Star today has an interview with Carrie Gurney, a nonsmoker and cocktail waitress, at the Front Page, a smoking establishment, in downtown Indianapolis. She complains about the smoking.

Why does she work there when most all businesses in Marion County are now non-smoking?

I do not like shoveling horse manure because of the smell. Somehow I've been able to find a job that avoids shoveling horse manure for my whole life - during both good and bad economic times. Why can't Carrie Gurney find a job in some of the nearly 40,000 non-smoking businesses in Indianapolis?

There may be a good reason for this and I'd like to learn about it. However, finding another job because it is inconvenient or she has to look too hard is not a good reason to me.

I detest most perfumes and I bet I can find a study somewhere that says they cause cancer. So I'd like for all businesses to become non-perfuming as well. I demand that the government make every place in which I work non-perfuming! It's for the children you know.

I also do not like MUZAK. It is offensive, hurts my ears, and I'm sure I can find a study somewhere that it is making me slowly go deaf. I demand that the government make every place in which I work MUZAK free! It's for the children you know.

I find it odd that OSHA, which is the federal agency on workplace safety, has not done anything about second hand smoke for employees. Perhaps it is because the alleged danger of second hand smoke is not compelling to OSHA because the facts don't support it.

Thus I conclude that the current efforts to extend the smoking ban are in fact the efforts of self-designated elites, like Smoke Free Indy, to impose their will on others. It is about people wanting to be given jobs, not earning them. It is about control, not freedom. It is about socialism, not republicanism and liberty. It is about making us all equally miserable, except of course, for the elites.

More Proof Indy Chamber of Commerce Does Not Represent Small Business Owners

2009-10-26T12:52:00.003-04:00

From today's Indiana Business Journal update: "Indy Chamber Endorses Smoking Ban".

This is further proof that Chamber of Commerce organizations, such as the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce, only represent big business, special interests and flavor of the day issues over the needs of small business owners.

There is a need for a corollary organization that represents the interests of small business owners in Indianapolis. It is my opinion that these interests are not served by the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce.

It's Saturday - So There Must Be Another National Emergency

2009-10-24T16:22:00.001-04:00

If you cry wolf too many times, no one will believe you when there is a wolf.

Our politicians have forgotten this.

Predictions for 2009-2012

2009-10-21T17:42:00.001-04:00

The top 25 highest paid employees of the following companies will have their salaries cut by an average of 90% and their overall compensation cut by an average of 50%:

Bank of America Corp., American International Group Inc., Citigroup Inc., General Motors, GMAC, Chrysler and Chrysler Financial.

Most of the top 25 highest paid employees of the aforementioned companies will quit and go to other companies that pay more.

Government bureaucrats who think they know what they are doing (but really don't), will replace the aforementioned employees.

Bank of America Corp., American International Group Inc., Citigroup Inc., General Motors, GMAC, Chrysler and Chrysler Financial fail sometime between 2009 and 2012.

2009 will be celebrated in government-approved textbooks as the "glorious" year the United States became a socialist state.

Mark W. Rutherford is not going to buy stock in the aforementioned companies anytime soon.

Thus endeth my predictions for today.

Libertarian Party of Marion County Booth at the Irvington Halloween Festival

2009-10-17T19:22:00.002-04:00

From Facebook:

LP Booth at the Irvington Halloween Festival - Volunteers Needed!

Host: Libertarian Party of Marion County
Type: Other - Festival
Network:Global
Date: Saturday, October 31, 2009
Time: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Location: Irvington (Indianapolis)
Street: 5500 East Washington Street
City/Town: Indianapolis, IN

Description:

Each year, the Halloween Festival attracts thousands of Indianapolis residents to Washington Street to enjoy a day-long celebration of Halloween festivities. The Libertarian Party of Marion County will have an info booth there and we need your help to staff it!

PLEASE ONLY RSVP IF YOU WILL HELP WITH THE BOOTH. Please also let us know what times you're available.

Date of Festival: Saturday October 31st, 2009
Set-Up: 6:30am - 8:30am
Festival Hours of Operation: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Tear Down: 5:00pm - 6:30pm
Location: 5500 East Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46219

Ideally located just 10 minutes from downtown Indianapolis, Irvington is a strong and growing community of quaint and magnificent homes located on tree-lined historic streets. Successful restaurants, coffee shops, retailers and parks all contribute to Irvington’s charm. The Irvington Halloween Festival has become an integral part of Irvington’s history. For over 60 years, the Historic Irvington Community Council has sponsored this event.

Libertarians Attend City-County Council Committee Meeting

2009-10-17T17:24:00.004-04:00

Last Wednesday night, numerous Libertarians attended the Indianapolis City-County Council committee hearing on the proposed ordinance to further limit smoking in private businesses.

Libertarian City-County Council Libertarian Ed Coleman attended and spoke at the hearing, even though he is not a member of the committee conducting the hearing.

Several Libertarians spoke before the committee during the public comment section of the meeting. Libertarians speaking included Libertarian Party of Marion County Chairman Timothy Maguire, LPMC Vice Chairman Ed Angleton, LPMC Treasurer Jim Majdak, Mark Rutherford (me) and Brad Klopfenstein.

Other Libertarians in attendance included LPMC Secretary John Meuser, Jo Coleman, Allison Maguire, Sean Shepard and Evan Williams.

Why I am not a Republican, Part 346

2009-10-13T16:41:00.001-04:00

Olympia Snowe is a Republican. Is there anything else to say?

Positive Candidate Training

2009-10-11T17:24:00.004-04:00

Yesterday I was honored to be one of the speakers at RUN! A Candidate Training Seminar of the Libertarian Party of Indiana. I spoke on Indiana campaign and election law complaince.

It was the best yet Libertarian Party of Indiana candidate training seminar I've attended since I became actively involved with the LPIN in 1998.

This is not to criticise or downplay prior candidate training events. Quite the contrary, the enhanced quality of yesterday's program is a result of the past candidate training events, as many past attendees were now experienced speakers at this event.

Overall, about 35 Libertarians attended the training from across Indiana.

Speakers included Mike Kole, Ed Angleton, Sean Shepard, Todd Singer, Tim Maguire and Ryan Liedtky. The program was chaired by LPIN state chair Sam Goldstein and Executive Director Chris Spangle.

Topics covered were Beginning the Race, Maintaining Momentum, Funding the Race, Announcing the Race, Avoiding Penalties and Finishing Strong.

The event was videotaped and will be released on YouTube in a few weeks. Fort Wayne Libertarian Jeannette Jaquish and her son Tyco videotaped the event.

Federal Trade Commission Required Disclaimer

2009-10-06T18:41:00.003-04:00

The Federal Trade Commission requires the following disclaimer on this blog site:

I occasionally get a free beer and stale barbecue potato chips from the Libertarian Party of Indiana, presumably because I usually spell its name correctly when I mention it in this blog.

Since there is some danger that a federal bureaucrat charged with regulating speech and ignoring the First Amendment to the US Constitution might investigate this site and discover this possible source of compensation, I felt that it was best to disclose it.

I thought about closing this blog down because of the chilling effect of the FTC edict, but decided against it because I like free beer and stale barbecue potato chips.

Smoking Bans Do Have Economic Impacts - Despite What Moral Busybodies Say - Smoking Bans Also Promote Drunk Driving

2009-10-05T15:54:00.003-04:00

The moral busybodies (like Republican City-County Councilor Ben Hunter) are at it again and going for a total smoking ban in Indianapolis. They claim that Smoking Bans do not have an economic impact.

They are wrong! The Libertarian Party of Indiana has facts that show otherwise in the article posted on their web site entitled "Smoking Bans DO Have Economic Consequences". Unlike moral busybodies and their usual work, the Libertarian Party of Indiana has footnotes to its sources so you can check it out for yourself!

Also, I found it very interesting that Smoking Bans have been known to increase the number of drunk drivers and accidents involving drunk drivers, which helps to debunk the public safety myths of the Smoking Ban moral busybodies. Check out footnote 10 in the above article for the scientific study of this bad result from Smoking Bans.

Smoking Bans are about self declared elitists running your life. Tell them no and tell your Indianapolis City-County councilor not to expand the prohibitions of the current Indianapolis' smoking ordinances.