Third Party and Independent Daily

Status Update and an Invitation to Third Party Independent

2011-10-24T14:57:00.000-04:00

As visitors have surely noticed, posting here at Third Party & Independent Daily has become very sparse in recent months. One of the main reasons for this is that I have been working on a new print project and website: Third Party Independent.

The first and second print issues of Third Party Independent are online, the third is in the works, and the website is up and running. The site is set up as an open community blogging platform like those that are common in the Republican and Democratic blogosphere. My hope is that creating a space and forum where Independents and third party supporters from across the political spectrum can gather en masse to share ideas and discuss current events will help to facilitate the growth and development of the independent and third party movement, and provide us with more visibility on the web. A fair number of people have already joined the site, but very few are posting there as of yet. Today, I'd like to extend an invitation to friends, readers and allies in the third party and independent blogosphere to check out the site and consider signing up as bloggers. You can crosspost articles from your own blog(s), share snippets of news items that you think would be of interest to independents and third party supporters, or publish original content.

Please also consider linking to this post and spreading the word.

Aside from myself, a few others have begun publishing to the site. Among them is Liberal Arts Dude. Long time readers may recall that LAD retired from blogging after he became Liberal Arts Dad, but the new site and the energy of Occupy Wall Street have lured him back into the blogosphere. Be sure to check out his recent posts there, beginning with his first, entitled, "How #Occupy Wall Street Gave Me My Groove Back."

To Oppose, or To Propose,

2011-09-15T15:21:00.001-04:00

I borrow from Shakespeare's Hamlet in casting my view that the way of wisdom is to turn away from opposing the US's two party dominated system to proposing a much better two party (meritocratically) dominated system.

dlw

Black Votes Count II!

2011-09-08T11:27:00.000-04:00

In Black Votes Count by Frank R. Parker

There's some great nuggets on how African-Americans in the state of Mississippi leveraged third party and independent political activism to gain increased influence in Mississippi politics.

dlw

How New Zealand may change its electoral system

2011-09-06T09:11:00.002-04:00

This is worth seeing.

dlw

Where Will Green-Power Go?

2011-09-05T00:52:00.001-04:00

I speculate on whether eco-activists might decide to push for the use of Proportional Representation in "more local" elections,
as a way to spite but not spoil president Obama's reelection efforts.
dlw

Black Votes Count!

2011-09-02T14:00:00.000-04:00

I comment on some of the findings in this book that chronicles how the Southern states(especially Mississippi) rigged their election rules to dilute the Black vote after the passage of the 1965 Voting Rights Act.

dlw

The Tri-Election Triage

2011-08-26T13:59:00.001-04:00

I'm rebranding Strategic Election Reform, inspired by Morgan Spurlock's "Pom Wonderful Presents: The Greatest Movie Ever Sold!"
It might just be:
The Greatest Electoral Reform Idea Ever Not Tried (Yet)!
dlw

In the Name of Electoral Reform...

2011-08-25T19:14:00.002-04:00

DLW satirizes a post at The Hankster by WJK that could have been titled,
"Much Ado About Incumbency Advantage and Top Two Primaries".
dlw

Tis a Gift to Know What (Sort of Third Party) You Want to Be!

2011-08-22T13:46:00.000-04:00

I blog over at A New Kind of Third Party about the need for third party enthusiasts to make choices.
dlw

A Time for Change

2011-08-20T13:53:00.001-04:00

From The South End:

As a country, the populous have surrendered to the notion that they have only two real choices on election day: vote for the bleeding hearts on the left who seem to think that our monetary resources are infinite, and who spend this imaginary money on social programs that, for better or worse, make government a bigger part of our lives; or you can vote for the scowling old vultures on the right who were mostly raised in privileged homes, think that governmental aid is for the weak and useless, and who generally make it a top priority to ruin every body’s good time.

What’s depressing is the fact that people you talk to everyday, from all walks of life, seem to be dissatisfied with the leaders they put in power, knowing full well that there are a multitude of alternatives.

It’s time to give a third party — any third party — a chance to alter the course of our nation. The two-party system in the U.S. is outdated, has outgrown its usefulness to the citizenry and has stagnated and even reversed our progress as a superpower.

NH: Republican Under Attack for Signing Libertarian Party Petition

2011-08-19T16:56:00.001-04:00

From Ballot Access News:

According to this story, New Hampshire Republican Party state chairman Jack Kimball is being threatened with removal, just because he signed the petition to put the Libertarian Party on the ballot in 2012. The attackers are confusing signing a ballot access petition for a newly-qualifying party with an endorsement of that newly-qualifying party.

It is also possible that the attackers aren't confusing anything, and are simply enemies of political freedom and independence as so many partisans of the major parties are.

TX Flashback: Four-Way Race for Governor in 2006

2011-08-17T16:15:00.001-04:00

In a post pondering Rick Perry's Electability, Nate Silver looks back over his record, and notes as an aside the "complicated four way race" for Texas governor in 2006. Excerpt:

In 2002, for example, when Mr. Perry was elected to his first full term after succeeding George W. Bush, his margin of victory was 18 percentage points. That holds up pretty well against other Republican candidates for statewide office that year (excluding those who did not draw a Democratic challenger), who won by an average of 15 percentage points. . . .

Mr. Perry’s performance in 2006 was much more tenuous: he was re-elected with just 39 percent of the vote in a complicated, four-way race. Even if we ignore that and instead look at Mr. Perry’s nine-point margin of victory over his nearest rival, Chris Bell, a Democrat, it compares unfavroably to other Republicans on the ballot that year, who won by an average of 15 points.

Perry was elected in a four-way race with 39% of the vote. Democrat Chris Bell came in second with 29%, and was followed by two Independents, Carole Keeton Strayhorn (18%) and Kinky Friedman (12%).

RGJ's Q&A session with Tim Fasano

2011-08-17T02:44:00.000-04:00

Tim Fasano

Question: What can be done in Congress to ease the rancor between Democrats and Republicans to accomplish more for constituents?

Answer: Easy! We must remove the influence of money from lobbyists and special interests from the arena of politics. This would greatly improve the level of accountability towards the constituents of any elected official. With regard to the Senate members, again easy, if combined with the above, repeal the 17th Amendment. Let the states decide if they want the people to choose their senate representation. Otherwise, allow the state legislatures to decide who the senator(s) will be. The founders called it "federalism."...

To read more of the article, click here

Tim Fasano featured in the Reno Gazette Journal newspaper

2011-08-17T02:38:00.000-04:00

Tim Fasano

by Ray Hagar

It's been said that politics is not rocket science.

To Tim Fasano, it is.

Fasano, a former aerospace contractor, aerospace CEO and business owner, sees a parallel with his old profession and running as a third-party candidate in Nevada's special election for the open seat in the 2nd U.S. House District. He is the nominee of Nevada's Independent American Party.

"When people said it couldn't be done, we proved that it could be done," Fasano said about aspects of aerospace technology. "It was a business practice of not necessarily listening to people when they said something could not be done. I say try it. You might make it work."

To read the rest of this article, click here

Greens Oppose Police State Tactics

2011-08-15T15:50:00.001-04:00

From the Philadelphia Weekly Press:

During 2005, Philadelphia’s police made 102,319 pedestrian stops. When Michael Nutter became Mayor of Philadelphia in 2008, he ordered an increase in pedestrian stops under a policy commonly called "Stop-and-Frisk." By 2009, pedestrian stops by police had increased 148 percent to 253,333. Of that total, 72 percent of the victims were African Americans, but only 8 percent of those pedestrian stops resulted in an arrest.

I, for one, would like to know what we should call the other 92 percent of those pedestrian stops. Were those 233,066 citizens "harassed by the police?" Were they "intimidated by the police?" Or should we say, "Their rights under the U.S. Constitution were violated?"

The Green Party has a history of opposition to stop-and-frisk. Under the heading "Racial Discrimination," the Green Party national platform says, "We condemn the practice of racial profiling by law enforcement agencies, which are guilty of stopping motorists, harassing individuals, or using unwarranted violence against suspects with no other justification than race or ethnic background."

At a Philadelphia City Council hearing on December 14, 2010, Green Party leader Hugh Giordano, who had run for PA House of Representatives, made it clear that stop-and-frisk targets, urban, minority and young citizens. "This law is a form of Jim Crow law," said Giordano, referring to discriminatory laws used to maintain segregation of the races. "It attacks a certain group of people, and the numbers and testimony shows it." Giordano also criticized Philadelphia’s City Council for allowing stop-and-frisk to continue unabated.

Green Party Candidates Across the US in 2011

2011-08-15T15:46:00.001-04:00

From Green Party Watch:

2011 may not be a big year for federal elections, but it is an excellent year for Green Party supporters around the US to pitch in and lend a hand to the intrepid Green candidates who are running for offices big and small. Here is a list (alphabetical by state) of some of the Green candidates who have declared campaigns in 2011. If you know of more Green campaigns in upcoming elections, or if you notice anything wrong with the information here, we’d love to hear about it in the comments . . .

IAP's Tim Fasano takes the lead in online poll

2011-08-10T02:01:00.000-04:00

The KRNV Reno News website is conducting a poll on the special upcoming election for the 2nd Congressional District in Nevada.

And as of August 9th, here are the results...

Who do you plan on voting for in the Congressional Special Election?

Mark Amodei (R) (37.6%)

Tim Fasano (IAP) (41.5%)

Helmuth Lehmam (IND) (12.3%)

Kate Marshall (D) (8.6%)

The race for the 2nd Congressional District is obviously going well for Mr. Fasano, who will also be attending a live televised debate on August 25 against GOP candidate Mark Amodei, Democrat Kate Marshall, and independent candidate, Helmuth Lehman.

Third Party Independent: Building Independent Media

2011-08-09T17:15:00.004-04:00

As some of you are already aware, last month I launched a newspaper in New York City devoted entirely to third party and independent political news and views: Third Party Independent. The paper was conceived as a print companion to Third Party and Independent Daily, and is intended to raise awareness of alternatives to the Democrats and Republicans, while providing another media platform for third party and independent advocates to have our voices heard above the duopolist din. The first issue hit the streets the week of Independence Day, with eleven articles by nine authors from across the third party and independent blogosphere. I would like, once again, to thank all the contributors to the first issue! The second issue is already in the works and should be available in the next week or so.

The main reason why I have not yet mentioned the paper very much online, if at all, is because the website is still under construction. However, aside from some minor cosmetic tweaks that are still necessary, all the basic functionality is there, and the layout is pretty much set. The site is set up to be an open community blogging platform for third party and independent activists. Anyone can sign up and start publishing. So far as I'm aware, though there are numerous such sites for Democrats, Republicans, progressives and conservatives – the most well known being Daily Kos and Red State – there is no such site on the web for third party and independent activists across the political spectrum.

Though the website, at this point, is still a work in progress, I would like to extend an invitation to readers to head over to Third Party Independent, look around a bit, check out the first issue of the newspaper, and, if you're so inclined, sign up for a free account and publish a couple test posts to the site. Any and all feedback, comments and suggestions are more than welcome! Indeed, it will be crucial to build the site into a vibrant community dedicated to escaping the dead end and breaking the deadlock that is Republican-Democrat party politics.

The Lesser Evil is Still Evil

2011-08-09T16:40:00.003-04:00

From the Constitution Party of MO:

Sadly, during every election cycle, the American voter is almost always presented with two equally bad choices, and has no other choice, but to vote for the lesser of the two evils. Often times, for a Republican, such as the lackluster phony conservative, John McCain in 2008. However, the GOP leadership, since they are out of touch with the American voter, continues to nominate neo-conservative, establishment, insider politicians, who can campaign and pander with conservative rhetoric. Once they are in office, they continue along with the Democrats to further the globalist, insider agenda. The Republicans are just as much at fault as the Democrats.

Americans, especially in the conservative/constitutionalist, “TEA Party” movement (including me) are sick and tired of all of this “business as usual” politics of Democrats versus Republicans, where one or the other is the lesser of the two evils or equally evil. As the Democrats and Republicans have become more and more similar over the past several years (in other words, Liberal, Leftist, straying away from the Constitution, or simply, just disregarding it completely), this leaves the American voter with no other options, leaving them hopeless and without a voice that can really be heard. However, there still is hope, and there still is a voice for the American voter, The Constitution Party. I used to be a Republican, but quit the GOP some time in 2009 to become an official “card-carrying” member of the Constitution Party in March, 2011.

For the above mentioned reasons, the environment is right for a viable third party like the Constitution party . . . .

Constitution Party's National Field Director files to run in Lancaster Penn. City Council race

2011-08-08T22:28:00.000-04:00

Ballot Access News

The Constitution Party of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, has petitioned to place five nominees on the ballot for various partisan local elections in Lancaster County. Among them is Gary Odom, who has been the party’s full-time employee for some years. The party’s national office is in Lancaster. See this story.

Proportionality in Representation is On the Move!

2011-08-07T15:25:00.001-04:00

I got some good news yesterday from Rob Richie of Fair Vote!

dlw

NY: Hysterical Police State Advocates and Drug War Zealots Want Mandatory Drug Testing for Teens

2011-08-05T18:13:00.001-04:00

From CBS New York:

Assemblyman Joseph Saladino (R-Massapequa) has introduced a bill that would require parents of high school students to give their children annual drug tests. “If they dont do it, the student would not be allowed into school,” Saladino told CBS 2′s Jennifer McLogan. The proposal would mandate that parents administer the test and sign a statement swearing it was performed. The results wouldn’t be disclosed — not even to the school.

Is there really any difference between a police state and a nanny state?

How Not to Elect A President!

2011-08-05T17:28:00.000-04:00

I post selections from the perennial MN politician Eugene McCarthy's No Fault Politics that gives his informed perspective on how the Electoral College was not permitted to work in the way originally intended by the writers of the US Constitution. This is what helped to inspire my own ideas about how we could revamp the Electoral College to be the second stage of a two stage election.

dlw

NY: Independents Offer Alternative in Race for Ithaca Mayor

2011-08-04T17:47:00.003-04:00

From the Ithaca Independent:

Independent political candidates are the outsiders, akin to being at a party without a name badge. Such un-affiliation with a single group can cause unease in voters seeking assurance from the familiar. But an increasing number of citizens both nationally and locally are turning to independents as an alternative to the idealogical logjam perfected by Democrats and Republicans. In Ithaca, two independent candidates have differing visions of the city’s future . . . .

Philly: Green Party Candidate Hankala Files Nomination Papers for Sheriff

2011-08-04T17:43:00.001-04:00

From Philadelphia Weekly:

A few months after kick-starting her campaign, Cheri Honkala has filed nomination papers with the city, hoping to “keep families in their homes” if elected sheriff.

Honkala, the Green Party candidate for the position, says her team of volunteer supporters garnered 4,422 signatures endorsing her nomination, as of today. As an independent candidate, she was required to collect at least 1,845 signatures in order for her name to appear on the ballot.

“I’m absolutely blessed to have hundreds of supporters, who … are willing to go out there each and every day and be in 100-degree weather and collect signatures,” Honkala says. “I think it just shows people are really tired of what’s happening right now, in regards to the housing crisis.”

Honkala, a longtime champion for the homeless, says she plans to create community land trusts to put the control of land back into communities’ hands. By doing this, Honkala adds, communities could protect land from becoming the site of a profit-making business and help neighbors who may be facing economic hardships . . .

NY: Green Party to Hold National Meeting this Weekend

2011-08-01T14:29:00.000-04:00

From the Wall Street Journal:

The Green Party will hold its national meeting in upstate New York as it pushes to become a stronger third political party.

The Aug. 5-7 meeting in Alfred will focus on the group's platform that opposes war, increased coal production, and nuclear power.

SC: Constitution Party Candidate to Face Off Against Young Republican

2011-08-01T14:23:00.001-04:00

From WSPA in South Carolina:

22 year old Joshua Putnam is taking down signs for one campaign and getting ready for another. If elected, the Republican would be the youngest member of the State House. Putnam says, “I think age doesn't matter. It's about maturity.”

Putnam's opponent, 52 year old Dave Ballard, lives in Pelzer in a century old family home. The Constitution party candidate says he wants to bring a new perspective to politics.

Ballard says, “In northern Anderson County, the Republican party has a monopoly on politics. I want to give people a choice.”

Ballard, an architect, is in favor of what he calls a "fair tax" in South Carolina. He says the state could attract more business by getting rid of the income tax and other taxes and replacing them with a sales tax. He says, ‘What that does it takes the taxes off of businesses because businesses don't pay taxes. As much as possible they try to recoup those tax costs when they sell their products or services.” . . .

Four-Candidate U.S. House debate set in Nevada

2011-07-28T01:04:00.000-04:00

Ballot Access News

Nevada holds a special election on September 13 to fill the vacant U.S. House seat, 2nd district. All four ballot-listed candidates have been invited to debate each other on August 25. The debate is sponsored by a radio station, a television station, and Reno’s daily newspaper, the Gazette-Journal. The four candidates are: Republican Mark Amodei, Independent American Party nominee Tim Fasano, independent candidate Helmuth Lehman, and Democrat Kate Marshall.

The inclusiveness of this debate is an improvement for Nevada. In 2010, no televised debates for the Nevada major party nominees for Governor or U.S. Senator included any minor party or independent candidates.

President Obama’s debt reduction speech – A Constitution Party response

2011-07-28T00:58:00.001-04:00

by Darrell Castle

Vice-Chairman, Constitution Party National Committee

Last night President Obama addressed the nation in primetime concerning what he called “a debate we’ve been having in Washington over the national debt—a debate that directly affects the lives of all Americans.”

The president’s position as announced in his speech could be summarized by saying that he emphasized compromise and what he called a balanced approach over the position of the Republican House. He said that compromise is a good thing, and he mentioned Ronald Reagan as an example of one who agreed with him about compromise.

His balanced approach would trim $4 trillion from the deficit over 10 years. Assuming interest rates do not increase over the next 10 years, that would reduce the rate of increase in the national debt from a projected $10 trillion to about $6 trillion, leaving a national debt of about $21 trillion.

The president asserted that the Republican no-tax-increase position is based on narrow ideological grounds and is not a balanced approach.

He then attacked the Republican offer of a 6-month temporary increase in the debt ceiling. A six month increase, he said, would simply require that he and Congress have the same debate 6 months from now, and that would be unacceptable. He placed strong emphasis on the critical nature of the debt debate with mentions of possible job loss and cuts in Social Security and Medicare. If the debt ceiling is not raised, he told us, the US could lose its AAA credit rating and that would be a disaster for jobs, businesses, etc.

In response, the Republicans said that they will not impose a tax increase on the American people, not even on those “wealthy people” who make at least $250,000 per year. They offer instead a program they call Cut, Cap, and Balance, which is designed to cut the deficit, cap the rate of increase, and start the process toward a balanced budget amendment to the US Constitution.

The Senate has already rejected the House version of Cut, Cap, and Balance, leaving only the president’s insistence on a tax increase as the chief sticking point to prevent the debt ceiling increase from happening.

Both the president’s balanced position and the Republican position of deficit cuts, with a suggestion of a balanced budget amendment, are misguided at best and disingenuous at worst. Neither solution as proposed will solve the problem long-term.

The president’s position of labeling people who make at least $250,000 per year as rich and equating them with millionaires and billionaires must be intended to appeal to what he thinks is the desire of his base for the scalps of those people responsible for the financial mess the nation is in. However, a Government Accounting Office (GAO) report that came out last week put the lie to that position.

According to the GAO, the Federal Reserve has provided more than 16 trillion dollars to banks, corporations, and other financial institutions all over the world. Employees of the Federal Reserve, including the current chairman of the New York Federal Reserve, were given special exemptions from conflict of interest laws so they could keep their investments in companies being bailed out.

The president’s refusal to accept a six-month increase also rings hollow, as does the offer itself. It is obvious that the reason for not accepting it is to prevent the debt debate from continuing into the 2012 election campaign, and the Republicans proposed it to make sure that it does.

That is what this whole debate is about: power and the desire to keep it. I doubt whether the president or Congress really care how much we owe or what it costs us. What they each care very passionately about is staying in power. Their plan for staying in power appears to involve serious disagreement and debate, but in the end nothing of any substance is ever done and the root of the debt problem is never attacked.

What is the root of the debt problem? Borrowing is the problem that makes our entire monetary system unsustainable. You can’t solve a problem caused by borrowing by borrowing more; but the attitude seems to be “let’s do more of what’s not working – perhaps we just haven’t done enough of it.” The problem then is not just borrowing to pay bills and finance debt but literally borrowing our money into existence.

The national government of the United States – “the greatest nation on earth” – as the president described it, has to go to a group of private bankers, hat in hand, to beg for enough money to pay its bills. This situation is intolerable and should be stopped immediately. The Federal Reserve should be disempowered and the trillions of dollars owed to it by the US Treasury should not be repaid. The Federal Reserve created that money from nothing on its computers and it therefore seems appropriate to repay it with nothing.

The other thing that would have an immediate effect on United States Treasury debt would be to change our policy of making war to a more Constitutional one. Recently President Obama took the US military to war against Libya without even consulting Congress. That should never be allowed. Coming home, minding our own business, and fighting only truly defensive wars should be our policy. That would save trillions of dollars and countless lives.

Our current path, the status quo, leads to bankruptcy, social unrest, and disorder, but if we would do the two things I just mentioned I am certain the most dynamic period in American history would begin.

To listen to Darrell Castle's most recent talk about the debt crises, click here.

VA: Libertarian Candidate for State Senate to Face of Against Careerist Republican Pol

2011-07-27T16:32:00.000-04:00

From The Examiner:

Meeting in Waynesboro on July 23, the State Central Committee of the Libertarian Party of Virginia voted to authorize its chairman, Wilbur N. Wood of Berryville, to certify J. Todd Martinsen of Spotsylvania County as a Libertarian candidate in the election for the Virginia State Senate in the Fourth District.

Martinsen, a first-time candidate, will face off against incumbent Senator Ryan McDougle (R-4), who first won the seat in a special election called to fill the unexpired term of Bill Bolling of Hanover County, who had become Lieutenant Governor. He was re-elected to a full term in 2007 . . .

KY: Former Chairman of Libertarian Party to Run for State Treasurer

2011-07-27T16:29:00.003-04:00

From the Courier Journal:

Ken Moellman, a 34-year-old information-technology professional who lives in Pendleton County, says he has collected the signatures of about 7,000 registered voters in a bid to run for state treasurer. Moellman, past chairman of the Libertarian Party of Kentucky, said he is advocating elimination of the state treasurer’s post, which he called “the most useless office in state government.”

OR: Consider the Alternatives

2011-07-26T18:07:00.001-04:00

From a letter to the editor of the Democrat Herald:

While they are not represented in Congress, there are about 50 third parties, last I counted, including the "Big Three": the Constitution Party, the Green Party of the United States and the Libertarian Party.

The tea party is a splinter group from the Libertarians, who have a single purpose that I find somewhat short-sighted, yet they benefit from a lot of attention.

I changed to Independent during the Clinton years; long before the Independent Party of Oregon was formed - which does not suit me at all. Instead of voting for "the lesser of two evils," I voted for the candidate that best represented my interests regardless of their chances of winning. I reasoned that at least my vote showed someone wanted an alternative. (I occasionally voted for a Republican, too).

Media companies are invested in the current political structure, and indeed they manipulate the public by what they choose to report or not.

We, the public, must inform ourselves, research the issues beyond the echoing sound bites and biased comments, and apply critical thinking and common sense. It requires listening, reading, and thoughtfulness. We needn't beat each other up to solve mutual problems and we needn't take on controversies drummed up by those who benefit by them.

Judy Hays-Eberts

CA: Green to Run in SF Mayoral Election

2011-07-25T19:56:00.003-04:00

From Green Party Watch:

The Bay Area Reporter has a feature piece on Terry Baum, an out lesbian and Green who is challenging the Democratic Party status quo in San Francisco Politics by running for Mayor . . .

AZ: Greens Organize for Tucson Mayoral Election

2011-07-25T19:51:00.001-04:00

From the Tucson Citizen:

Meet and Greet the Green Party Primary Candidates for Mayor
Mary DeCamp and Dave Croteau
at La Indita Restaurant (Mexican/Latin American cuisine)
622 N. Fourth Ave in Tucson (north of E. 5th Street)
Every Monday at 6:30pm

If you’re a registered Green Party voter in the City of Tucson, or an Independent who registered by July 16 to vote in that primary on/before August 30, here’s your weekly chance to meet & talk with either or both Green candidates.

Previous blogs on Dave Croteau (click here) and Mary DeCamp (click here).

This is Croteau’s 3rd bid for Mayor having run before as a write-in candidate in 1999 and as the Green Party candidate in 2007, challenging Republican Mayor Bob Walkup when no Democrat ran.

DeCamp ran for the Ward 3 City Council seat two years ago in 2009 and lost to Democratic incumbent Councilwoman Karin Uhlich.

If you can’t drop by La Indita, then view these 2 Green Mayoral candidates on Friday’s KUAT Channel 6 interview: http://ondemand.azpm.org/videoshorts/watch/2011/7/22/1830-green-would-be-mayors-tout-first-primary/.

Tom Friedman Comes Out in Support of Americans Elect

2011-07-24T15:59:00.000-04:00

From Tom Friedman's column in the NYT:

Thanks to a quiet political start-up that is now ready to show its hand, a viable, centrist, third presidential ticket, elected by an Internet convention, is going to emerge in 2012. I know it sounds gimmicky — an Internet convention — but an impressive group of frustrated Democrats, Republicans and independents, called Americans Elect, is really serious, and they have thought out this process well. In a few days, Americans Elect will formally submit the 1.6 million signatures it has gathered to get on the presidential ballot in California as part of its unfolding national effort to get on the ballots of all 50 states for 2012. The goal of Americans Elect is to take a presidential nominating process now monopolized by the Republican and Democratic parties, which are beholden to their special interests, and blow it wide open . . .

DailyKos (sort of) endorses a non-Democrat

2011-07-22T09:43:00.000-04:00

Not quite third party related, but notorious Democrat exclusive community DailyKos is now supporting Independent Bernie Sanders in an campaign against Social Security & Medicare cuts.

UT: Constitution Party Candidates Running for City Council

2011-07-21T16:23:00.000-04:00

From the Constitution Party of Utah via Third Party Politics:

I received this email with the good news that Hans Anderson is running for Orem City Council this November. Hans has been treasurer for Jim Noorlander's Congressional campaigns in the past and his father was H. Verlan Anderson who wrote some of the best books on proper principles of government.

We also have a few running for City Council in Duchesne and I am (David) running for Sandy City Council.

Hello All,

My good friend Hans Andersen (son of H. Verlan Andersen), has decided to run for Orem City Council in the election this November. He is a good, solid, patriotic man who understands limited government, liberty and the constitution . . .

TN: Green and Constitution Party File Joint Lawsuit

2011-07-21T16:11:00.000-04:00

From Ballot Access News:

On July 19, the Green Party of Tennessee, and the Constitution Party of Tennessee, jointly filed a new lawsuit in federal court, alleging that the new ballot access law passed this year is just as unconstitutional as the old one. As reported previously, in September 2010 the old law was held unconstitutional. In response, the 2011 session of the legislature deleted the language on the petition saying the signers are members, and moved the petition deadline from March to April. The case is Green Party of Tennessee et al v Hargett, middle district, 3:11-cv-00692. Here is the complaint.

Tennessee Constitution Party & Green Party file new ballot access lawsuit

2011-07-21T03:00:00.000-04:00

Ballot Access News

On July 19, the Green Party of Tennessee, and the Constitution Party of Tennessee, jointly filed a new lawsuit in federal court, alleging that the new ballot access law passed this year is just as unconstitutional as the old one. As reported previously, in September 2010 the old law was held unconstitutional. In response, the 2011 session of the legislature deleted the language on the petition saying the signers are members, and moved the petition deadline from March to April. The case is Green Party of Tennessee et al v Hargett.

Socialist Candidate for President Opposes Raising Debt Ceiling, Urges Credit Counciling for White House and Congress

2011-07-20T16:10:00.000-04:00

From DC Indymedia:

Presidential Candidate Stewart Alexander says “Working people should not fear the August 2nd deadline to raise the debt ceiling; the government will not collapse. It is time for President Obama and the professional politicians to attend credit counseling.” In 2006, then Senator Barack Obama argued and voted against raising the debt ceiling saying, “Washington is shifting the burden of bad choices today onto the backs of our children and grandchildren. America has a debt problem and a failure of leadership.”

Today, during a White House press conference on raising the debt ceiling, President Obama suggested the Democrats and Republicans in Washington are the “professional politicians” most capable of managing the nation’s debt. Now that the nation is $14.3 trillion in debt, these professional politicians will once again rescue capitalism and avert an economic crisis by creating more debt.

U.S. Presidential Candidate Stewart Alexander notes, during the past decade, many of these professional politicians have doubled the size of the U.S. government. “The two corporate parties of big capital have also quadrupled the size of government within the past 20 years through increased spending and raising the debt ceiling over and over again, creating more debt for working people.”

More than 71 percent of all Americans are opposed to raising the debt ceiling. Stewart Alexander says working people understand debt better than these professional politicians and President Obama. “This is how it is done by most working people. We calculate how much has been deposited into the checking account. We calculate how much is owed in bills, and we pay our bill keeping our check book balanced.” Alexander says when the checking account is near empty, “these professional politicians want to use the U.S. credit card to go on a spending spree.” . . .

NJ: Socialist Candidate Supports Community Garden Effort

2011-07-20T16:07:00.000-04:00

From Red Bank Patch:

It’s official: socialists support fresh fruits and vegetables. Pat Noble, an 18-year-old Red Bank resident and member of the Socialist Party USA running for election onto the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders, has endorsed the efforts of volunteers who hope to develop a community garden on a vacant lot along the Navesink River.

Though a community garden, in theory, has found support from the borough’s council, its location remains a point of contention. Gardeners want to see the project developed on the lot just off of Front Street, citing its centralized and highly visible location as some primary reasons. Though they’ve been reluctant to provide reasons of their own, Red Bank’s council members want to see the garden developed, well, anywhere else . . .

TX: Libertarians Seek Ron Paul's House Seat

2011-07-19T15:16:00.001-04:00

From Libertarian Strategy Monthly:

Within hours of Representative Ron Paul’s announcement that he will not seek re-election to Congress to focus on his bid for the Republican nomination for President, three Libertarians announced their intent to seek the Libertarian Party of Texas nomination for the seat. . . .

Libertarian Party of Texas Chair Pat Dixon said “Dr. Paul has served honorably for 12 terms as ‘the Libertarian’ representative in Congress. The Libertarian Party is proud to offer the voters of District 14 a representative in Congress who will continue to uphold the same principles to which Dr. Paul has remained committed, and that are completely absent in the Republican and Democratic parties.”

MD: Two-Party Politics Are a Joke, and the Joke is on the American People

2011-07-19T15:14:00.001-04:00

From the Maryland Libertarian Party:

President James Madison said each generation should bear the burden of its own wars, not foist their expense off on future generations. Since Barack Obama became president, he and the Congress have been responsible for one-third of the current national debt. Record spending for entitlements, war, bailouts to banks, businesses and states have paved the way for future unfunded liabilities of up to $100 trillion. . . . Madison warned us of the need for each generation to pay its own way. If he could have envisioned the burden we are heaping on the backs of future generations, he would be appalled by the corrupt and morally decrepit actions of elected leaders at all levels of government. I know I am.

Veteran Louisiana journalist criticizes veto of Bill allowing independent candidates to use the “Independent” Label on ballot

2011-07-19T00:42:00.000-04:00

Ballot Access News

On July 17, Jim Beam, who has been covering Louisiana politics and government for 40 years, wrote a column criticizing Governor Bobby Jindal for vetoing the bill that lets independent candidates use the label “independent”.

KY: Independents Can Make Decisions that No Party Candidate Could Make, Says Galbraith in Gov Debate

2011-07-18T12:20:00.000-04:00

From Cincinnati.com:

Two of the three gubernatorial candidates debated in Covington Thursday afternoon, Republican State Senate President David Williams and independent candidate Gatewood Galbraith . . .

Galbraith blamed partisan politics for Kentucky’s woes and said as an independent, he will work with both sides of the aisle. “I foresee that after my stint as governor, I’m going to be one of the most disliked people in the state because I’m going to have to make decisions that neither party candidate can possibly make, because they’ve got to answer to the party,” Galbraith said. “I don’t answer to anybody except God and an occasional judge or two.” . . .

MS: Independents Seek Gubernatorial Seat

2011-07-18T12:17:00.000-04:00

From the Jackson Free Press:

Hoping to attract voters who are undecided in voting for Democrats or Republicans, Independent candidates Will Oatis and Bobby Kearan are looking for a piece of political action. Will Oatis, Independent

Independent candidate Will Oatis, 37, was born in raised in Silver Creek. He has a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Southern Mississippi. He spent 20 years in the U.S. armed forces including three combat tours in Afghanistan over the span of eight years. Oatis has more than 20 military awards, including a Bronze Star, a Global War on Terror Expeditionary Medal and the Global War on Terror Service Medal. . . . .

Reform candidate Bobby Kearan moved to Mississippi at the age of 10. He grew up in Winston County and attended Louisville High School. He is a “computer guy” who lives in Rankin County and works for a Mississippi-based financial institution. He manages its software security updates.

His campaign motto is “One of the People, for the People” and he approaches his candidacy from the perspective of a working man.

Kearan, 39, supports cuts that would leave a smaller, more efficient government, and state payroll reductions more aligned with the state’s median income.

NYC: Socialist Workers Party Scramble to Submit Petition in House Race

2011-07-18T12:14:00.003-04:00

From Ballot Access News:

On July 13, the Socialist Workers Party submitted 7,080 signatures to place its nominee for U.S. House on the ballot in New York’s special election set for September 13. No other group or independent candidate submitted a petition. The law requires 3,500 for independent candidates, or the nominees of unqualified parties, for U.S. House, and the law does not reduce this number when the petitioning period is short (as it almost always is, in special elections).

The SWP collected these signatures in only four days. The only other candidates on the ballot will be the Democrat and the Republican, unless the Green Party exercises its right to nominate someone without a petition (the Green Party is a qualified party in New York, so it has this option).

IA: Independents Outnumber Democrats, Republicans

2011-07-17T14:51:00.001-04:00

From the Chicago Tribune, via the Hankster:

Senate Majority Leader Michael Gronstal, D-Council Bluffs, said Iowa voters have long shown a preference for a divided government that gives both parties a say in running the state, and he expects that to continue.

"I think when it's all said and done, it's up to the independent voters," Gronstal said. "They've often said it's good to have divided government."

Registered Democrats outnumber Republicans in Iowa by about 646,000 to 610,000, but there are more independent voters than members of either party: nearly 702,000.

Anonymous and the Greens

2011-07-17T13:33:00.001-04:00

The Greens appear to be reaching out to Anonymous, or is it the other way around? Or is it just plain satire? From the Seattle PI Ethicist blog:

We don’t need a “new” party, we need to vote for a party that already exists and represents us. Vote Green. The Green party is in 49 states. Anonymous should vote Green. If you like Anon, you should vote Green. If you want a transparent government, Vote Green.

Do you like torture? Go on and vote Democrat.
Do you like being broke? Vote Republican.
Do you want to work at Walmart when you retire? Vote Democrat.
Do you want to see your children working as slaves? Vote Republican.
Do you hate having health care? Vote Democrat.
Do you love chaos and anarchy? Vote Republican.
It doesn’t really matter whether its Dem, or Rep, they’re two sides of the same coin: Corruption.

The Green party will ban lobbying INSIDE government offices. The Green party will make it illegal to vote on any issue for which large donations were paid, or to submit laws written by lobbyists. Do you want GOVERNMENT, or this Fourth-Reich divine right insanity? America is already a Tyranny, already Fascist, already over the edge. It’s time to change. Obama had his chance and failed miserably. He extended the Patriot Act. he allows torture, and rendition. Look at how he treats Manning. Look at how he plots against Assange. Someone told the truth? How evil of them.
VOTE FOR CHANGE. Vote Green.

This ad paid for by Anon

MN: Ranked Choice Gives Greens a Boost

2011-07-17T13:28:00.001-04:00

From Twin Cities:

In November, voters in the St. Paul City Council election will be able to choose up to six candidates per seat, ranked in order of preference. In other words, downtown residents could conceivably vote for all five candidates who have filed to run for office in Ward 2.
Nov. 8 will mark the city's first experience with the new "ranked voting" system, otherwise known as "instant run-off voting" or "ranked-choice voting," which was supported by voters in a ballot question last year. . .

Jim Ivey, former political chair for the Green Party of Minnesota, said ranked-choice voting has boosted his party's chances at the polls. He thinks the Green Party will no longer be looked upon as a potential "spoiler" in tight races.

"We worked for years to make this happen," said Ivey, a Lowertown resident who is running for city council in Ward 2. "The Green Party was a key supporter. It's strategic for creating a third-party presence in local politics. It gives people a chance to vote for what they really believe in, and know that there's no risk in doing that....It's great for us."

It's been such a draw, in fact, that the party has recruited a slate of local candidates, some of whom have no previous Green Party affiliation but share the party's "progressive" values, Ivey said.

Dullard Mush (The Anon Guy) fails to smear Nevada's largest third-party

2011-07-16T18:13:00.002-04:00

It is unsurprising that Nevada's largest & most organized third party, the Independent American Party, has had its fair share of critics and even enemies, especially those that throw around inaccurate, and even simpleton-minded condemnation of the IAP and its members.

With a political group as battle-hardened, and yet as modestly successful in state and local politics as the IAP is- people in both high and low places of society, as well as being of, or not of, our state government, are always seeking to throw any kind of monkey-wrench into the works.

Dullard Mush, a blog that a run by a Nevada blogger known as 'The Anon Guy', whom in addition, runs another blog that constantly features Pro-Barack Obama campaign emails is no exception in his constant criticism of the IAP over various petty matters, such as voter registration and the Party's name, campaigning, etc.

However such smear tactics haven't gone entirely unnoticed in their ad hominem inaccuracy and factual distortion, even if they do go unnoticed by the media and public attention, nevertheless.

Examples of Anon's attack pieces would include:

* A subliminal attack on the IAP's former congressional candidate, Russell Best, suggesting that he accidentally filed for US senate when in fact the Secretary of State's office had inaccuracy reported on their website that he was running for US Senate, when Tim Fasano was yet the official IAP Senate candidate that was supposed to be listed on that website instead.

Anon did not do a follow up on the matter, which isn't surprising.

* A petty and inaccurate article that bashed the IAP voter registration gains throughout the years. Anon didn't pay attention to the fact that while the IAP has been balloted qualified since 1992, its numbers didn't start to grow until after 2001, which is quite odd because- if Anon is right that the solid majority of Nevadans only register IAP simply for the name -then why didn't the IAP explode in voter registration numbers during the 90's? Why were there only 15,462 registered IAP'ers, in Nevada as of January of 2001, which made up barely 2% of the state's voter registration total then?

It is noted that when the IAP became more active in the political scene in Nevada around 2002 with increased efforts of activism and media coverage, the Party's numbers then began to skyrocket.

Anon also failed to note that in terms of the percentages in each county's voter registration totals, the IAP is larger in the rural and more conservative parts of the state, where the voters would be more the wiser to know just what political party they are registering to, and where not only would such voters be sympathetic to the IAP's message, but even vote for IAP candidates in high percentages, as well as electing a few to office too. Another thing, the majority of the Party's voters may lie in Clark County, which is likewise for all political parties in Nevada, but in Esmeralda County alone, while IAP may only have 47 registered voters there, Esmeralda has a total of 562 registered voters, according the June 2011 totals. So over 8% of the voting population in Esmeralda is IAP, which is very good for a third party!

With this one county being just one example out of many here, yet Esmeralda has also seen high vote percentages for IAP candidates and even saw the 2010 election of one into local office there.

Once more, Anon's arguments began to break down.

Anon also tried using even more petty comparisons in the same article when it came to IAP candidates and the numbers; trying to use a long-refuted argument of how the majority of IAP voters fail to come out to vote for the Party's candidates for major offices. Yet Anon takes on his true anti-third party mentality here when he forgets that it is a common habit of the typical American voter to be more likely to stick to the status-quo on voting for majority-party candidates for such high-profile races that voters would be the most passionate about; while on the other hand, when it comes to state office, and other elected offices that aren't as extensively covered by the media or conspicuous to the general public, then will the status-quo bend, or even get broken, and third party candidates will do much better in these races in comparison to the higher offices; this fact is true for all third parties, including the LP, the IAP, the Greens, etc.

And need I say, there's also the factor of just how hard, or how little, such third party candidates for major & minor offices campaign for votes; that is another thing to consider on the vote totals.

When Anon gets down to the congressional offices, he still continues the distortion, failing to note the IAP's spike in numbers that their candidates receive; pointing instead to how the LP candidates, or rival candidates of other third parties get better percentages when compared to the number of their party's registered voters in their district or area. However, the math he uses is quite interesting and even more over-exaggerated; for example, if 'Candidate A' is a member of a party that has a total of 200 registered voters in his District and he gets 400 votes in a race, then he has gotten 100% more votes then there are registered voters of his party in that District. Then there's 'Candidate B', who is a member of a party that has a total of 1000 registered voters in the same District, and in the same race, gets 1,500 votes, or 50% more then the number of registered voters in his party.

And according to Anon's logic; 'Candidate A' performed way better then 'Candidate B', because he got a better percentage of votes when compared to the number of registered voters of his party in his District.

-Such logic would make sense in a Leslie Nielsen movie.

Anon did his best to try making the Nevada LP look good in comparison to the IAP, yet he still fails when confronted with the facts, numbers, and logic; especially when several IAP candidates that ran for state offices in 2006, and in 2010, actually proved wrong his arguments about the percentage of IAP voters voting for, or not voting for, the IAP line; these examples are- Janine Hansen running for Secretary of State in 2006 and her brother Joel, who ran for State Attorney General in 2010; both won more votes then the number of IAP registered voters in Nevada at the time...

And if we stick to Anon's own logic, we are talking about only the Active Voters here.

Another argument that he makes, which also has been turned upside down, is the partially-accurate fact that IAP candidates do exceptionally well in races where they are running against a sole Republican, or Democratic candidate, because it is simply between two candidates only in that race. This argument may be true indeed, but he also forgets that while any kind of third party candidate can do well in two-way races, there are also several exceptions where IAP candidates have placed Second, or even won partisan office in races where the IAP candidate was up against more then one opponent. Such examples would be Jackie Berg's 2006 race for Eureka County Clerk, John Lampros's 2010 race for White Pine County Commission Board, Arthur Wehrmeister's 2010 race for Esmeralda County District Attorney, and Janine Hansen's 2010 race for State Assembly District 33, where she won Second place over her Democratic opponent.

Again, when confronted with such facts and results, Anon's arguments continue to fall flat and into the dark crevices when first seeing the real light of day.

* His attack on the IAP in this piece, which he defended Scott Ashjian, the "Tea Party of Nevada" candidate for US Senate last year. Yet Scott was exposed as a crooked businessman with serious legal and financial issues under his belt, as well as being a possible political operative that violated NRS.293.184 by lying on his candidate paperwork. Many of the Tea Party groups in Nevada also denounced Ashjian's candidacy, stating that he never was involved with them or even participated in their rallies, unlike the IAP, which has been working closely with the movement in Nevada since 2009. Ashjian basically ran as a candidate of a fake political party, whose leaders and officers were not only family and business associates of him, but included several outspoken Democrats, including Barry Levinson, who served as the Secretary for the TPN.

As Ashjian failed to garner enough votes to on election day to qualify his 'political party' for the Nevada ballot in 2012, he soon dropped out of the public eye and has been maintaining a low profile since, except for still fighting against a few legal charges that won't go away.

Yet Anon's silly calls of hypocracy on the IAP's joint-lawsuit with the Tea Party movement fall on deaf ears, as many third party activists in Nevada, including Debra Dedmon- a officer with the Clark County Libertarian Party and a online blogger who as goes by the name 'LibertarianGirl' -denounced Ashjian's candidacy as a fake third-party candidate.

Anon Guy's criticism fails, yet again.

* Anon claimed in another article that IAP'er Ike Yochum's 2010 candidacy in the State Senate, Washoe District 1 race would help out Ty Cobb in his battle against fellow Republican Ben Kieckhefer, when Ty Cobb went on to lose the GOP Primary against Kieckhefer. While this piece wasn't critical of anything Independent American, his stereotypical prediction of that race was as accurate as his facts are on the IAP itself.

As much as he has gone out of the way to bash the IAP and anything related to it, the main fact that very few Nevadans pay attention to a petty and spiteful anti-third party blogger such as him, and even those that do and also take the time to research his claims, like this writer has, rings true. Especially when taking notes of his friendly twitter correspondence with Nevada's Secretary of State, Ross Miller, whom has been hostile to political third parties in the state and even crafted legislation (A.B. 81 & A.B. 82), that would have greatly hurt Nevada third party candidates during the last session. And if not for the efforts of the citizen lobbyists of the IAP, the NVLP, and others, then such bills wouldn't have been watered down and stripped of the harmful language that was contained in them at the time.

As always, there is nothing new under the sun when it comes to the conga line of anti-Independent American bleaters and screechers that yet miss the mark. 'The Anon Guy' is no exception, and neither is his ignorant and simpleton prejudice.

IN: 20% of Hoosiers no Longer "Lean" Toward the Republican or Democratic Parties

2011-07-15T14:23:00.001-04:00

From the Indiana Chamber of Commerce Business Blog, via The Hankster:

More and more Hoosiers consider themselves true “independents,” casting aside any political identification with either Republicans or Democrats. Twenty percent (20%) of Indiana voters today identify themselves as “independent,” even after factoring out those who self-identify as leaning to one party or the other. This is a 150% increase in true independent voters in just the last six years.

PA: Local Push for Independent Judges and a More Diverse Bench

2011-07-15T14:09:00.001-04:00

From the Standard Speaker:

Denouncing the Luzerne County court system for a "horrifying" lack of diversity, attorney and activist Harry Hamilton said Thursday he would circulate nominating petitions for a potential independent run for judge.

"I can't talk about change, I can't talk about bringing color to the courthouse and not recognize or realize that I'm a qualified judicial candidate, if nominated," Hamilton said, after addressing about a group of two-dozen supporters in the courthouse rotunda . . .

Hamilton, 49, said he must collect about 800 signatures by an Aug. 1 deadline in order to secure a position in the Nov. 8 general election. If he runs, he would join seven other candidates vying for six open seats, including five nominated on both the Democratic and Republican ballots. Hamilton said he considered running in the May primary, but wanted to divorce himself from the partisanship of the two-party system.

"In order to remove the taint, if you will, a judicial candidate should be independent of a particular party," Hamilton said. "I had to set aside the rhetoric, if you will, of what might be the best party to run with and for because I believe firmly that, when it comes to judicial office, you should be independent." . . .

The Real Deficit: Leadership

2011-07-15T14:02:00.001-04:00

From the Reform Party of Utah:

Reform Party national chairman David Collison called the debate between Democrats and Republicans on raising the nation’s debt ceiling another reminder that the country is faced with a deficit in leadership on the most critical economic issues.

“The Democrats and Republicans continue to prove to the American people that they are incapable of addressing the $14 trillion debt they created,” said Collison. “This is a debt that has grown by over $10 trillion in less than 20 years, and neither party has a plan to make it stop. Well, it needs to stop. We cannot afford to keep raising the debt ceiling and sacrifice the future of our children and their children.”

Collison added that the Reform Party believes that the American economy cannot withstand the poor leadership of the Democratic and Republican parties any longer. “The only way America will balance our budget and end our out of control debt to China, once and for all, is through shared sacrifice by ALL Americans, an end to corporate welfare, serious across the board spending cuts and elimination of special interest budget projects, along with addressing serious structural economic issues in America.”

Collison noted that none of the current proposals by either side would do anything to keep the national debt from reaching $20 trillion in less than ten years and will not keep debt payments under $800 billion in the same time frame. Current government projections have payments on the national debt approaching 80 percent of all revenues in the coming years, which will make funding the nation’s military, social security and other key programs impossible . . .

IAP congressional candidate's list of upcoming campaign appearances for special election

2011-07-13T23:42:00.003-04:00

Tim Fasano’s scheduled appearances and media interviews are starting to mount...

This week, Tim will be featured on 99.1 Fm Talk’s “Nevada Matters” hosted by Mr. Eddie Floyd on Sunday, July 10, 2011 airing between 8pm and midnight in an interview that lasts for over an hour.

Also, on Monday, July 11, 2011, Tim will be interviewed on the television show “Nevada News Makers by show host, Ms. Samantha Stone.

Then on Tuesday, July 12, 2011, Tim is back on the air with a live broadcast hour long interview on “The Sean Patrick Show” beginning at 7am, again on 99.1 FM Talk Radio.

On Wednesday, Tim is going to be extensively interviewed for a second segment of the national fed program of “Sit Rep” which is devoted to veterans issues and the nationally fed “Warriors” program designed to address issues of interest to the American Indian heritage population.

After a short break, on July 17, 2011, Tim will be at the upcoming “Speak Your Mind” HipHop Art Festival for the daylong event starting at 2pm and going through to 10pm. The campaign will have a booth registering and getting the word out to the younger generation. This is a priority that Tim is dedicated to accomplish.

Janine Hansen reports on her, the IAP, and the legislative successes made this year in Nevada

2011-07-13T23:39:00.000-04:00

Nevada Families Eagle Forum's final Nevada Legislative Report

LIBERTY Victories at LEGISLATURE

One of our most important victories was the defeat of SB552 which provided for the taking of DNA upon Arrest instead of conviction. This bill was a serious departure from our Constitutional protection of innocent until proven guilty. In considering this legislation the question must be asked: Do you want Obama to have your DNA? Section 3 sub 4 of the AB552 stated, “The identification characteristics resulting from the genetic marker analysis must be stored and maintained by the forensic laboratory in CODIS.” CODIS is the FBI’s Combined DNA Index System.
If you have been arrested for a felony but not convicted, even if you are innocent, your DNA remains in the federal database system. This is because a State has no right and no power to demand that a citizen’s DNA be removed from the FBI’s database CODIS. Placing innocent people’s DNA in a federal database crosses the line and turns the database into a tool for surveillance instead of a tool for investigating crimes. DNA is not like a fingerprint. It is an individual’s entire genetic blueprint. In Nevada , felonies include such things as writing a bad check, unlawful interception of cable TV service, and dozens of other non-violent crimes.
Some might say, I have done nothing wrong so I have no need to worry. I was arrested for petitioning! Do you trust the government? Our state and local law enforcement have become co-opted agents of the federal government through federal grants of dollars, mandates, and cooperative agreements.
Have you seen the Federal Homeland Security Department’s Report on Domestic Terrorists? According to Homeland Security, if you are pro-life, pro-gun, pro-family, a Christian, opposed to illegal immigration, opposed to NAFTA, GATT, WTO, believe in end-times prophecy, a returning Veteran, or store food, you are a potential Domestic Terrorist!

AB552: was called the “Briana Dennison Bill”. Because of her tragic rape and murder, some feel that it might have been prevented if we had a law requiring DNA specimen collection upon arrest. We completely empathize with her family and friends, fully understanding that it could have been our daughter or granddaughter who was brutally victimized. However, high profile cases are often used to change our laws and undermine our liberties while playing on our sympathies.
However, as mothers and fathers we must consider all of our children and their futures. Securing and maintaining their possible immediate safety without considering the potential threat to their liberty would be shortsighted. We cannot allow our children’s Constitutional rights to be diminished because of such a tragedy. Indeed, the greater tragedy would be the loss of our Constitutional rights and protections making us all potential victims of an abusive government. Our founders understood this because they became in their fight for liberty and Independence outlaws, enemies of the King, felons, and domestic colonial terrorists. This bill passed the Assembly. However, Senator Horsford, Chairman of Senate Finance made the courageous decision not to take a vote on AB552 and let it die. He said there were too many unanswered questions about expungement/removal of the DNA from the federal database. He said it was too late in the session (on the last day) to consider such a far reaching issue without adequate time.
I believe that Americans have been artificially divided. Often during the Legislative session we have the opportunity to work with people and organizations we might often otherwise oppose like the ACLU. This is always a rewarding and positive experience as we learn to put down our preconceived ideas and reach out to find common ground as Americans who believe in liberty and agree on a particular issue. Such was the opportunity on this bill.
Other Legislative Victories

SB546: Early Childhood Education was an attempt to take over the child care businesses in our state and impose expensive new training and curriculum requirements. Instead of parents choosing the child care that is best for their children, the bill mandated a curriculum created by the failing education establishment. The provisions of this bill needed to be read in light of the left leaning NEA National Education Association’s goal which calls for “early childhood education programs…from birth through age eight. This bill was an important step towards that NEA goal of a Nanny State controlling our babies and preschool children. We can see the failures of the State/Federally controlled government education system which produces too many children who cannot read or think, and who know little or nothing of their own heritage, the Constitution and liberty. The Governor vetoed the bill.

SB133: the People’s Right to Petition escaped further decimation when Senator Rhoads’ bill, originally designating “petition districts” as the 42 Assembly Districts, could not meet Constitutional muster. It made petitioning so burdensome as to be virtually impossible. SB133 was amended to make petition districts the same as Congressional Districts which is a very reasonable requirement. In addition, there was a final attempt to torpedo the right to petition when a provision was added to the bill by the Assembly Elections Committee which would have required anyone hired to petition to be treated as an employee with all the taxes, insurance, and regulations of a regular employee instead of the usual contract worker. This would have killed petitioning. It’s startling how arrogantly and antagonistically the Legislature works every session to further annihilate the people’s right to petition. The unions helped us on this one. Often the Legislative process creates interesting coalitions through mutual concern over a specific issue. This greatly increases the opportunity for success when diverse organizations can come together to defend Constitutional Rights.

AB299: Low cost taxpayer subsidized auto insurance available for up to 50% of people in Washoe and Clark counties. This was a Great Victory on a bad bill. It passed the Assembly on a 29 to 13 vote. It passed the Senate Commerce, Labor & Energy Committee, but never received a vote in the full Senate, probably because they didn’t have the votes. We don’t need more Government entitlements!

SB64: State Treasurer’s discriminatory State Stimulus. This bill allowed the State Treasurer to deposit $20,000,000 million into banks and credit unions at 2% below market and then the banks would loan the money out giving preference to “politically correct” businesses run by women, minorities and veterans. Good old reverse discrimination at its’ finest. Additionally, this bill circumvented the Nevada State Constitution which prohibits the state from loaning any money to corporations. The Constitution states in Article 8, Section 9: “Gifts or loans of public money to certain corporations prohibited. The State shall not donate or loan money, or its credit, subscribe to or be, interested in the Stock of any company, association, or corporation, except corporations formed for educational or charitable purposes.” Oh that pesky Constitution always standing in the way of new liberal projects to use the taxpayers’ money! The bill died a quiet death in Senate Legislative Operations and Elections.

SB269: “Write in” Voting would have allowed a candidate to lose in the Primary Election and file as a write in candidate in the General. In Alaska in 2010, liberal establishment Republican incumbent Senator Lisa Murkowski was defeated in the Primary in an upset by Conservative Joe Miller. Lisa Murkowski then became a “write in” candidate for the general election. Because she could now draw voters from both liberal Democrats and RINO Republicans, Murkowski just barely beat Joe Miller and was elected. “Write in” candidates will result in the defeat of Conservative Constitutional candidates and was soundly defeated with all Senators voting No except the sponsor of the bill Senator Joe Hardy.

AB289: Dietetics licensing bill, which was amended to apply only to dietitians, removed concerns of alternative health providers and suppliers, which had originally opposed the bill.

SB412: the regulation of complementary integrative medicine was amended to address the legitimate concerns of alternative health providers who had energetically opposed it. In the end the bill was withdrawn.

AB452: provided for the option of swearing an oath under God or affirming under penalty of perjury on campaign reporting laws. This was a personal victory for me as I have worked to provide this option for years since I received a $15,000 fine for swearing in the name of Jesus Christ that my report was true and correct rather than under the secular affirmation of penalty of perjury. Would you call the fine religious persecution?

Victories Continued...

AJR 2: Annual Legislative Sessions was stopped however Interim Legislative hearings are scheduled on the bill. In the future the way to stop the continual Legislative drum beat for annual sessions is to cut the number of bills introduced at the Legislature in half. It is insanity to believe that we need 1,318 bills every session.

AB578: Was an attempt to have the Legislature in Session Year Round. It was sponsored by the Democrats. It changed the Legislative Interim Committee structure to put all members of the Legislature on Interim Committees and form nine Standing Committees just like they have during the Session. Each committee could have 10 bill drafts prepared for introduction during the session. It was designed to greatly expand the Legislature’s work and per diem pay during the Interim. Bad News… It passed the Senate 11 to 10 with all Republicans voting No and the Assembly 28 to 14 with 2 RINOS Lynn Stewart and Pat Hickey voting Yes. There’s no end to the voracious appetite of the government expansion crowd cooking up tempting schemes for more and more and more and more government. Thankfully, the Governor vetoed the bill.

AB243: Requiring reporting and accountability by Quasi-Public organizations, in other words, “private,” non-profit organizations who receive State Government money through grants, contracts or other means. Believe me there are far more than you think. They must provide reports to the Legislature and make certain information available on their websites. This bill is long overdue. It received unanimous approval in both the Assembly and Senate. The Sponsor was Democrat Assemblywoman Kirkpatrick.

SB271: Imposes conditions upon Nevada ’s continued participation in Tahoe Regional Planning Agency.
Although this bill was watered down and deadlines extended for possible withdrawal, its passage is a step in the right direction to bring the TRPA, a bi-state agency, under control. The TRPA has been highly controversial because of decisions on private property. The TRPA regulations go far beyond environmental protection and violate the Takings Clause of the U.S. Constitution. TRPA assumed taxing powers of Tahoe property owners as an appointed agency with quasi-federal powers and no accountability to the taxpayers. California style environmental extremism has led to incomprehensible decisions prohibiting the cutting of dead and dying trees in the basin, creating potential environmental calamity from fires. In June 2007, the Angora wildfire burned 3,100 acres and destroyed 254 residences and many other structures in South Lake Tahoe . Developers’ rights groups and local real estate lobbyists immediately charged that the structures burned because of TRPA’s strict environmental regulations, which allegedly prohibit property owners from clearing defensible space around their homes. It’s time return to sanity and protect Nevada citizens in the Tahoe basin.

SB385: granted more power to County Commissions and City Councils. It died a quiet death in the Assembly Government Affairs Committee. Under current state law, Counties and Cities can only do what is authorized by the State Legislature as a check and balance on local governments. We believe in local government, however, local special interests can unduly influence local governments. For instance, government worker unions have much more influence on the local level in getting much higher wages than from the State, as clearly shown by the Nevada Policy Research Institute’s “Nevada Piglet Book 2010”.
The bill provided that a board of county commissioners or an incorporated city “may exercise any power it has to the extent that the power is not expressly: Denied by the Constitution” of the State of Nevada , the U.S. Constitution, by the laws of the State of Nevada or granted to another entity. This bill violates the Ninth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and its companion in the Declaration of Rights in the Nevada Constitution Art. 1 Section 20 which states, ”This enumeration of rights shall not be construed to impair or deny others retained by the people.” We have many more rights than those specifically/expressly mentioned in the Bill of Rights or in the Nevada Declaration of Rights.
This bill would allow local governments to pass local ordinances which could violate these real but not expressly identified rights. Then there is an arrogant provision in the bill which states, “Any doubt as to the existence of a power of [a county commission or city council] must be resolved in favor of its existence.” In other words, if you challenge it, the resolution (in court) must be decided in favor of the local government! Amazing arrogance!

AB78: Secretary of State Ross Miller’s bill which raised fees on Small Home Based businesses by $260% died in Senate.

Gun Rights/Concealed Carry Bills: Tremendous progress was made on improving the Gun Rights.

SB126: Provided for CCW holders to qualify on one semi-automated and then be able to carry any semi-automatic as the law now provides for qualification on any revolver. Sponsored by Senators Settelmeyer & Lee. Vote: Senate 21 Yeas 0 Nays, Assembly 40 Yeas 2. Nays (Maggie Carlton and Peggy Pierce).
Gun Rights Continued:

AB143: Same provisions as SB126 but was sponsored by Assemblyman Bobzien. Vote: Senate 21 Yeas 0 Nays, Assembly 39 Yeas 3 Nays (Maggie Carlton, Harvey Munford and Peggy Pierce).

AB282: Speaker Oceguera’s bill lifted ideas from other Legislators including Goedhart and Hickey and put them all in his bill. It incorporated the important provision for renewal of CCW permits to require an investigation by the sheriff and a report from National Instant Criminal Background Check System. This put Nevada ’s CCW law in compliance with federal law, so permittees do not have to undergo a Brady background check every time they buy a weapon. It also included the same provisions as SB126 and AB143 for semi-autos. It took the idea of Senator Gustavson’s bill SB175 to protect the confidentiality of CCW holders. After much ado between the Senate and Assembly it limited the fees for the permits to actual costs for background/ criminal history checks so that they could not be used for revenueing. And finally, it prevents the administrator of State Parks from adopting regulations in State Parks or recreation facilities which are more restrictive than the laws of the state regarding possession of firearms and engaging in lawful resistance against an offense of person or property. Passed the Assembly 40 to 2 with same 2 no votes and Senate 21 to 0.

SB175: Gustavson’s Confidentiality for identity of CCW holders passed Senate and did not receive a vote in the Assembly. SB231 Lee’s Campus Carry passed Senate but no vote was taken in Assembly Judiciary.

Bad Bills that passed:

AJR5: Allowing the Legislature to call special sessions under limited circumstances, which already passed last session and so it will be on the November 2012 ballot. Currently, only the Governor has the power to call the Legislature into Special Session.

AB81 & AB82: the Secretary of State’s Anti-Democratic Election Suppression bills were significantly amended with the most egregious portions amended out of the bills. However, SB81 still contains repressive regulations on election speech and elicited NO votes from all 10 Senate Republicans. Amended out of AB81 in the Assembly was the section which increased the filing fees for candidates running for election in some cases by 600%, increasing filing for US Senate from $500 to $3000. The Secretary of State, Ross Miller, felt that only “credible” candidates should be able to run for office. That would have left only the incumbents and “anointed” candidates, chosen by the “powers that be,” able to run for office. Ross Miller’s record as Secretary of State is frightening as exemplified in his election bills which are anti-democratic, anti-participation, and anti-free speech. Now that’s some record for the State’s Chief Election Officer. It may give you reason to pause and understand why I called these bills the SOS’s Anti-Democratic Election Suppression Bills.

SB43: Electronic Health Records is getting us all ready for ObamaCare. It was “mandated” and “funded” by Congress in the so-called Federal Stimulus Act of 2009. It will force you into a system where all of your personal health records will be electronic, making them more vulnerable to identity theft. But more importantly, this personal critical and potentially damaging physical and mental health information can be more easily accessed, misused, and abused by those who gain access legally or illegally. Do you trust the government with your health records? We have recently seen examples of how “safe” electronic data is when the Pentagon and big corporations are hacked.

SJR 14: Intermediate Appellant Court passed the Senate 16 to 5 with 5 Senators having the courage to vote NO: Cegavske, Gustavson, Halseth, Kieckhefer, Settelmeyer. It will have to be voted on again in 2013 and then if it passes it will go on the ballot in 2014. This was just defeated by the people in the 2010 election. I guess they weren’t listening! No Surprise…

Died at end of Legislature: SB177: Motorcycle Helmet Freedom bill passed the Senate Transportation Committee with Chairman Breedan begrudgingly taking a vote. It was then sent to Senate Finance with a phony fiscal note where Senator Horsford let it die. Freedom is rarely to be gained in the Legislative halls bent on more government control.

These bills DIED at the April 15, 2011 deadline:

AB34: Allowed the cops to use cameras for giving traffic tickets. This is a short stop on the way to Great Britain which has more than 4.2 million spy cameras filming each citizen over 300 times a day. Hello Orwell!

AB54: Gave unelected appointed people the power to impose taxes in “medical districts”. The concept of unelected unaccountable people raising taxes really seems to fly in the face of that somewhat quaint idea, “No taxation without representation.” I’m glad we didn’t have to start a revolution over that one!

AB108: Allowed people to register to vote on Election Day. Nobody was ready for such a radical step and there were great concerns over potential fraud, which were not addressed in the bill. You can bet it will be back next session.

AB208, AB430, AB435, SB161 SB178, SB380: All good bills providing needed steps to address illegal immigration and/or making English the official language. No surprise in the Democrat controlled Legislature they went no where.

AB314: “Comprehensive sex education” was sponsored by the infamous Planned Parenthood, the number one abortion providers in the nation. It provided for instruction on sexual perversions, abortion, graphic and explicit instructions on how to use contraceptives without parental consent.

AB336: Income tax on business in Nevada was just one more way to suppress businesses and jobs.

SB235: Made not wearing a Seat Belt a primary offense so that you could be stopped at any time for any reason. This was another surveillance society bill which didn’t make it.

SB247: School Based Health Clinics taking away parental consent and providing contraceptives and abortion referrals bit the dust.

SB310/AB411: the Freedom of Choice in Health Care insuring the right of individuals to choose their own health care in “the land of the free and the home of the brave,” died quiet deaths providing us no protections against the ominous ObamaCare mandates.

SB344: National Popular Vote would have circumvented the U.S. Constitution and the Electoral College allowing big population states to completely control the Presidential election. It was perhaps the most dangerous bill of the session. Eagle Forum made it a top priority and with public support stopped this bill cold.

SB366, SJR10, AJR8 and AB367: School choice. The government schools have failed our children. Its time to explore and return to education that works for children, parents and good teachers. We need to provide successful options in education so that our children can be rescued from the stranglehold of the Teachers Union and Educrats. The Governor proposed school choice based on Florida ’s successful system. Of course, something so successful was too much for the Dems to shallow. It died.

AB462: Redefined “terrorism” as including the “use or attempted use…of coercion…to influence the policy of a governmental entity.” Isn’t that what active citizens and lobbyist do everyday at the Legislature? Are we all potential domestic terrorists? According to Homeland Security that may be true. The new definition did not fly.

SJR6 & AJR4: Tenth Amendment Resolutions would have taken us a long way towards reestablishing state sovereignty in our ongoing battle with the Feds. Why would Nevada’s Legislators, burdened with horrendous unfunded federal mandates and unconstitutional programs, straining to pay the bills with only 13% of Nevada’s lands taxable to the state (the rest under usurped control by the feds) want to reaffirm the Tenth Amendment? A sacrilege for sure to the left wing orthodoxy dedicated to continual violation of the U.S. Constitution!
The Tenth Amendment is the key to restoring our liberties. The Tenth Amendment states, “The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people. Those few words are very threatening to the power hungry…they mean there are limits on what the federal government can do and what they can mandate the states to do.

SJR7: A constitutional amendment to limit property taxes was a good idea which went no where.

Legislature and Governor Reneged on Promises to Sunset Taxes

The Governor and the Legislature reneged on their promises and voted to pass AB561 to extend the tax on wages paid by businesses. This tax suppresses job creation and flies in the face of the stated goals of the Governor and Legislators of creating jobs. The repeal of these sunsets will take another $600 million out of the productive sector during these devastating economic times and give it to the non-producing insatiable tax eaters!
Of course, all the Democrats voted to repeal the taxes scheduled to be sunsetted, but once again the Republicans betrayed the people, for without their capitulation the taxes would not have passed. Only six Senators and six Assemblymen had the courage to vote NO including Senators Brower, Cegavske, Gustavson, Halseth, Roberson, and Settelmeyer and Assemblymen Ellison, Goedhart, Hambrick, Hardy, Livermore, and McArthur.

Recently, someone in the Nevada Unemployment bureaucracy revealed that although the federal government claims that the unemployment rate in Nevada is 12.1%, the real rate is nearly twice that at 23%!!! The reason is- many people have been dropped off unemployment rolls when their benefits run out and are not counted. They are now “invisible” to the Federal government for deception’s sake.

Remember, there is never enough money for the government growers.

-Janine Hansen, Nevada Eagle Forum President & IAP Executive Director

VT: Independent Challenges Unfair Petition Deadlines

2011-07-13T13:30:00.003-04:00

From the Burlington Free Press:

Jerry Trudell of West Charleston will be in Washington Superior Court Thursday morning for the first of two days of his civil challenge of the new Vermont law governing when independent candidates must file petitions to be on the ballot.

The Legislature moved the date from September to June so that all potential candidates filed at the same time. In the past, independents and minor party candidates filed after the party primaries in September.

OH: State Legislature Wages "Attack on Democracy" Say Greens

2011-07-12T13:45:00.001-04:00

From the Cincinnati Beacon:

This past week, according to the Green Party of Ohio, the State Senate passed a revision of Ohio’s election law that is nothing less than an attack on Democracy itself. “It’s highly ironic that on the Fourth of July, when we are supposed to be celebrating our political freedoms, the Legislature has passed a law that effectively eliminates our ability to peacefully assemble as a political party,” said Dennis Spisak. Spisak was the Green’s gubernatorial candidate in 2010. He established the Party’s current legal standing by receiving more than 50,000 votes.

HB 194 requires Parties to receive at least 5% of the vote for either Governor or President in order to maintain their status as a political party. This means that the Greens would have to receive approximately 200,000 votes. However, since they may have lost their status before the election in 2012, they would have to do so without the ability to raise money, name candidates, hold primaries, or establish membership.

Could the National Centrist Party Co-opt Strategic Election Reform?

2011-07-11T17:38:00.000-04:00

I'm in email dialogue with one of the National Centrist Party founders and hope to persuade him and them to major on strategic election reform that achieves a dynamic centrism by handicapping the cut-throat rivalry between the two major parties and enables more folks, via third parties, to influence the working center of the US's politics.

dlw

OK: Libertarian Ballot Access Push

2011-07-11T16:28:00.003-04:00

From the Edmond Sun:

Oklahoma Libertarians want their party recognized by the state and represented on the ballot in political primary elections, one local Libertarian leader said.

Oklahoma is the only state recognizing only the Democrat and Republican parties on the ballot without an “unfair” effort required by a third party, said Aletha Lingo, president of the Edmond Libertarian Party. Democrats and Republicans don’t have to collect signatures for ballot representation.

“It’s insane, unfair and to me unconstitutional and ridiculous that we have to go to other Libertarians outside the state to raise money to get on this ballot one time,” Lingo said . . .

IN: Libertarian City-Councile Ed Coleman

2011-07-11T16:26:00.001-04:00

From Libertarian Indianapolis City-County Councilor Ed Coleman via the LP blog:

Ed Coleman was first elected to the Indianapolis City County Council in 2007 and is determined to continue working for the citizens of Indianapolis.

Councilor Coleman is a health care professional and works for a subsidiary of Wellpoint in Indianapolis. He and his wife Kerri are proud parents of two children and reside on the Southside of Indianapolis. Ed was honorably discharged following 3 years of service in the United States Navy. Ed spent his 3 years with HS-4 helicopter squadron attached to the USS Carl Vinson doing a 6 month deployment to the Persian Gulf. Then briefly with the USS Abraham Lincoln. He then spent 9 years in the Indiana Army National Guard were he was activated in support of training troops for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. He also was honored for state emergency service on 3 seperate occasions. He is an Indianapolis native, graduating from Warren Central and Ivy Tech . . .

The Importance of Information Sharing

2011-07-08T14:09:00.001-04:00

From the Constitution Party's discussion forum:

Why does the national Party not share membership info with State Chapters?

We have found folks in Alabama that have been members of National for years in districts we have run candidates. However we never knew that they were out there. The last one we found was one that has really bugged me as he was my wife's uncle. Bill was in House district 105 but we did not know that and we did not know he was even interested in being a part of the CP as a result he never really got plugged into that campaign. We only lost that race by 275 votes and I have to wonder just how much Bill would and could have helped us in that Campaign had we connected DURING the campaign and not afterward??

Why does national refuse to share info on all contacts and members with the leadership of CP State chapters?? This hinders our efforts in increasing membership. Why does national absolutely refuse to share the names of all donors from within a State with leadership of that State's CP chapter? This hinders our efforts in fundraising.

Sincerely
Richard Rutledge
Constitution Party of Alabama Vice Chairman.

ID: Constitution Party Protests Hindu Statue

2011-07-08T14:03:00.001-04:00

From Boise Weekly:

Travel to Idaho's panhandle this weekend and you might pass a unique statue at the corner Sherman Avenue and Sixth Street in Coeur d'Alene. It's part of the city's ArtCurrents, a new art-on-loan program. The six-foot-tall statue is of the Hindu god Ganesha, with four arms and an elephant's head. But the Kootenai County Constitution Party is not happy, saying, "Christians of Kootenai County should be dismayed at the appearance of a Hindu demon." An official with the national office of the Constitution Party had no knowledge of the protest . . .

LA: Gov Jindal Vetoes Bill that Would Allow Independents to Call themselves Independents

2011-07-07T11:39:00.001-04:00

The GOP's opposition to freedom of speech is in full view in Louisiana. From Ballot Access News:

On July 1, Louisiana Goveror Bobby Jindal vetoed HB 533, an omnibus election law bill, entirely because one small part of the bill lets independent candidates have “independent” as their ballot label. See this story, which contains the Governor’s veto letters (scroll down to find HB 533).

The veto message displays surprising ignorance. Governor Jindal says there is another already-existing section of the election law that bans any party from calling itself the Independent Party. This is true. However, the Governor doesn’t seem to understand that the U.S. Constitution requires all states to provide ballot access procedures for independent candidates, separately and distinct from members of political parties . . .

Some of us have ceased being surprised by the ignorance of Republicans and Democrats. After all, if they weren't ignorant, would they still be Republicans and Democrats?

Florida Libertarians Call for Arrest of TSA Agents

2011-07-06T15:50:00.001-04:00

A press release sent to TPID via email:

PALM HARBOR, FLORIDA - In a strongly-worded email sent today to all of Florida's 67 county sheriffs, the Libertarian Party of Florida demanded the arrest of TSA agents for violations of the U.S. and Florida Constitutions, and accused TSA agents of committing sexual battery. The letter reads as follows:

Dear Sheriff,

On this day in 1776, our forebears founded this Nation by declaring their independence from an oppressive government. This beautiful and timeless document expressed the self-evident truth that all people have certain inalienable rights, upon which no government can infringe. They asserted that governments are formed among men to secure these rights, not to impede or restrict them.

The Libertarian Party of Florida is reaching out to you, and to all of Florida's 67 Constitutional Sheriffs. We, The People of the State of Florida must turn to you as our last line of defense against a federal government that is usurping authority and ignoring the rule of law.

I am referring specifically to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and their egregious violations of the United States Constitution, as well as the Florida Constitution and state law.

Every single day, TSA employees conduct electronic and bodily searches upon tens of thousands of Florida citizens and visitors at airports, and more recently at bus terminals, rail stations, and highways. They are searching the persons and seizing the effects of travelers without warrant or probable cause. Specifically, they are in blatant violation of the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which reads as follows:

"The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized."

These TSA agents are also in clear violation of Article One, Section 12 of the Florida Constitution, which reads as follows:

"Searches and seizures.— The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures, and against the unreasonable interception of private communications by any means, shall not be violated. No warrant shall be issued except upon probable cause, supported by affidavit, particularly describing the place or places to be searched, the person or persons, thing or things to be seized, the communication to be intercepted, and the nature of evidence to be obtained."

In addition, one of the methods by which the TSA agents conduct these searches, referred to as the "Enhanced Pat Down," is clearly within the definition of felony sexual battery, as codified in Florida Statute 794.011.

I would like to point out that this statute clearly defines that it is a first degree felony when sexual battery is committed by a law enforcement agent in paragraph 4(g), which reads:

"When the offender is a law enforcement officer, correctional officer, or correctional probation officer as defined by s. 943.10(1), (2), (3), (6), (7), (8), or (9), who is certified under the provisions of s. 943.1395 or is an elected official exempt from such certification by virtue of s. 943.253, or any other person in a position of control or authority in a probation, community control, controlled release, detention, custodial, or similar setting, and such officer, official, or person is acting in such a manner as to lead the victim to reasonably believe that the offender is in a position of control or authority as an agent or employee of government."

As Sheriff, you have the absolute duty to enforce the law uniformly and without prejudice. You are, at best, engaged in selective enforcement by choosing to further ignore these flagrant violations of federal and state law. At worst, you are complicit.

If you have TSA agents within your county that are violating the law, then you must act. Warn the TSA agents that they are subject to arrest if they continue to violate the law. Should they continue, then you must begin making arrests.

We urge you to remember the oath you took to support, protect and defend the Constitution of both the State of Florida and the United States of America. On behalf of all Floridians, the Libertarian Party of Florida calls on you to do exactly that.

We turn to you, our Constitutional Sheriffs, to enforce the law in accordance with your sworn duty.

Sincerely,
Adrian Wyllie, Chairman
Libertarian Party of Florida

Australian Green Party Leader Calls for Global Parliament

2011-07-06T15:19:00.001-04:00

From UNPA:

In a speech at the National Press Club on Wednesday, the leader of the Australian Greens, Senator Bob Brown, voiced support for the creation of a global parliament. As the Greens control the balance of power in the Australian Senate, the Green’s position will potentially impact on government policy.

“The Howard government backed George W Bush's invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan in the cause of democracy”, Senator Brown said, “so why shouldn’t we now join vigorous moves in Europe and at the United Nations for a global people’s assembly based on one person, one vote, one value?” Such a global parliament, that according to Senator Brown “could be right here in Australia”, “would tackle international questions like nuclear proliferation, currency speculation, marine ecosystem destruction and those billion people who could be fed and literate if only a tenth of global military spending was sent to their assistance.” . . .

OH: Green Party May File Suit Against Discriminatory Ballot Access Law

2011-07-06T15:09:00.002-04:00

From La Prensa:

Ohio’s Green Party intends to file a lawsuit challenging an election reform bill recently passed by the state legislature that the group claims could mean the end of minority political parties in the Buckeye state.

The bill is prompting Green Party of Ohio co-chair Anita Rios to run for Toledo City Council this year, before the party may lose its political clout. Sean Nestor also is a Green Party candidate seeking a city council seat.

“Whether the State chooses to outlaw us or not, we will continue to fight for what’s right,” said Ms. Rios. “Our fights to end nuclear power, protect workers' rights, and help minorities and women are too important to let the Republicans and Democrats stop us, just because they are afraid of a little competition." . . .

Organized Opposition to Microsoft PowerPoint in Switzerland

2011-07-05T15:42:00.001-04:00

From CIO:

Many people dislike PowerPoint, Microsoft's ubiquitous application for creating business presentations, but few would take a political stand over it. However, that's exactly what Switzerland's Anti-PowerPoint Party (APPP) seeks to do -- along with making a bit of money.

According to the APPP, the use of presentation software costs the Swiss economy 2.1 billion Swiss francs (US$2.5 billion) annually, while across the whole of Europe, presentation software causes an economic loss of €110 billion (US$160 billion). APPP bases its calculations on unverified assumptions about the number of employees attending presentations each week, and supposes that 85 percent of those employees see no purpose in the presentations . . .

The APPP is seeking support for a national referendum to ban the use of PowerPoint and other presentation software in presentations throughout Switzerland. It also plans to present candidates for national elections in October . . .

Independence Day

2011-07-04T14:00:00.001-04:00

Declare Your Independence:

Communist Party Endorses Obama and the Democrats for 2012

2011-07-01T13:30:00.001-04:00

From Communist Party Chair Sam Web at People's World:

Does it make any difference, from the standpoint of the class and democratic struggles, which party gains political ascendency? Some - though not the labor movement nor other mass organizations of the American people - say no, it doesn't. Some even go a step further and say a Democratic victory creates popular illusions, which in turn weaken the people's struggles. And the only way out of this vise is to form a third party now. Communists don't agree with either one of these views.

In our view, the differences between the two parties of capitalism are of consequence to class and democratic struggles. Neither party is anti-capitalist, but they aren't identical either. Differences exist at the levels of policy and social composition. And despite the many frustrations of the past two years, the election of Barack Obama was historic and gave space to struggle for a people's agenda . . .

Now that doesn't mean that we give up our advocacy of an independent people's party, but we also understand that its formation is dictated by concrete political realities and strategic necessities. . . . We don't have any illusions about the Democratic Party, but we don't have any illusions about the Republican Party either. Furthermore, we are also aware of the undeniable fact that no other party besides the Democratic Party stands a chance of beating the GOP next year.

For Democrats and Republicans, Failure is Success

2011-06-30T02:39:00.001-04:00

From Ezra Klein, on debt ceiling negotiations:

What the two parties are really doing is trying to position themselves politically to survive the consequences of their failure. We don’t yet know if we’ll get to the point where the market will panic, but it could. We’re very likely to get to the point where we have to stop funding certain government services, which could mean as little as delaying payments to military contractors and hospitals or as much as halting Social Security checks. Either way, the public is likely to ignore the political breakdown until the consequences begin. At that point, both parties are hoping they will have framed the debate such that the electorate’s fury falls squarely on the other’s shoulders . . . .

NY: Greens See Influence in Passage of Gay Marriage Bill

2011-06-28T12:54:00.001-04:00

A letter from the New York Green Party Co-Chair to the Green Party of Monroe County:

The New York State Senate gave final approval Friday night to legalize same-sex marriage. A big thank you and congratulations to everyone who help make this change including countless Greens.

In the past few months The Green Party of Monroe County has been active advocating for the passage of this bill through lobbying state Senators and state Assemblyman, phone banking, hand delivery literature, and of course attending rallies.

For the Green Party this journey started a very long time ago, legalizing same-sex marriages has been in the Green Party's platform since it's inception. Over the years we have been steadfast in our call for marriage equality, and full LBGTQ rights.

On February 27, 2004 our advocacy turned into real action when Jason West, the first Green to be elected mayor in New York State, began performing marriages of same-sex couples outside the village hall in New Paltz. Mayor West was on the Rachel Maddow Show, the day before this historic legislation was past, to talk about marriage equality in New York, and what role his actions had in moving the issue to the forefront on political debate.

Alison Duncan, the 2006 Green Party candidate for Lieutenant Governor of New York and the first openly gay candidate for a gubernatorial office in New York, toured the state speaking on a wide range of LBGTQ issues, and pushing marriage equality in the political discourse here in New york.

Today I thank Mayor West, Alison Duncan, the founders of the Green Party, and the countless Greens and the countless New Yorkers, and advocacy groups that helped change happen in New York. Today we celebrate, tomorrow we continue to fight for equal rights for all.

-Jason Nabewaniec
Co-Chair of the Green Party of the United States

CA: Obama's Endless War Policy Drives Lifelong Dems to Greens

2011-06-28T12:50:00.001-04:00

A letter to the editor of the Napa Valley Register:

I have been a registered Democrat all of my life (the first time I voted in 1960 was for JFK) but today I went down to the county offices and re-registered for the Green Party.

The latest decision of the White House to reduce the almost 100,000 troops in Afghanistan by a mere 10,000 is the final blow that has been weakening my faith in the present regime.

Exactly one year before he died, the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., spoke out against the Vietnam War at the Riverside Church in New York City and alienated some of his supporters who thought he should concentrate mainly on the Civil Rights movement.

He said, “A nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual death. We can no longer afford to worship the God of hate or bow before the altar of retaliation. History is cluttered with the wreckage of nations and individuals that pursue this self defeating path of hate.” . . .

NY: White Runs for City Council as Green

2011-06-28T12:45:00.001-04:00

From 13 WHAM:

Saying "we need more", Alex White announced he is running for City Council in the South District against political veteran Adam McFadden.

"I have nothing against Adam McFadden," he says. "We need more, more pressure, a better voice, and more vision of how we can get there."

White who will run on the Green Party line is no stranger to elections. He has mounted several city wide campaigns most recently running for Rochester Mayor in the special election last March. He was defeated by Thomas Richards, a democrat, but received nine percent of the vote.

CT: Supremes Refuse Greens

2011-06-28T12:42:00.001-04:00

From the Washington Post:

The Supreme Court has rejected an appeal from the Green Party of Connecticut challenging state requirements for third party candidates to qualify for public campaign funds. The justices did not comment Tuesday in refusing to disturb a federal appeals court ruling in favor of the state.

Liberal Blog Calls for Open Debate and Discussion with Libertarians

2011-06-27T13:42:00.001-04:00

From the Angry Bear blog:

Here at Angry Bear, we've had a number of posts on LIbertarians over the years. Inevitably, someone writes to tell us we're misrepresenting Libertarians... even when we're quoting well known libertarians.

So... if you are libertarian consider this an invitation. Send me one to three paragraphs on what it means to be a libertarian or what libertarianism is. Or put it in comments. (I beg the indulgence of non-libertarians to please not put up comments of their own.) If you feel what you are writing about applies particularly to one or another strain of libertarianism, please make that clear. . . . .

Dan Reale, the Chairman of the Connecticut Libertarian Party, has already responded:

Libertarians oppose the initiation of force to promote social or political goals. We acknowledge that a "right" is a power, faculty or ability inherent to ownership and incident upon another. This applies to both to your property and yourself, as you own both.

This also applies to what people myopically characterize as "economic", "civil" or "social" rights, as if the principle is somehow different or distinct. Rights function on the same premise no matter who owns the property in question. If the action of the property owner (as in the person with the corresponding rights inherent to that ownership) would take action that would risk damage to property, infringe the rights of others or limit the rights of others, that person taking such action needs to obtain (or contract for) permission.

Libertarians are minarchists. We believe that government's only function is to protect individual rights . . .

AZ: Tucson Greens Reach Out to Local Liberals

2011-06-25T15:48:00.002-04:00

From the Tucson Citizen:

Now that the dust (dust storm?) has settled, we know who is qualified to run for Mayor of Tucson — only Democratic attorney Jonathan Rothschild, and two Green Party candidates — Dave Croteau and Mary DeCamp.

Both Green Party candidates will be at The Shanty on Sunday June 26, 6 p.m. to talk to the so-called “liberals” of Drinking Liberally about why they are running for Mayor, and the Green Party primary on August 30. Independents can vote in the Green Party primary, but need to inform the Tucson City Clerk’s office (520-791-4213) if they want a Green ballot by July 16, 2011.

Politics by Numbers

2011-06-24T15:54:00.000-04:00

From Robert Peck at Constitution Party News:

Real leaders don't lead by consensus. Real leaders lead with the courage to do what is right and what is necessary whether it's popular or not. Who wants to follow a general who stops in the middle of the battle to ask the troops what they think and take a poll to make sure he's doing 'the popular thing.' America needs leaders who are ready and willing to say “Damn the popularity polls, I'm going to do what I have to in order to save my country.”

Ultimately the responsibility comes home to roost with us, the voting public. Do we have the courage to act on our stated convictions? Will we raise up, support and vote for statesmen who are committed above all, to defending our God-given rights, constraining government to its Constitutionally prescribed limits and adhering to sound fiscal policies that will deliver future generations from the bondage of crushing national debt? Or will we continue to give the precious, empowering virtue of our vote to politicians who seek popularity and reelection and who will decide the future our great nation on the basis of opinion polls.

German Green Party Calls for Study of Hazardous Sex Toys

2011-06-23T14:12:00.000-04:00

From the Herald Sun:

GERMANY'S Green party have asked for a government investigation into high levels of potentially dangerous chemicals in sex toys.

"Consumers must be protected when it comes to sexual health. Feigned embarrassment or false taboos should not prevent information getting out and checks being done," MP Volker Beck said yesterday.

The party wants Chancellor Angela Merkel's government to investigate legal limits to the levels of certain chemicals in dildos, vibrators and other sex aids and announce plans to reduce risk . . .

UK: Pirate Party Petitions against Digital Economy Act for Internet Freedom

2011-06-23T14:10:00.001-04:00

From the UK Inquirer:

THE UK PIRATE PARTY is pushing voters to support an early day motion in parliament that could repeal some of the worst parts of the Digital Economy Act. Tabled yesterday, the motion is backed by nine MPs and addresses plans to disconnect internet users suspected of illegally downloading copyrighted material.

The UK Pirate Party has consistently fought against the Act, and has seized on this latest opportunity to take it out. "From the outset we have been vocal critics of the Digital Economy Act. The Act was forced through in the dying days of a discredited parliament and survived a judicial review. It has seen popular opposition and objection from business, it has been rejected by those who it will have an impact on as well as those who must enforce it," wrote Loz Kaye, the leader of the Pirate Party in a call to arms to voters.

"The Law now is still as bad as now as when it was first proposed. There is still hope though. This law is being challenged again."

Friedman: We Need a Third Party

2011-06-22T16:04:00.001-04:00

From Tom Friedman at the NYT:

We need to do four things at once: spend, cut, tax and invest. And unless we do all four at once we’re not going to break out of our slow decline. But to do all four at once will require a new hybrid politics, which does not conform to the political agenda of either major party . . .

Maybe it is just my friends, but I find more and more people completely disgusted by this situation and looking for a serious Third Party candidate who could run in 2012 and deliver the shock therapy to the corrupt, encrusted, two-party duopoly now running the show in America.

Such a Third Party would have a simple agenda: 1) Inject a short-term stimulus. 2) Enact Simpson-Bowles. 3) Shrink our presence in Afghanistan. 4) Raise automobile mileage standards. 5) Impose a gasoline tax to pay for a massive increase in government-supported scientific research and a carbon tax to pay for new infrastructure and stimulate clean-power innovation.

Do I think such a Third Party can win in 2012? Not likely. But it doesn’t have to win to be effective. If such a party attracted substantial voters on such a platform, it would shape the agendas of the Republicans and Democrats. They would both have to move to attract these voters by changing their own platforms and, in so doing, might even create a mandate for the next president

PA: Libertarians Get the Runaround from Clueless Democrat-Republican Bureaucrats

2011-06-22T15:11:00.001-04:00

From the Times Leader:

The head of the Pennsylvania Libertarian Party has issued a release blasting Luzerne County Election Bureau Director Leonard Piazza and the state election office for failing to provide written verification on the type of paperwork needed for the party’s candidates to get on the November ballot.

The confusion stems from the party’s new designation as a minor political party in the county, based on the vote tallies of Libertarian candidates in the 2010 election. Every year, the state requires counties to certify political parties – the major parties and any minor political parties, Piazza said. That certification was submitted around February without listing the Libertarian Party as a minor party, he said.

Libertarians met with Piazza in March and pointed out that the party should be designated a minor political party in the certification based on the election results, and Piazza said he concurred. Piazza said he amended the certification adding the Libertarian Party and submitted it to the state last month . . .

But Pennsylvania Libertarian Party Chairman Lou Jasikoff said a state election legal adviser contacted him and informed him that a different document known as a political body nomination paper might be required for signatures gathered by Libertarian candidates before the amended certification was submitted to the state. Political body nomination papers are used for candidates from parties that are not designated minor political parties by a county, Jasikoff said . . .

It's Time to End the Failed War on Drugs

2011-06-22T15:04:00.001-04:00

From the Libertarian Party:

June 17, 2011 is the 40th anniversary of America's War on Drugs. Libertarian Party Chair Mark Hinkle issued the following statement today:

"On June 17, 1971, President Richard Nixon declared a 'War on Drugs,' which has become a relentless violation of the lives and property of Americans, including many who have never taken illegal drugs. These violations continue under President Barack Obama, an admitted former cocaine user who has shown no hesitation in throwing people into prison -- a punishment he might have suffered had he been caught. Moreover, although promising to respect medical marijuana use in states where voters have approved it, the Obama administration has already conducted close to 100 raids on patients, growers, and compassion centers in those states.

"America's first experiment in prohibition involved alcohol, and is widely recognized as a failure. Approved in 1919, Prohibition I led to a steady rise in both alcohol usage and violent crime. The murder rate rose 50% between 1919 and 1933, peaking at 9.7 murders per 100,000 population in 1933, when the country finally decided enough was enough. Immediately after the repeal of Prohibition I, gangsterism went into a swift decline, with all of the major gangs disappearing within 18 months, and the murder rate dropping every single year for more than a decade.

"Prohibition II -- the War on Drugs -- has been another tragedy. We applaud the efforts of Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (LEAP), an organization of current and former police, prosecutors, judges, DEA agents, and others, which issued a 20-page report this month detailing the tragic results of this misguided crusade, entitled 'Ending the Drug War: a Dream Deferred.'

"In their report, LEAP documented some of the measurable costs: over a million people arrested each year, a trillion dollars spent, and drug gangsterism at a level that dwarfs its alcohol equivalent and which has led to a bloodbath in Mexico that is spilling over into the United States. Not because of drugs, but because of drug laws. And over 120 million Americans have used illicit drugs: only the most deluded observer believes the laws have curbed drug abuse, and only the cruelest believes that 40% of the American population belongs in prison. No wonder 67% of police chiefs say the War on Drugs is a failure.

"Ultimately, of course, this tragedy is the result of our government's refusal to allow people to engage in peaceful choices as to what they consume . . .

Wikinews Interviews Libertarian Presidential Candidate R. Lee Wrights

2011-06-22T15:02:00.001-04:00

From Wikinews:

R. Lee Wrights, a candidate for the U.S. Libertarian Party's presidential nomination, took some time to speak with Accredited Wikinews Reporter William Saturn about his presidential campaign and positions on political issues.

Wrights, a native of North Carolina, is an activist and lifetime member of the Libertarian Party who currently serves as the editor of several Libertarian publications. He previously worked as a medical technician inthe United States Air Force and earned degrees in History and Journalism at Willmar College.

He is currently being challenged for the nomination by National Guard officer R.J. Harris, radio host Jim Duensing, former Nevada Libertarian Party chair Jim Burns, marketing executive Roger Gary and attorney Carl Person. 2008 Vice presidential nominee Wayne Allyn Root is also expected to make a run . . .

AZ: Democrats Go to Court to Have Challengers Purged from Ballot in Tucson

2011-06-21T14:55:00.001-04:00

From the Arizona Daily Star:

Democratic attorney Jonathan Rothschild may be the only major-party candidate left standing in the mayoral race after today. Superior Court Judge Paul Tang bounced independent Pat Darcy from the ballot Monday after the Pima County Recorder's Office found he came up 106 signatures short on nominating petitions.

A short time later, Republican Shaun McClusky attempted to withdraw his nominating petitions before facing his own court challenge this afternoon, where Democrats will argue he didn't obtain a sufficient number of signatures to get on the ballot . . .

Darcy offered no court defense of his petitions, beyond noting there is a built-in disadvantage for independent candidates, who need far more signatures than party candidates. As an independent, Darcy needed 2,596 valid signatures. Republicans, meanwhile, needed 1,060 and Democrats needed 1,642.

He said he was dismayed the Democratic Party challenged him at all. "What are they afraid of?" he asked, saying that if the tables were reversed, he would have welcomed a contest rather than try to kick all of the challengers out of the race. "You want to compete. You don't want it just given to you," he said, adding it is a drain on the courts, as well as the city and county staffs.

MN: Greens Begin Recruitment Effort for Local Races

2011-06-20T15:16:00.003-04:00

From the Twin Cities Daily Planet:

The Green Party of St. Paul began a new effort to recruit candidates for upcoming 2011 local elections June 16, as candidates and around 40 supporters gathered to launch the effort dubbed Green St. Paul.The campaign is an attempt to change the party’s sporadic track record in local elections by recruiting candidates to run for local office, said Green St. Paul co-chair Roger Meyer.

“We don’t have a history of running candidates in local elections,” said Meyer at the press conference outside the Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation office. “I don’t even know the last time we had a City Council candidate.”

The Green Party has officially endorsed three candidates in local races. . . .

NY: Green Party to Hold National Meeting in Early August

2011-06-20T15:14:00.001-04:00

From the Green party:

The Green Party of the United States will hold its 2011 Annual National Meeting at Alfred University in Alfred in western New York, from Friday, August 5 to Sunday, August 7.

The meeting will take place at the fourth bienniel New York Green Fest, "a gathering of folks interested in exploring the politics and practices that will help enable us to live in a sustainable world, and sharing a weekend of good discussions, good food, and good music" (http://nygreenfest.org).

"We look forward to meeting in New York, where the Green Party of New York State regained ballot status in 2010 with Howie Hawkin's Green campaign for governor," said Jason Nabewaniec, co-chair of the Green Party of the United States and a New York Green.

Green Party leaders will begin organizing for the 2012 election season, including the presidential race. The party will nominate a candidate for the White House at its 2012 national convention. The 2011 meeting in Alfred will also feature Green Party panels, workshops, meetings of the Green National Committee, and other events.

The meeting is open to the media and public . . .

The folly of "strategic" voting

2011-06-19T08:52:00.000-04:00

I contend that the mainstream definition of "strategic" voting is folly, and hypothesize that third parties potentially could, if successful, be the bulwark towards a truly strategic vote plan for the American public to extract wanted policy reforms/changes.

What do you think?

The folly of "strategic" voting

NY: Libertarians Open to Cross-Endorse Republicans who Support Gay Marriage

2011-06-17T15:03:00.000-04:00

From Capital Tonight:

In hopes of countering the state Conservative Party’s threat to strip GOP senators who vote “yes” on gay marriage of the right to run on Row C, the Libertarian Party is offering those ousted lawmakers a place to land in 2012.
“The Libertarian Party does not believe government should have any role at all in marriage,” state Chairman Mark Axinn told me in an email this morning. “But inasmuch as it does, we certainly believe that such involvement should be on a non-discriminatory basis.”

“Various Republican State Senators have stated that they will support equal rights for gay New Yorkers and it is likely that the Conservative Party (and perhaps others) will shun them for that. We believe the opposite reaction is warranted. Those state Senators who indicate they oppose government discrimination are welcome to seek the Libertarian line in 2012, and we would be happy to discuss it with any of them should they be so inclined.” . . .

AR: Libertarian Party Qualifies for Party Status

2011-06-17T14:54:00.001-04:00

From Ballot Access News:

On June 16, the Arkansas Secretary of State determined that the Libertarian Party petition for party status has enough valid signatures. The party had submitted 16,000 to meet a requirement of 10,000. The validity rate was approximately 75%.

Before 1971, Arkansas did not require any petition for a party to become ballot-qualified. Since then, the other only parties that have ever successfully petitioned for party status in Arkansas have been the Reform Party in 1996, and the Green Party in 2006, 2008, and 2010 . . .

Arkansas has a far easier ballot access procedure for parties that just want to be on the ballot for President. That petition only requires 1,000 signatures, and until today, that is the only petition that the Libertarian Party had ever used in Arkansas. Arkansas is the only state in which the Libertarian Party has never placed any nominees on the general election ballot, other than its presidential nominees. There are no statewide offices (other than President) up in Arkansas in 2012, but it is expected that the Libertarians will have candidates for U.S. House and state legislature.

CA: Greens Face Uphill Battle in San Francisco

2011-06-15T13:44:00.001-04:00

From SF Weekly:

Two years ago, the Greens were forced to give up their party headquarters because the $1,200 per-month price tag was too rich. And, these days, the party faithful are gathering signatures, hoping to save their mayoral candidate the $5,000 filing fee . . .

NJ: From the Bottom Up

2011-06-15T13:40:00.001-04:00

From Ballot Access News:

New Jersey elects its state legislators in odd years. This year, New Jersey’s active minor parties have more candidates for the Assembly (the lower house) than they did two years ago. Libertarians have candidates in four districts this year, whereas the party only had candidates in a single Assembly district in 2009. The Green Party has candidates is two districts this year, compared to only one in 2009. The Constitution Party has two candidates in one Assembly district this year, compared to no legislative candidates at all in 2009. There are 9 independent candidates for the Assembly.

NJ: Marijuana Legalization Activist Launches Independent Bid for State Assembly

2011-06-14T14:36:00.000-04:00

From PhillyBurbs:

Edward Forchion, the Pemberton Township native best known by his alias, NJWeedman, is throwing his hat into the political ring again. The longtime marijuana activist has filed to run as an independent candidate for one of the 8th Legislative District’s two state Assembly seats. He is one of 11 independents who have filed to run for state, county or local offices in the November general election . . . Forchion is the best-known of the independents, having previously run third-party campaigns for governor, Congress, the state Legislature, and the Burlington County Board of Freeholders. He also has received publicity for his run-ins with the law . . .

NY: Independent Announces Candidacy for Mayor of Ithica

2011-06-14T14:30:00.001-04:00

From the Ithica Journal:

Local business owner and first-time political candidate Christopher Kusznir announced his candidacy for Ithaca mayor Friday on The Commons. Kusznir said The Commons are representative of the struggles of all Ithacans -- marked by empty storefronts and lost jobs . . . Kusznir is the first independent to announce his candidacy in the race. Three Democrats have declared for the race . . . and one Republican . . . .

IN: Libertarian Strategy and Social Liberalism

2011-06-13T14:20:00.001-04:00

From the Courier Press:

Though the Indiana Libertarian Party has not landed a candidate for the 2012 governor's campaign, it has identified an opening to influence the race. On social issues, the major parties' leading candidates Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Pence and Democratic former Indiana House Speaker John Gregg take conservative stances. So the Libertarian candidate could be the only one who offers a significantly different position on issues such as abortion and gay marriage.

Libertarian Party of Florida on the Trouble with Libertarians

2011-06-13T14:18:00.000-04:00

From the LP Florida:

There is a paradigm shift in this country happening, it’s not Republican/Democrat or Left/Right, or Conservative/Liberal. The people are realizing that there is now a war between those who love liberty and all it entails and statists who want to control everything. The Libertarian Party should take advantage of this paradigm shift, but as our 40 year history has shown, we once again we shoot ourselves in the foot. We have again furthered our image of Amoral Atheistic Anarchists. This unfortunately accurate combination of descriptors will insure that the American people will only rarely elect Libertarian candidates. Ron Paul, arguably the most successful candidate wearing the libertarian moniker, is not a member of the Libertarian Party. Because he has realized that to win elections and have a positive affect for liberty for all Americans, he had to abandon the LP. Americans will not elect Amoral Atheistic Anarchists . . .

Constitution Party of Delaware Condemns Tea Party Factionalism

2011-06-10T16:18:00.001-04:00

A post at Smart Girl Politics relays an "official statement from the Constitution Party of Delaware" by the party's state chair Earl Lofland condemning the recent announcement by the chairman of the Tea Party Express that the TPE will support "whoever the GOP nominates" in 2012. Excerpt:

This week Amy Kramer, Chairman for the Tea Party Express stated "Tea Party Group Says It Will Support Whoever The GOP Nominates, Eve..." Last year, when the TPE came to Delaware, to pull for Christine O'Donnell, I was very skeptical of their motives, asking the question; were they looking to support and defend the Constitution, as the founders originally intended, or was TPE only a shilll organization working covertly to promote the same initiatives and agendas that have been ongoing for at least 90 yrs...(reflections on the discovery by Mr Quigley in his book Tragedy and Hope)

It now is verified theTPE only endorses partisan views of one faction, and are not basing their decison on fundamental logic within the boundries of a limited government outlined in the Constitution. For the recent decison of TPE's Chair peson to make her decisions to discriminate any other candidates from other political factions, as the Chairman of The Constitition Party of Delaware,

If you are a member of, or support the views of the Tea Party Express; You are an enemy to the US Constitution. And are partakers of an organization who has infringed upon the rights of individuals to assemble based upon their affiliation to other political factions or having no affiliation to any faction at all. In Violation of what was erected when the Founders first declared Independence from a totalitarianism being forced upon the colonies by a tyrant in England.

The Constitution Party of Delaware therefore condemns the current decision of Amy Karmer in her decisions, and her organizations decisions of considering or disqualifying someone as a candidate for any elected office based upon the persons party affiliation and not upon the persons principles - whether or not they would uphold the oath to a sovereign God; to Support and Defend the Constitution against all its enemies foreign and domestic without any mental reservations.

Virgil Goode for President on Constitution Party Ticket?

2011-06-10T16:12:00.001-04:00

From the Roanoke Times:

Virgil Goode has worn a number of labels through the years -- state senator, congressman, Democrat, independent, Republican -- but now he's considering trying on a new title: United States presidential candidate.

At its April meeting in Harrisburg, Pa., the national executive committee of the Constitution Party passed a resolution urging Goode to seek its presidential nomination next year. Goode, who's been making speeches at Constitution Party meetings for two years, said he's thinking about it.

"I will consider it as the year progresses," Goode said when reached at his Rocky Mount office Thursday.

ID: Local Constitution Party Calls for Protest of State-Funded Religious Artwork

2011-06-10T16:09:00.002-04:00

From the Seattle Times:

COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho — A new public sculpture of the Hindu god Ganesha is drawing protests in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. The Kootenai County Constitution Party is urging Christians to protest the artwork, calling it an "abomination" approved by the "godless group of individuals" who manage the city's public art program . . .

NY: New Ethics Law is Unethical, Unconstitutional, for Exclusion of Independents

2011-06-09T15:49:00.001-04:00

From the Wall Street Journal:

The new ethics law being touted by Gov. Andrew Cuomo parcels equal roles to Democrats and Republicans in investigating lawmakers of both parties suspected of questionable conduct. What about independents?

"They don't exist," Mr. Cuomo said at a recent news conference, at which point he and legislative leaders standing beside him broke into a hearty laugh. But constitutional scholars aren't taking the matter so lightly.

They're warning that the state's new ethics body may be destined for legal challenges in federal court. By enshrining into law the perpetual dominance of Republicans and Democrats in overseeing ethics codes, Mr. Cuomo and lawmakers could be infringing on the rights of unaffiliated and minor-party citizens . . .

For more on the new law, see Poli-Tea.