Ballot Access ALERT: Libertarian Votes On the Line

Dear Fellow Libertarian,
Ballot access is never easy, even when it’s going well. It can be hell when everything goes wrong.
In our efforts to get our Libertarian candidates on the ballot this election year, we’re somewhere in between “never easy” and “hell.”
Petitioning costs have been at one of their highest levels ever due to competition for petitioners who have been lured by high-paying signature drives across the country. It’s been a bumper crop year for ballot initiatives which has forced us to compete aggressively for petitioners.
Ouch!
But here’s the GREAT news.
Americans Elect, that strange third-party organization that professes to have no particular political agenda, is now out of the running. They have given up their quest to run a presidential candidate this year.
The field is wide open for Libertarians!
But here’s what’s even better.
The Libertarian Party is outstandingly efficient when it comes to getting on the ballot.
The Wall Street Journal reported this week that AE spent $14 million – just to get on the ballot in 28 states before they dropped out!
How many more millions of dollars would they have spent to get on in all 50 states?
In striking contrast, the Libertarian Party will spend less than $350,000 total to get on in 48, 49 or 50 states. And maybe D.C. as well.
That makes us well more than 50 times more cost-effective at getting on the ballot than Americans Elect!
FIFTY times!!!
The Libertarian Party is bargain city when it comes to ballot access.
We’re now on the ballot in 31 states. We still have a shot at getting on in all 50.
BUT – several states are struggling and will not make the ballot without additional funds.
We have to raise both budgeted funds to pay for ballot access – plus additional funds to pay for higher-than-expected costs this year.
We desperately need to raise a total of $112,500 now to keep our ballot drives going.
With Americans Elect out of the running, that will mean even more votes for our Libertarian candidates. There is no other strong choice for the many disaffected voters out there who are sick and tired of Democrats and Republicans. We’re it.
Tea Partiers, peace-lovers and Ron Paul supporters are looking seriously at the Libertarian Party. This year, we could win more votes than ever!
But only if we’re on the ballot!
If we get on the ballot in 48 or 49 states, 99% of Americans will be able to cast their vote for Libertarian. If we get on in 50 states plus D.C, every American can vote Libertarian this fall.
But without additional funds now, we won’t.
Gary Johnson is getting amazing mainstream media coverage – CNN, Wall Street Journal, Daily Show, Fox News. High-profile media appearances several times a week plus many more radio, print and TV appearances daily.
2012 could be our breakthrough year. A great opportunity for record-breaking Libertarian votes. A breakthrough year for membership growth – if we get on the ballot in every state possible.
Will you donate now? Will you help make sure we get every vote possible?
Your donation makes a difference nationally – and in YOUR state.
Your donation for Libertarian ballot access is the most cost-effective donation for liberty you can make – anywhere.
Please make your most generous contribution now to ensure we get our Libertarian candidates on the ballot.
If you can make a large donation of $2,500, $10,000 or more, it would be gratefully appreciated – and make a huge difference.
If you can donate $250 or $350 or $850 or $1,500 – it would be tremendously helpful - would you please?
If you’re able to donate $35 or $85 or $150 now – it will help – a lot.  Would you please donate now?
Every donation gets us one step closer to full ballot access.
Maybe it’s easier for you to donate in installments. Would you sign up to be a monthly pledger? You can donate $25 or $85 or $350 or $1,000 per month – whatever you can afford. You'll receive our special monthly Liberty Pledge newsletter to keep you up to date on party activities.
If you’re already a pledger, would you please increase the level of your pledge during this critical election year?
Record Libertarian votes in 48, 49 or 50 states are possible this year - if you help.
Please donate today – and thank you for all you’ve done for liberty.
Yours in liberty,
Carla Howell, Executive Director
National Libertarian Party

P.S. Please help us jump on this incredible opportunity to get more votes than ever. Please donate $25, $50 or $100 or $1,000 or $2,500 - or whatever amount is right for you - to get our candidates on the ballot now! 

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Content not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee.

Winner of Best Libertarian Solution Video Contest:

 Elizabeth Brierly

Voting has ended for the 2012 Libertarian Nominating Convention Video Contest. Elizabeth Brierly of San Jose, California is the WINNER with 28% of the vote for her video "Your Right of Self Defense." Ms. Brierly wins the $500 cash prize!
Stewart Flood of South Carolina came in Second Place with his short, to-the-point video "Why Vote Libertarian." Andrew Ian Dodge, Libertarian U.S. Senate candidate from Maine came in third with his video "Pursuit of Happiness."
Congratulations go out to ALL the contestants for participating in this contest. Click here to view all video finalists.
Click here to see vote totals for all participants.
Videos that were eligible to qualify for this contest present Libertarians proposals to shrink Big Government at the local, state or federal level. Alternatively, they address the question: Why Vote Libertarian?
While the contest is over, we'd love to get your submissions for your Libertarian Solution ideas. We'll turn the best ones into videos and post them at this web site.
Click here to learn more and to submit your Libertarian Solution!
Stay tuned - we'll be showing more videos of Libertarian Solutions in the upcoming weeks at LP.org.

P.S. If you have not already done so, please join the Libertarian Party. We are the only political party with a mission to give voters a choice to downsize Big Government, to do so in the most humane way possible, to greatly reduce taxes, and to slash high government spending. You can also renew your membership. Or, you can simply make a contribution.

GET INVOLVED:

   

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Content not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee.

From Our Friend In Liberty, John Todd:

You are invited to attend: 

The Wichita Chapter Meeting of Americans for Prosperity Foundation video presentation of Milton Friedman's "Free to Choose" DVD series entitled, "The Failure of Socialism" followed by a group discussion on Monday, May 14, 2012 at the Alford Branch Wichita Public Library located at 3447 S. Meridian from 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.  There is no admission charge.  RSVP not required.  Please open attachment for details or call 312-7335 for details.  

and 

The Kansas Policy Institute presentation, "The Morality of Capitalism" featuring Dr. Tom G. Palmer, author of the book, on Wednesday, May 16, 2012 at the Hyatt Regency Downtown Wichita, 400 W. Waterman, with a 5:30 p.m. Public Reception followed by the 6:30 p.m. lecture.  RSVP required.  There is no admission charge.  Please open attachment for details.  Call: 634-0218 Email:events@kansaspolicy.org

Online: www.KansasPolicy.Org/events/90691.aspx

The Libertarian Solutions Video Contest -Vote now!

Seven videos made the finals of our first Libertarian Solutions Contest. These videos present ways of shrinking Big Government - thus expanding liberty - that make life better for Americans. Or they answer the question: Why Vote Libertarian?
These contestants were on display at our nominating convention last weekend in Las Vegas. However due to the fact that elections ran overtime, we didn't have time to show them on the main floor when everyone could give them a full and uninterrupted viewing. 
We want to be sure you see all the videos and vote for the one you think is best. So we've extended the deadline for voting to this Thursday March 10th at 5:00 P.M. Eastern Time.
The winner will get a $500 cash prize! So please pick the one that you think is best.

Please click here now to view the videos and vote!

P.S. If you have not already done so, please join the Libertarian Party. We are the only political party with a mission to give voters a choice to downsize Big Government, to do so in the most humane way possible, to greatly reduce taxes, and to slash high government spending. You can also renew your membership. Or, you can simply make a contribution.

GET INVOLVED:

   

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2600 Virginia Ave, N.W. Suite 200, Washington D.C. 20037
Content not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Saturday, May 5, 2012

Libertarian National Convention Nominates Gary Johnson for President

LAS VEGAS - The Libertarian Party nominated former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson for President of the United States, expressing confidence he will be able to find effective small-government solutions to the country’s most pressing problems and mount a strong challenge to his major party rivals.

Mr. Johnson was declared the party’s Presidential nominee after he won 70% percent of the vote in the first round of balloting by the 595 delegates of the National Libertarian Convention held at the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas, NV.

His closest challenger, R. Lee Wrights of Texas, finished second with 25% of the ballots.

In his acceptance speech, Mr. Johnson promised to present a clear and viable alternative to major party candidates, saying his victory in November will offer Americans effective solutions to slow economic growth, high unemployment and endless foreign military commitments that sap the country’s financial strengths.  America, for the first time in modern history, is poised to reject the tired two-party duopoly that has brought the nation to its knees economically.

“I am honored and I just want to pledge that no one will be disappointed. We're going to grow the Libertarian Party.” said Mr. Johnson.

A successful businessman who lives in Taos, NM,  Mr. Johnson is known as an unwavering crusader for fiscal responsibility, free enterprise and individual freedoms. During his gubernatorial tenure, he used his veto pen more than 750 times to forestall attempts to grow government and put an end to wasteful government projects. He cut taxes 14 while maintaining New Mexico as one of only four states in the country with a balanced budget. The state boasted a $1 billion budget surplus when Mr. Johnson left office in 2003.

The nominee’s biography can be found at garyjohnson2012.com/about

Mr. Johnson’s running mate will be chosen later today and can be watched live on C-Span. If no candidate for Vice President attains a majority on the first ballot, the candidate finishing last will be eliminated from the race. In addition, any candidate polling less than 5 percent will also be eliminated from the subsequent ballot. A candidate securing a majority of convention delegates will be the Vice Presidential nominee.

“I am convinced that Gary Johnson will be an exceptional candidate, and a very successful President,” said Mark Hinkle, Libertarian Party Chair. “We have an impressive roster of talent this year to challenge our Big Government opponents not only in the race for the White House, but also in state and local races. The major parties offer Americans only one solution: Bigger government.  Libertarians will show voters how we can make government small while dramatically increasing jobs, lowering taxes, and scaling back government debt.”

Yesterday the convention approved a new party platform, which leaves unchanged the fundamental tenants of the Libertarian Party: Individuals should be free to make choices for themselves and to accept responsibility for the consequences of the choices they make. Changes adopted by party delegates were generally ones that improve the wording or clarity of the party’s intent to advance liberty and shrink Big Government. One significant change adopted was to add ballot initiatives to the party’s mission.

The Libertarian Party is the third largest political party in the United States, which is active in all 50 states and has more than 250,000 registered voters.

Libertarians call for ending government interference in personal, family and business decisions, much lower government spending, repeal of dangerous and unnecessary regulations, lower taxes, a currency free of government manipulation, free trade, and a peaceful, non-interventionist foreign policy.

Millions of Americans have voted for Libertarian Party candidates in past elections throughout the country, despite the fact that many state governments place roadblocks in order to keep third party candidates off the ballot and deprive voters of a real choice.

Additional information about the 2012 Libertarian National Convention can be found at www.LibertyWillWin.com.

Additional information about the Libertarian Party can be found at www.LP.org.

P.S. If you have not already done so, please join the Libertarian Party. We are the only political party with a mission to give voters a choice to downsize Big Government, to do so in the most humane way possible, to greatly reduce taxes, and to slash high government spending. You can also renew your membership. Or, you can simply make a contribution.

GET INVOLVED:

   

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Content not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee.

Libertarian Party to Choose Presidential Nominee at National Convention

Washington, DC
Friday, May 4, 2012

The Libertarian Party holds their 2012 National Convention in Las Vegas this weekend, where they will choose their Presidential nominee.
The party is celebrating their 40th anniversary at this year's convention, themed "Liberty Will Win."
The Libertarian Presidential candidates will debate each other on Friday night, before a nominee is selected on Saturday. Former New Mexico Gov. and Republican Presidential candidate Gary Johnson is expected to be that nominee. He will debate Libertarian activist Lee Wrights. To take part in the debate, candidates had to receive at least 10% of support from convention delegates.
The candidates will make speeches on Saturday to convention delegates, who will then vote to choose the nominee.

It is our understanding that CSPAN Coverage of the National Libertarian Party Convention will be live: Friday May 4th 8 PM Saturday May 5th11 AM.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, May 4, 2012

Libertarian National Convention Chooses Presidential Debaters

LAS VEGAS – Delegates of the National Libertarian Convention here Friday chose two  participants of a presidential debate that will precede elections of the Libertarian Party’s Presidential and Vice Presidential nominees.

The debate, a key event in the nominating process, will begin at 6:00 P.M. Friday, May 4th at the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas, Nev. and will broadcast live on C-Span It will be moderated by David Bergland, a former party National Chair and the 1984 presidential nominee. 

According to the results of a secret vote, taking part in tonight’s debate will be:

Gary Johnson, a former two-term governor for New Mexico, whose frequent use of the veto pen has earned him the nickname of “Governor Veto.” He cut taxes 14 times while never raising them. See also www.garyjohnson2012.com

R. Lee Wrights, a long-time Libertarian Party activist, writer and publisher. Mr. Wrights has dedicated his life and career to promoting the ideas of small government and individual freedom. See also LibertyForAll.net

“Everything points to a vigorous, interesting debate,” said Mark Hinkle, Libertarian Party Chair. “Both the debaters are seasoned politicians with solid Libertarian credentials. We’re looking forward to a campaign that will showcase our beliefs and values. We’re the small government alternative to Big Government Democrats and Republicans, which resonates with millions of voters who are deeply concerned with our weak economy and who fear it will get worse.”

The debaters were selected by convention delegates in a secret ballot, in which a candidate needed to score10 percent of the vote or higher to be allowed to take part.

While participation in the debate does not guarantee nomination for President, the poll serves as an important indicator of delegate preferences.

The Presidential and Vice Presidential nominees will be elected at the convention Saturday through independent voting processes starting with the presidential nomination. In the Libertarian Party, the Presidential nominee does not choose his or her running mate.

Party rules call for selecting the nominees through several rounds of balloting. If no candidate for President or Vice President attains a majority on the first ballot, the candidate finishing last will be eliminated from the race. In addition, any candidate polling less than 5 percent will also be eliminated from the subsequent ballot. A candidate securing a majority of convention delegates will be the nominee. All elections are being conducted at no expense to taxpayers.

The Libertarian Party is the third largest political party in the United States, which is active in all 50 states and has more than 250,000 registered voters. 

Libertarians call for ending government interference in personal, family and business decisions, much lower government spending, repeal of dangerous and unnecessary regulations, lower taxes, a currency free of government manipulation, free trade, and a peaceful, non-interventionist foreign policy.

Millions of Americans have voted for Libertarian Party candidates in past elections throughout the country, despite the fact that many state governments place roadblocks in order to keep third party candidates off the ballot and deprive voters of a real choice.

Additional information about the 2012 Libertarian National Convention can be found at www.LibertyWillWin.com.

Additional information about the Libertarian Party can be found at www.LP.org.

P.S. If you have not already done so, please join the Libertarian Party. We are the only political party with a mission to give voters a choice to downsize Big Government, to do so in the most humane way possible, to greatly reduce taxes, and to slash high government spending. You can also renew your membership. Or, you can simply make a contribution.

GET INVOLVED: