BREAKING!! Murkowski to concede to Miller

From Eric Dondero:

Reporting from Alaska...

The vote count has not gone Lisa Murkowski's way. Earlier in the day, the Alaska Division of Elections reported that Murkowski had gained some ground, approximately 300 votes, with the Kenai and Southeast Alaska absentees counted.

Then at approximately 2:00 pm Alaska time, another batch, mainly from Fairbanks were completed, which brought the margin back up by 200. As it stands, Miller is now ahead by approximately 1,450. He had been ahead by 1,695 before the counts.

Now the scuttlebut from a well-known source who is right there downtown, rushing back and forth from the Div. of Elections and Joe Miller's campaign headquarters, is that Senator Murkowski is about to concede the race. The venue and exact time is not yet known. But our source indicates that it could come as soon as within the hour.

UPDATE!!

It's official! Lisa Murkowski has conceded the race to Joe Miller.

Alaska's Joe Miller interviewed on Greta

Miller talks of support from the Libertarian Party

Halfway through the interview:

"We've got a lot of the Libertarians supporting my campaign..."

New Poll Alaska races: Miller crushing Dem Scott McAdams, Parnell easily beats Berkowitz for Gov.

Last Frontier solidly Red

The Hotline is reporting this morning "NRSC Survey Shows Miller Over 50":

A new survey conducted for the NRSC shows Miller leading Sitka Mayor Scott McAdams (D) by a 52%-36% margin. And other metrics in the Last Frontier skew the race heavily in Miller's favor, even after other surveys show he begins his race as an unpopular contender.

Fully 57% say they want a GOPer to provide a check and balance over Pres. Obama, while only 33% want a Dem to help pass the WH agenda. Obama's job approval ratings clock in at just 40%, while 53% disapprove.

The top of the ticket will benefit GOPers as well. Gov. Sean Parnell (R) has a wide lead over ex-state House Min. Leader Ethan Berkowitz (D), besting the Dem by a 54%-40% margin.

Final ballot count for GOP primary results, Miller vs. Murkowski is expected later today.

Tea Party Express chuggin' along: From Alaska win to Delaware primary

From Eric Dondero:

Fresh off their big win in Alaska, the Tea Party Express is now aiming their sights on tiny Delaware.

From Neal Cavuto's blog Fox News, this morning:

The Tea Party Express, one of many groups within the Tea Party movement, has launched candidates including Scott Brown and Sharron Angle to national fame, and most recently played a large role in the Alaska Republican primary battle between Joe Miller and Rep Lisa Murkowski, R-Ark. According to the organization, now is O'Donnell's time.

O'Donnell faces Rep. Mike Castle, R-Del., in the Republican primary for Delaware's Senate seat September 14th. She has trailed him by double digits in all the polls and struggled to compete financially. With two weeks until voters in the First State head to the polls, the Tea Party Express hopes to turn things around.

Note - libertarian Republican activist Stephen Maloney of Pennsylvania is very active with the O'Donnell campaign.

Russian libertarian fights Moscow's booze ban

либертарианцы как водка

From Eric Dondero:

Sales on vodka and other spirits after 10:00 pm will be banned in Moscow starting Wednesday. This follows a nationwide trend of local municipalities banning booze sales at night due to rampant alchoholism throughout the former communist nation. But one political activist, makes a "libertarian" argument against the ban on both cultural and economic grounds.

From the Moscow News, "Moscow booze ban blasted" Aug. 31:

Vadim Drobiz, director of the centre of the study of federal and regional markets for alcohol, is quite clear that the supposed benefits of prohibition are just one of several myths affecting popular perception of Russian drinking.

The myths date back to the days of Kievan Rus, when ancient leader Vladimir reputedly converted to Christianity rather than teetotal Islam because “drinking is the joy of the Rus”.

But the key modern-day fable which he slammed in an interview with Vremya Novosti, is that prohibition curbs alcohol abuse.

“Some countries live by this belief, for example Sweden and Finland... Over the past 10 years, sales of alcohol in Sweden rose by 70 per cent. In Finland, over the past 40 years alcoholism among women has increased six times while for men it has doubled.”

On economic grounds:

But Drobiz is a libertarian, who also argues that Russia’s drinks prices are no bargain.

Unmoved by bottles of beer readily available for about 35 roubles ($1) and the minimum price of a bottle of vodka set at less than $3 he argues that the highly taxed tipples of many western countries are offset by higher incomes.

Pro rata, he claims, Scandinavian spirits are cheaper than Russia’s and price controls are flawed.

BREAKING!! Alaska Libertarian Party votes to deny Lisa Murkowski ballot line

From Eric Dondero:

The Executive Committee of the Alaska Libertarian Party held an emergency meeting yesterday to discuss the contested primary results in the Republican Senate primary. All 5 board members met at the apartment of Party Chair Scott Kohlhaas, in northeast Anchorage to hammer out a decision as to how to move forward.

Friends of Lisa Murkowski approached the ALP early Wednesday morning immediately after the Tuesday primaries, feeling out if there was any possibility that the Senator could appear on the Libertarian line for the fall election, as a third party candidate. Other supporters of the Senator, including at least two longstanding members of the Libertarian Party, also called to lobby ALP Chair Scott Kohlhaas to keep an "open mind," on the issue.

Kohlhaas was immediately innundated with Alaska and national media over the matter.

On Sunday morning, over coffee and donuts, the ExComm voted unanimously, 5 to 0 to deny the Senator the ballot line. There was no malice intended. ALP Chair Kohlhaas has repeatedly stated that she is a nice lady, and the ALP was flattered by the offer.

The meeting was contentious at first. Two board members who were clearly on the Tea Party friendly Joe Miller side were combative before they realized that the other three board members agreed with them on the essentials. At a number of points the meeting even digressed into name-calling. The 'F' bomb was even tossed around a number of times. One board member was hellbent on holding an immediate statewide meeting open to full membership or registered Libertarians to decide the matter. That idea was shot down 4 to 1.

The vote on Murkowski was taken at about halfway through the meeting which lasted a total of 3 hours. After the result was clear, tempers calmed down, and the 5 member board moved forward with plans on how to announce the results to the media.

This morning, Fox News will interview Chairman Kohlhaas first at 9:00 am Alaska time, and then a press conference will be held for the Anchorage media later in the day.

Note - any media wanting an interview with Kohlhaas are encouraged to call 979-848-4575.

Alaska's Joe Miller - Goldwater-esque

From Eric Dondero:

Soon-to-be Republican nominee for US Senate in Alaska Joe Miller, quoted on CBS News Face the Nation Sunday morning, via CNN "Alaska Senate hopeful wants land, not cash":

"I would suggest to you that if one thinks that the Constitution is extreme, then you would also think that the founders are extreme."

Miller commented that Alaskans would gladly trade reduced subsidies from the Federal Government in exchange for greater land rights and ownership for Alaska citizens.

A poll released by PPP on Sunday found Miller would beat the Democrat nominee in the Fall by 49% to 34%. Even with Lisa Murkowski in the race running as a third party candidate on the Libertarian ticket, Miller would still lead the race, over the incumbent Senator 38% to 34%, with the Dem trailing at 22%.

Republican Susana Martinez expanding lead for New Mexico Governor

Palin Promotions blog reports that the Albuquerque Journal now shows that GOP nominee Susan Martinez has a somewhat comfortable lead for Governor. Martinez had been in a very tight race with the Democrat nominee in various polls, tied or just 1 point ahead.

A new Albuquerque Journal poll in New Mexico finds Susana Martinez (R) has taken an early lead over Diane Denish (D) in the race for governor, 45% to 39% with 16% undecided.

Martinez was endorsed by Sarah Palin early on for the GOP primary.

Meanwhile, Martinez has adopted a less emphasis on administration approach to education. From Bloomberg Businessweek:

She said she would ban the practice of passing students into the next grade if they lack basic skills and would solicit funds from businesses and individuals for scholarships for low-income students to transfer to private schools. Donors would receive tax credits.

Martinez also came out forcefully against any tax increases to close the gap on school budgets.

Report from the Glenn Beck, Sarah Palin rally - Lincoln Memorial, DC

by Bruce Gouldey

The event itself was not political. The theme was God-centered and focused on people taking responsibility for putting honor into their personal lives, their families, their communities, and the nation. Many heroes were recognized for their exceptional service to our nation and to humanity in general. Sarah Palin’s speech was apolitical and extolled the honor of members of our military. She introduced three American military heroes.

As opposed to charges by the left-wing media, the event was not racial. It was post-racial. When I was in high school in the mid-1960s, I marched in a civil rights rally in Philadelphia with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Beck’s event was not about race. It is well known that Alveda King, Dr. King’s niece, spoke at the rally. Alveda King’s speech focused on our personal relationships with God and our fellow man; the message was clearly post-racial.

Regarding the crowd, it was large, but not nearly as large as the 9/12 rally at the U.S. Capitol last year, which I also attended. My estimate is that it was about one-third the size of the 9/12 rally, which was put at about 1.5 million. This would be in keeping with local media estimates of 500,000.

The crowd was largely but not exclusively white and Christian. The age range included every age group from families with young children to senior citizens who needed mobility assistance. In contrast, last year’s 9/12 rally seemed to consist mostly of older, lone individuals and couples, whereas families and multiple generations attended the Restoring Honor event.

Anybody who expected a right-wing political rally must have been disappointed. There were no signs and no raucous cheering or chanting. There was no speech that could remotely be identified as political or hate-based. Instead there were songs about faith, speeches about hope, charity, and honor, and polite applause from the crowd. It is noteworthy that there was no trash left on the grounds; without any prodding the event’s attendees took personal responsibility for cleaning up after themselves.

Editor's note - Bruce Gouldey is a colleague of our Senior Editor Clifford Thies, at Shenandoah Univ. in Virginia. The photo is of Cliff's sister Phyllis Thies.

Alaska Libertarian Party holding an emergency meeting to decide fate of Lisa Murkowski

LR EXCLUSIVE

DEVELOPING...

From Eric Dondero:

The Libertarian Party of Alaska is holding an emergency meeting today of the Party Executive Committee.

At issue is the Senate seat of Lisa Murkowski. Offers have been made through mutual friends from the Murkowski camp to see if it might be feasible for Senator Murkowski to run on the Libertarian ticket in November. Currently, the Senator is behind by approximately 1,600 votes in the count. Libertarian-leaning conservative Joe Miller received 50.8% of the vote on primary night last Tuesday.

On the table a vote to decide whether or not to leave the the options open on the Senate race, or to bring it to a close.

Board members include Scott Kohlhaas, Chair, Harley Brown, Vice-Chair, Rob Clift and Erinn Marshburn. Kohlhaas, Brown and Clift are also candidates for the state legislture.

The meeting is being held this morning. On Monday morning a press conference is being planned for downtown Anchorage to report the results.

MAJOR NEWS!!! breaking here at LR on Joe Miller vs. Lisa Murkowski early in the morning

Fmr. Libertarian Party mbr. running for New Hampshire Senate as Republican

"There are very few adults in New Hampshire who are NOT capable of making their own decisions about their lives and property. That there are some exceptions is undeniable, but that is no justification for a "nanny state" government that deprives all of us of choices about how we live our lives, and how we spend our money. The idea that individuals rather than government should make most choices is central to my beliefs and the core of my campaign."

The Nashua Telegraph reports this morning on the GOP primary race for District 12, Brookline, Hollis, Mason and Nashua. The election will be held September 12.

The Republican primary for state senator in District 12 pits John Lewicke, a semiretired electrical engineer from Mason, against Jim Luther, a part-time pastor and small-business owner from Hollis.
.
The winner of the Sept. 14 primary will face incumbent first-term Democrat Peggy Gilmour, of Hollis, in the Nov. 3 general election.

Lewicke is a former candidate of the Libertarian Party. His bio reads:

Political history: Presently clerk of the Mason School District, formerly member of Mascenic School Board, member of many committees within the Mason district and involved in withdrawal of Mason from the Mascenic district. Ran for U.S. Congress in 1992 and 1994 as a Libertarian.

Affiliations: U.S. Army veteran (1966-68) of Vietnam; served 11⁄2 years there.

From his campaign website, on his Democrat opponent:

The incumbent Democrat senator in District 12 (Nashua, Hollis, Brookline and Mason) has voted for new taxes, tax increases and fees including the "LLC tax", and for increased vehicle registration fees. She's genuinely concerned for people, but she apparently has tunnel vision, and only sees the people who are helped by her compassion (paid for by citizens and businesses). She fails to see the collateral damage from her "compassion". She doesn't see the tradesmen who can't register their trucks and vans to pursue their businesses, and she doesn't see the the homeowners who are on the street because they can no longer pay their property taxes. As senator, I'll submit bills to roll back Democrat increases in fees and taxes, and encourage us to return to a society with true individual compassion.

Lewicke is endorsed by the NH Republican Liberty Caucus.

Is Glenn Beck running for President?

From Matthew Avitabile:

This week's rally appeared to be almost completely unpolitical. Neither Palin nor Beck mentioned President Obama once and no outward signs of politics showed. The serious, calm attitude that exuded from the event appears to be the antithesis of Beck's usual verbosity. In fact, compared to what has was written earlier about Beck, this event may be intended to crystallize a different image of him in the non-conservative psyche.
...
Beck's 9.12 rally last year garnered over 250,000 people to come to the Capitol Mall last year and created a large amount of mediacoverage. It was this event, along with Beck's addition to the FoxNews lineup that made him a household name outside of the talk radio circuit. This year's Bold Fresh tour with fellow Fox host Bill O'Reilly has seen (or will soon see) Beck travel to various political battlegrounds such as Ohio, Virginia, Louisiana, Florida, and Missouri. In fact, five of the eleven stops will be in states that will be in play in 2012. Beck has also done what no other conservative host has done, going on comedy tours annually. This last year he stopped in Denver and Pheonix, epicenters of demographic and political shifts.

Ed. Note - Matthew is a friend of Libertarian Republican blog, and publisher of Jumping in Pools.

NY Times gets it right on Beck rally

300,000 to 500,000 - "By any measure it was a large turnout"

From Eric Dondero:

A surprisingly accurate and even somewhat positive piece appeared in the New York Times over the weekend covering Glenn Beck's Lincoln Memorial rally, with special guest Sarah Palin. The Times reported "At Lincoln Memorial, a call for religious faith":

WASHINGTON — An enormous and impassioned crowd rallied at the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on Saturday, summoned by Glenn Beck, a conservative broadcaster

The crowd was a mix of groups that have come together under the Tea Party umbrella. Some wore T-shirts from the Campaign for Liberty, the libertarian group... while others wore the gear of their local Tea Party group, or of 9/12 groups...

Mr. Beck’s themes were ones he returns to on his radio and television shows, and people in the crowd echoed his ideas, saying that “progressives” were moving the country toward socialism and that the country must get back to a strict interpretation of the Constitution, which would limit the role of the federal government and do away with...

Officials do not make crowd estimates because they are unreliable and can be controversial, but event organizers put the number of attendees at 500,000; NBC News said it was closer to 300,000, but by any measure it was a large turnout. The crowd stretched from the Lincoln Memorial to the Washington Monument.

SD Republican for Congress Kristi Noem, a libertarian on speed limits and seat belt laws

From Eric Dondero:

Keloland.com is reporting that libertarian-leaning Republican Kristi Noem has a bit of a lead foot and doesn't particularly care for seat belt laws:

KELOLAND News checked the records for all five candidates for U.S. House and Governor; Noem has the longest list of violations, including 20 speeding tickets, three stop sign violations, two seat belt violations, and no driver's license. Noem also has six court notices for failure to appear and two arrest warrants.

Noem has broken the law dozens of times. According to court papers obtained by KELOLAND News, Noem's most recent speeding ticket was earlier this year when she was pulled over for driving 94 miles per hour on the interstate.

"Obviously, I'm not proud of my driving record but I been working hard to be a better example to young kids and young drivers out there," Noem said.

Noem says she's always been truthful about her aggressive driving and knew it might come up during the campaign.

Disclaimer: Though, we libertarians fiercely oppose seat belt laws, and are leery of highway speed limits, obviously we don't endorse running stop signs.

Mike Stopa for Congress on "Libertarian Politics Live"

Massachusetts Republican

Last Tuesday night, with hosts Andre Travesa and Eric Dondero.

Stopa is a libertarian Republican running against longtime incumbent Democrat Jim McGovern.

COLORADO: First Poll shows Ryan Frazier slightly ahead

Yet another Tea Party victory on the way

From Eric Dondero:

Ryan Frazier, Tea Party Republican and often described as a "libertarian" Republican, secured the GOP nominaton for Congress - Colorado's CD 7 last month. Now, the first poll in the general election race has been released:

US HOUSE – COLORADO – CD 7 (Magellan)
Ryan Frazier (R) 40%
Ed Perlmutter (D) 39%

Perlmutter is the incumbent in the race. Frazier is a city councilman in Aurora (east of Denver).

ALASKA: Democrat official speaking for Joe Miller opponent Scott McAdams, says Tea Party supporters are "not hardworking"

From Eric Dondero:

As libertarian-conservative Republican for US Senate Joe Miller gets closer to securing the GOP nomination, his Democrat opponent is wasting no time in attacking him. Scott McAdams, Mayor of Sitka, and an attendee at the 2010 NetRoots convention of far leftwing bloggers, told an audience that Miller's fiscally conservative views are too extreme for most Alaskans. He added that Miller would be too opposed to federal pork projects that some believe benefit the State.

Moreover, a Democrat official speaking on behalf of McAdams took it a step further and accused Miller's supporters of being jobless.

Excerpted from DailyKos (via Swing State):

"I see Joe Miller align behind a Hummer with armed guards march through a family parade in Eagle River," McAdams said, alluding to video that was posted online of Miller supporters carrying assault weapons during a parade. "I see Joe Miller talk about the abolishment of the Department of Education and the diminishment of public schools in general, but the good news is that we as Democrats are for the fair and adequate public election of every kid in this state."

"Attorney Joe Miller is an extreme politician who wants to end Social Security, Medicare and unemployment benefits for Alaskans," DSCC National Press Secretary Deirdre Murphy said in a preview of what is to come over the next couple of months. "His strict social doctrine will only please his tea party backers, not the hardworking people of Alaska."

The report went on to suggest that McAdams plans to specifically attack the "very platform that appealed so much to Miller's fiscally conservative to libertarian primary voters."

Kos added that Miller is a "pretty extreme character."

Australia: The Dance Continues

by Clifford F. Thies

From the outside, the eventual outcome now seems obvious. Three conservatives, elected as independents, hold the balance of power. With all seats now decided, the parties stand as follows: Liberal-National Coalition 73 seats, Labor 72, Greens 1, Green-type independent 1, and National-type independents 3. The left-of-center, broadly defined, has 74 seats; and, the right-of-center, also broadly defined, 76. So, why don't the conservative independents get on with it and endorse the Coalition?

The stated reason for the non-endorsement is that the Coalition has not presented its proposals to the Treasury for a budget analysis. Here, in the U.S., the equivalent is for the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to "score" a proposal. We can suppose that the three conservatives are interested in balancing the budget or else with negotiating some policy changes connected with the budget. Or, maybe, it's all for show.

The Coalition balked at submitting their proposal to the Treasury, on the basis that it would give Labor a political advantage. Instead, they offered to submit their proposals to an independent accounting firm. But, with an agreement from Treasury to keep the matter confidential, the Coalition has agreed to submit its proposals to them.

In the meanwhile, a weekend poll showed voters in the districts represented by the three conservatives to hugely favor the Coalition. All the "inside politics" preventing their representatives from endorsing the Coalition are apparently lost to the lads and lassies back home.

Rick Scott strongly opposed GZ Mosque and he won

From Eric Dondero:

Republican candidate for Florida Governor Rick Scott became one of the very first candidates outside of New York to come out against the building of a Mosque at Ground Zero. In fact, in a highly unusual move for a candidate for Governor, just days after the controversy exploded, Scott produced a YouTube video on an issue outside of his home state. The video went viral nationwide. It's simple message:

Barack Obama says building a Mosque at Ground Zero is about tolerance. He's wrong. It's about truth. The truth is Muslim fanatics hurt thousands of innocent Americans on 9/11... The truth the fight against Muslim Terrorism isn't over...

Time Magazine wrote at the time:

It seems like many Republicans (and certainly Scott) see the president's position as a boon, and this is a pretty good illustration of how completely nationalized the issue has become since Obama weighed in. Not mentioned in the ad: Scott's GOP rival Bill McCollum, their eventual Democratic foe Alex Sink, or the word "Florida."

Scott won the race against former FL Attorney General Bill McCollum with 46% to 43%.

An analysis of the results shows Scott received overwhelming support in rural areas, and among "Tea Party followers and more conservative voters," reports the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

Sex vs. Islam in Ground Zero Mosque controversy

AntiSex Leftwingers hate freedom of expression; coincidentally, Islamists hate it as well

From Eric Dondero:

The Christian Science Monitor questions why conservatives and others opposed to the Ground Zero Mosque, aren't also worried about strip clubs in the area. The editorial "Rightwing Hypocrisy over Park51 project" CSM:

But the World Trade Center neighborhood is also filled with eyesores. When I walked from Park Place on the north side of the World Trade Center to Rector Street on the south side, what I encountered were a string of bars, betting parlors, and fast-food restaurants. And within this cluster of buildings, especially noticeable were two strip clubs, the New York Dolls Gentleman’s Club and the Pussycat Lounge, plus Thunder Lingerie and More, a sex shop with a peep show.

For those who have based their opposition to the Muslim Center on their concern for the sensibilities of the 9/11 families, places like the New York Dolls and the Pussycat Lounge present a moral dilemma.

Why are they treated with a live-and-let-live tolerance that doesn’t extend to an Islamic center?

Alex Knepper, a pro-Palin, libertarian-conservative, gay Republican responds in The Daily Caller "Instead of Mosque build more Sex Stores":

Anti-sex left-wingers are caterwauling over the fact that conservatives’ antipathy toward Islam outweighs their aversion toward sex. The Christian Science Monitor breathlessly reports that the lack of outrage over a sex store near Ground Zero reveals the hypocrisy of the right: the “eyesore” of the Pussycat Lounge is infecting the ‘hollowed ground’ more than any Islamic center would.

More sex and less religion? Personally, I find this to be a very promising development on the right! In the heyday of Irving Kristol and Ed Meese and his self-parodying Commission on Pornography, one can bet that we would have heard about these “sleazy shops” long ago. But their presence is really not a defense of the proposed mosque. In fact, I say: all the more reason to protest it. Instead, let’s build more sex shops...

the fact that there are strip clubs near Ground Zero is precisely why we shouldn’t promote mosques nearby. What an ugly contrast: a shrine to an ancient book of myths juxtaposed with sexual freedom. What better way to demonstrate our differences with Islamic totalitarianism than to declare proudly that we, as a culture, are okay with sexual expression? Let’s ditch this mosque and build another sex store.

Joe Miller - closer to Libertarians say most activists

From Eric Dondero:

Media nationwide are currently in a frenzy over the stuning Tuesday night primary election results in Alaska. Tea Party/Sarah Palin-backed Joe Miller finished with 50.8% of the vote over incumbent Lisa Murkowski in the GOP primary.

Strong rumors have been circulating that Murkowski may now seek the Libertarian Party nomination to run a third party effort for November. The Libertarian Party has the option to allow their current candidate Dave Haase to step aside and appoint Murkowski. The deadline is September 15.

Libertarians nationwide and most especially in Alaska are weighing in. The consensus seems to be that would be a bad move on the part of the Libertarian Party, and instead Libertarians in the State should back Joe Miller.

From LibertyCentral.org:

Ms. Murkowski is a moderate Republican who has voted for expansive government measures. For example, she voted for H.R. 976—a bill expanding health insurance coverage and H.R. 810—a bill providing for taxpayer funded stem cell research. Moreover, Libertarians are much more likely to support Mr. Miller—who has called for phasing out Medicare and Social Security, as well as eliminating the Education Department because it’s not mandated in the Constitution.

Mark Fish, (photo left) a top Libertarian Republican in the State, has been described as a "Joe Miller fanatic." Fish, a hardcore gun rights activist, was an RLC-backed candidate for State House in 2008. He is said to be strongly lobbying his friends in the Libertarian Party to back "Miller instead."

Even some left-libertarians are leaning in the Miller direction. From the Daily Caller (Tucker Carlson), late yesterday:

Wes Benedict, executive director of the Libertarian National Committee, told The Daily Caller that Murkowski hardly fits the Libertarian Party mould. “As far as I’m concerned if Murkowski is for bringing our troops home and for ending the war on drugs and if she voted against the TARP bailout and she is for reducing spending then maybe she could earn a spot on the Libertarian ballot,” he said. “But my understanding is that she voted for the TARP bailout and that is just insanely un-Libertarian.”

Meanwhile, a Sarah Palin angle has emerged.

Libertarian Republican blogger extra-ordinaire Stacy McCain, reported late last night in an Exclusive!, that the Libertarian Party of Alaska leaders would be open to an overture from Sarah Palin. LPA State Chairman and Libertarian candidate for State House Scott Kohlhaas has had friendly relations with Palin over the years. She even said while speaking at a Libertarian Party meeting in Anchorage in 2006, "when I think of the Libertarian Party, I think of my Scott Kohlhaas." David Haase, the LP candidate for Senate who would have to step aside in order for Murkowski to take the nomination, turns out to be a "huge Sarah Palin fan."

Palin is of course, a prime backer of Joe Miller, and some say, actually recruited him originally to run against her longtime rival Lisa Murkowski.

From The Other McCain "EXCLUSIVE: Alaska LP Senate Candidate Dave Haase Is ‘Huge Sarah Palin Fan’":

Would it make a difference if Palin herself were to contact Alaska Libertarian Party officials directly? The source said such a call “would likely make a difference.” With the LP suddenly in the middle of the nation’s biggest election battle, one call from “Mama Grizzly” might prove decisive.

Palin has a long-standing friendship with Alaska’s Libertarians. In 2005 and 2006, the source said, the future governor attended two LP meetings at the Denny’s restaurant in Anchorage as a guest speaker. During the last few weeks of the 2006 election, the leadership of the Alaska LP endorsed Palin for governor.

Still, the leaders of the Libertarian Party of Alaska are being very cautious, and not wanting to make any commitments at this juncture, one way or the other. Continuing from the Daily Caller:

"Rumors are flying but I really have no comment on them because, I mean, Lisa would have to decide to do it and then our candidate would have to decide to voluntarily step down [and] then our executive committee would have to vote on a decisions."

Editor's Note - Stacy McCain, our close friend here at LibertarianRepublican.net has by far the best coverage of the Murkowski affair of any website or news source. He has direct sources on the ground in Anchorage. For those wanting to keep up with the very latest on this story, please visit his site often during the day.

Post-primary Polls: Republican nominees surge nationwide

By Clifford F. Thies

An old rule of thumb for races that are “off the table” is (1) 10 points ahead, (2) over 50 percent, and (3) past Labor Day. By this rule, no races are yet off the table because we are still a few days from Labor Day. But, with that qualification, it looks like a lot of races are either off the table or close to being off the table, including several that looked to be toss-ups just a little while ago.

In Florida, in three-way races for U.S. Senator and Governor, the nominees of the Republican Party have surged in the polls. For U.S. Senator, a recent Rasmussen Poll puts Marco Rubio 10 points ahead of centrist independent Charlie Crist, 40 to 30, with the Democrat, Kendrick Meeks, in third place with 21. In the Governor’s race, Rick Scott, the upset winner in a tough primary battle with Bill McCollum, has pulled slightly ahead of Democrat Alex Sink, 45 to 42, with centrist independent Bud Chiles at only 4. In this state, the Republican nominee for Senate has clearly consolidated his support within the base of the Republican Party and associated Tea Party movement, while the Republican nominee for Governor has yet to fully do so.

In Colorado, a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll shows a similar surge. The Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate, Ken Buck, posted an impressive 9 point lead over Democrat Michael Bennet. In the race for Governor, Democrat John Hickenlooper posted a similar 8 point lead over Republican Dan Maes, with right-wing independent Tom Tancredo pulling 16. Again, we find one candidate consolidating support within the Republican Party and associated Tea Party movement, and the other not.

In Washington state, a SurveyUSA poll shows Republican Jaime Herrera with a commanding 13 point lead over Democrat Denny Heck, 54 to 41, clearly on her way to a GOP pick up of a Congressional seat.

The common thread in all the above races is that primaries have recently been concluded, giving the now-determined Republican nominee the opportunity to consolidate his or her base. Where they have done so, they have surged into the lead, approaching if not reaching conditions that would indicate that their races are off the table. The bottom line is this: in the other two races, for Governor in Colorado and in Florida, we may yet see the Republican nominee consolidate his potential support.

Libertarian Party beats Toga Party for top non-ballot qualified party in West Virginia

From Eric Dondero:

West Virginia, a state with notoriously difficult ballot access laws, is amazingly tolerant when it comes to its citizens actually registering to vote with minor parties. So much so, that over 17,000 West Virginians have signed up to register with both real live third parties and so-called "joke" parties.

Among the choices the Toga Party, Pajama Party and the "Wig" Party.

The Charleston Daily Mail provides a list this morning "If traditional politics bore you, consider the Toga Party":

There are one or more members of the 24 / 7, American, American Indian, Anarchist, Bi-Partisan, Capitalist, Cross, Environmentalist, Fascist, Freedom, George W. Bush, Hilljack, Individual, Jesus Follower, Middle of Road, Novice, Owl, Principality of Zeon, Religious, Revolutionary, Robert, Satanist, Skate and Destroy, Tri-Partisan, White and "Yokul" parties.

Libertarians will be happy to know that of all the minor parties in the State, with the sole exception of the Mountain Party, a reform-minded group limited to West Virginia that is ballot qualified, the Libertarian Party holds the top spot with overwhelming support.

Continuing:

Among the 130 parties are established if little-known minor parties, like the Constitution Party, a national conservative party that claims about 70 members in West Virginia. There are 1,300 self-identified Libertarian Party members.

Florida is one other State that allows voters to register under alternative party names. But a curious trend has developed in the Sunshine State with most of these voters choosing sports teams such as the Gator Party and the Seminole Party. Though, the Keg Party is also very popular, particularly on the college campuses.

Illinois Democrats use Libertarian Party to attack Republican Mark Kirk

GOPer "will lose votes" on his "right flank"

In a press release posted at his campaign website, Democrat nominee for US Senate Alexi Giannoulias said his rival Mark Kirk will lose support to the Libertarian on his right flank. Libertarian for Senate Mike Labno (photo) and the Illinois Libertarian Party recently qualified a full slate of candidates for statewide offices.

Alexi Giannoulias for Senate, Post date: August 25, 2010
CHICAGO - As with Republican Senator Bob Bennett of Utah, the anti-incumbent wave is on the brink of taking its next victim this morning as incumbent Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska faces the more than likely loss to a conservative challenger from the right. Congressman Mark Kirk, a 10-year incumbent Washington insider, has tried and failed repeatedly to curry favor with the conservative base in Illinois, and is now facing a legitimate challenge from the right with Libertarian candidate Mike Labno officially on the Illinois ballot.

"Incumbent Congressman Mark Kirk, who has lived in Washington, D.C. for the past 20 years, must be shaking in his boots this morning as the returns from last night's Alaska Republican primary show incumbent Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski facing an upsetting loss from her conservative challenger," said Alexi for Illinois campaign manager Michael Rendina.

"Like Senator Murkowski, conservatives here don't trust Congressman Kirk. Why should they? He flip-flopped on clean energy legislation, lied about his military record and has a pro-choice voting record. Like Murkowski, Kirk is a Washington insider who voted for the Wall Street bailout and at least sometimes votes pro-choice. And just like ousted Senator Bennett, Congressman Kirk fills his campaign coffers with corporate special interest money and votes their way every time."

Polls show the race to be a virtual dead heat.

Sarah Palin-backed Pam Bondi triumphs is Florida AG race

From Eric Dondero:

Little noticed amid the big governor and senate primaries in Florida on Tuesday was the race for Attorney General on the Republican side.

Two libertarian-leaning candidates were in the race. Lt. Governor Jeff Kottcamp was backed by the Republican Liberty Caucus. Kottcamp a staunch fiscal conservative had on occasion identified himself with the label "libertarian." But Sarah Palin backed another libertarian-leaner Pamela Bondi. She edged out Kottcamp in a 3-way race.

From the Miami Herald, Aug. 24:

Bondi, a 44-year-old former Tampa prosecutor and frequent commentator on Fox News, got a boost last week with an endorsement from former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.

The former vice presidential candidate called Bondi a bold leader able to ``push back against any overreach of the federal government.''

Herrara has significant lead in Washington State race

LR FOLLOW-UP

From Eric Dondero:

New poll numbers just breaking...

We've been covering the campaign of Tea Party Republican Jaime Herrara. She beat two other Republicans in the Washington State primaries two weeks ago for the Congressional seat of retiring Democrat Brian Baird. The District covers southwestern Washington.

US HOUSE – WASHINGTON – CD 3 (Survey USA)
Jaime Herrara (R) 54%
Denny Heck (D) 41%

Herrera is a 3-term state legislator with a Tea Party-friendly record.

If she prevails, this will be another Republican pick-up for the House.

Attacker of Muslim Cab Driver turns out to be a Lefty

Jump to conclusion: Leftosphere caught in lie

Libertarian-Conservative Michelle Malkin uncovers the truth of the latest attempt of the Leftwing blogosphere to blame the Right for inspiring violence against Muslims. Perpetrator was a leftwing activist.

(H/t alert LR reader)

GOP Majority leader Boehner adopts libertarian line: Freeze Federal employee pay

"Taxpayers subsidizing fattened salaries and pensions of fed bureaucrats"

From Eric Dondero:

An issue stance long pushed by libertarians and other budget hawks, an immediate freeze in salary increases for all federal employees, has been fully adopted by House Minority leader Rep. John Boehner (Ohio). In fact, Boehner used unusually strong language, calling Obama and Democrat efforts to boost federal payrolls, "appalling."

From The Hill "GOP seizes on private-public pay gap as a midterm election issue" Aug. 25:

“We’ve seen not just more government jobs, but better-paying ones too,” Boehner told the City Club of Cleveland on Tuesday in what was billed as a major speech on economic policy.

“It’s just nonsense to think that taxpayers are subsidizing the fattened salaries and pensions of federal bureaucrats who are out there right now making it harder to create private sector jobs,” he added.

Boehner and House Republicans have backed up the rhetoric with legislative proposals.

In his comments Tuesday, Boehner struck a populist tone in arguing that federal workers have become an elite interest group protected by Democrats.

"Federal employees now make on average more than double what private sector workers take in,” Boehner said in Tuesday’s address.

"More appalling is the fact that this gap more than doubled in President Obama’s first year in office — during a time when millions of private sector workers either lost their jobs or agreed to take pay cuts just to keep the one they have.”

Interestingly, Federal Employee Worker Unions, perhaps sensing a changed mood in the recession-drained electorate, were "not available for comment."

Libertarian Party candidate drops out; backs Republican in Ohio State Rep. race

BUCKEYE STATE

From Eric Dondero:

There is a growing trend around the Nation of increased cooperation between Republicans and Libertarians at the state and local levels, to beat the Democrats in the November elections. There's a new found pragmatism on both sides. Local Republican officials in many instances are urging their members to vote Libertarian in races where no GOP candidate has filed. On the other side, an increasing number of Libertarian Party members on the ballot, are stepping aside and urging their supporters to back the Republican, particularly in tight races.

From the Hudson Hub Times, Aug. 25 "Libertarian drops out of Dist. 42 race":

Hudson -- A Libertarian candidate running for state representative for the 42nd House District is dropping out of the Nov. 2 election and endorsing the Republican candidate.

John E. Hoover, who was running on the Libertarian party, said Aug. 23 that he has withdrawn his candidacy and will endorse Kristina Daley Roegner, Republican candidate for the same office. Mike Moran (D-Hudson) is the incumbent candidate.

"Our positions were pretty close, hers and mine," said Hoover, a Hudson resident. "It's going to be a close election between Moran and her."

Hoover and Roegner, a member of Hudson City Council, met after filing for the election earlier this year.

"After meeting the first time, I knew right away that we agreed on many of the major issues including drastically cutting government spending, reducing the size, bureaucracy and burdensome regulations of government," said Roegner. "I am honored and humbled to accept John Hoover's endorsement in this race."

(H/t IPR)

Next up on the Socialist to Liberty list: Sweden

by Clifford F. Thies

While we still await the formation of government in Australia, the next election in a major democracy is upon us, in Sweden. Sweden was formerly pretty much the poster child for democratic socialism. Not today.

With cradle to grave welfare programs, tax rates reaching up to 100 percent, and a totally secularized society, Sweden was the workers' paradise of the non-totalitarian left up until the 1990s. But, things weren't working so well. The devotion of Swedes to work and family life atrophied, and Swedish girls - whose natural beauty is world renown - turned asexual in increasing numbers. Perhaps the event that best memorialized the Swedish experiment with socialism was the departure of tennis great Bjorn Borg for the tax haven of Monaco.

Today, the tables are completely turned around. Sweden is, nowadays, a mixed economy, with the prospect of overtaking the United States in economic freedom as they continue to reform their economy and as we devolve into Argentine-like labor-socialism. Their budget deficit is merely 2 percent of GDP (as compared to an average of 7 percent elsewhere in the European Community and 11 percent in the U.S.). And, with a vibrant recovery from the global recession underway, the center-right government of the country is already planning for tax cuts. Little wonder that the four-party center-right coalition looks headed for re-election.

The latest polls indicate that the center-right parties, which were elected four years ago by a wafer-thin margin, will receive a realtively comfortable majority in the next parliament. Togather, they enjoy 48 percent in the polls, as compared to 45 percent for the left of center parties. The Swedish Democratic Party, a populist-right party along the lines of Geert Wilder's Freedom Party in the Netherlands, looks to qualify for the parliament, which requires at least 4 percent. If they do qualify, we might anticipate that they would either support the ruling center-right parties from the outside, as in Denmark and in the Netherlands, or become part of a five-party ruling coalition.

Dr. Thies is a professor of economics at the Univ. of Shenandoah in Virginia.

Alaska Libertarian Party candidate agrees to consider Caucusing with Republicans if elected

"When I think of the Libertarian Party of Alaska, I think of Scott Kohlhaas and all the work he's been doing" -- Sarah Palin, 2006, Libertarian Supper Club, Anchorage

From Eric Dondero:

Scott Kohlhaas is the State Chairman for the Libertarian Party of Alaska. He's also one of three Libertarian candidates for State House. He is the nominee for State Representative District 20 (northeast Anchorage).

He has the best opportunity of any Libertarian candidate in Alaska, perhaps the Nation to actually win. He is in a two-way race. He faces the longest serving State House member, Rep. Max Gruemberg. No Republican is on the ballot. In 2008, Kohlhaas faced a similar situation and received 20% of the vote.

However, there are distinct differences in this year's race that offer him a much better shot at beating the incumbent.

Kohlhaas ran virtually as a line-holder last time. He did little campaigning up until the last week of the election. This time he's getting an early start. He's running a full-time, round-the-clock effort, with precinct walking, signs, mailers and paid advertising.

Addtionally, after meeting with local Republican friends, and even Republican officials, he has agreed to consider Caucusing with the GOP if elected.

There is precedence. In 1984, Andre Marrou was elected as a Libertarian for the Alaska House, representing Homer. In a 1985 Reason magazine interview, Marrou told a reporter that on all procedural votes he voted with the Republican Party. Additionally, he voted for Republicans for leadership positions.

Marrou went on to run as Ron Paul's Vice-Presidential candidate in his Libertarian race for President in 1988. Then in 1992, Marrou himself was the Libertarian Presidential candidate.

Ron Paul, a Lifetime Libertarian Party member, caucuses with the Republican Party in Congress, and has done so since his first election win in 1996.

The current Alaska House is 21 Republicans to 18 Democrats with 1 vacancy (safe Republican district). A win by Kohlhaas would bring the total number in the Republican Caucus to 23 (assuming everything stays the same) on the GOP side to 17 Democrat.

But Kohlhaas must be financially competitive in order for this to work. According to campaign finance laws in Alaska, he may only raise a total of $3,000 from outside the State. But there is an urgency to get campaign checks in as soon as possible to help fund district mailings and printing.

Please help by sending a contribution. Checks made out to Scott Kohlhaas for State House, 6701 E. 6th St. #24, Anchorage, AK 99504. (Individual contribution limit is $500.) This is a very urgent opportunity and we need your support to make it happen.

Republicans will need to see that this is a competitive race, and that his campaign is for real. Please send in your contribution right away. Any questions you can call the campaign 907-337-3171. ScottforHouse.org

Lesson learned: Don't ever underestimate the Power of Palin

Channeling the Ghosts of Greatness past

From Cliff Thies:

With 99 percent of the votes counted, Tea Party candidate Joe Miller has upset Lisa Murkowski for the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate from Alaska.

Sarah the Impaler has struck again. She goes after the corrupt Republican establishment and then she goes after their children!!!!

The corrupt Republican establishment in Alaska famously pursued the Bridge to a Democratic Majority, until John McCain in the U.S. Senate put a spotlight on the deal and Sarah Palin as Governor drove a stake into its heart.

Subsequently, the pork-barrel Senator associated with the Bridge to Socialism was convicted in federal court on corruption charges and his seat in the Senate was turned over to the dark side. Thus, the 60th and deciding vote on nationalized medicine came from Alaska, one of the most Republican states in the union.

And, where even the corrupt, pork-barrel, establishment Republicans hesitated to go, the dark side rushed in, giving us the Porkulus and trillions and trillions of dollars in deficit-spending, putting us at the risk of national bankruptcy.

As to whether it is even possible to avoid the impending disaster to which our depressed economy might merely be prelude, there is no telling. But, one thing's for sure, the Tea Party will fight on no matter the odds. As for the Republicans who aren't getting with the program, we might not beat you every time, but you cannot know where we will beat you. None of you are safe.

Joe Miller holds lead in very tight Alaska GOP primary

Rebel Republican

From Eric Dondero:

From various reports this morning, and from final results reported in the wee hours of the morning last night, it appears that Tea Party/Sarah Palin Republican Joe Miller has the advantage to win the Alaska Senate primary over incumbent moderate Republican Lisa Murkowski.

With 98% of the votes in, and with approximately 14,000 votes mostly absentee still out, the Anchorage Daily News, Fox News and various sources are reporting that Miller has a 2,700 vote edge. That equals up to 51.8% to Murkowski's 48.2%. Murkowski would have to win a significantly higher percentage of the outstanding vote to make up the difference. Two sources on the Right, Ace and libertarian Republican and friend of this website Stacy McCain TheOtherMcCain.com have already declared Miller the winner.

I am on the ground here in Alaska. I was at the downtown Egan Center in Anchorage last night. I am consulting on some political races up here.

I was with Joe Miller and his volunteer staff in the middle of the Center celebrating their victory late into the night. Earlier in the evening approximately 1,000 Alaska political junkies gathered at the Center to watch the returns. The hot Governor's race was also on the agenda. Sarah Palin's running mate in 2006, Sean Parnell, easily beat back 3 other GOP primary challengers to win with 51.1%. With only nominal Democrat opposition for the Fall, Governor Parnell will essentially coast to reelection now.

Republicans crushed Democrats in primary turn-out all over Alaska

Various state representative races were on the ballot, and the congressional primary. Congressman Don Young easily won the GOP nomination and will similarly win reelection in the Fall. As for the state rep. races, one thing was clear: Republican turn-out was overwhelmingly higher than on the Democrat side, ranging from 3 to 1, to in some cased 4 to 1.

Miller and his entourage of about 40 supporters ended up being the last ones to close down the center. Obviously, they were elated. Miller just shook hands and thanked everyone in sight. He was beaming, and even a bit giddy. His supporters were clearly not polished politicos. Not a single one of them was wearing a suit and tie. All had a "regular Joe" look. And a significant portion of his core supporters group and much talked about non-paid volunteer staff were dressed in traditional Christian clothing.

It was clear that the Miller victory was a victory for his close friend, Sarah Palin too. The Anchorage Daily News quotes Miller as saying "it was clear she played a major role," in his victory.

I was the source "on the ground" identified by Stacy McCain in his constant updated articles, while he was furiously feeding the latest to Ace and other Right bloggers. The Huffington Post linked McCain for all the latest directly from me. At various times throughout the night I handed my cell phone to Miller staffers, including Harmony his volunteer internet/website coordinator, and volunteer press secretary DeSoto, so that they could speak directly with Stacy.

I was privledged in 2006 to be at the Egan Center to witness Sarah Palin's victory for Governor, which propelled her to national stardom two years later. This was after having spent the day waving signs with Sarah and 50 other volunteers in downtown Anchorage. Now, I've been privledged once again to have personally witnessed the emergence of yet another soon-to-be national political star; Tea Party Republican Joe Miller.

Final note; Joe was a guest on our show "Libertarian Politics Live" 3 weeks ago, hosted by Andre Traversa and Jim "Right Guy" Lagnese. You can hear it at www.blogtalkradio.com/libertarian (scroll down).

Ron Paul supporter calls into question his Foreign Policy views

If they hate us for our Foreign Policy, than why is Western Europe and other nations besides the U.S. feeling the wrath of Islam?

PaleoConservative and Catholic writer Joe Hargrave seriously wonders why Ron Paul is taking the side of Islamists on the Ground Zero Mosque controversy, and other issues surrounding Radical Islam. Hargrave wrote at the blog Non Nobis, "Islamification & The Libertarians: The Dutch Quandary":

Though I agree with Ron Paul and other prominent libertarians on a number of issues, and even take their side on issues over which they typically disagree with conservatives, such as the war on drugs or even the “war on terror” – if by that is meant the occupation of foreign countries by American troops and the formation of an domestic police state – when it comes to the challenges posed to the West by radical Islam, many of them are, to use the most accurate and charitable word possible, naive.

Islamists are attacking the U.K., Spain, Thailand, Phillipines and scores of other Nations besides the U.S.

I have heard Ron Paul, for instance, actually argue once that if Islamic terrorists hated the West for its values, as opposed to US foreign policy, they would be attacking countries besides the United States – as if they hadn’t carried out bombings in Madrid, London, Bali, Jakarta, or other places. Paul and other libertarians routinely deny that Islamic radicals hate the West for any reason other than foreign policy, or at the very least, that all hatred of the West can be reduced to that factor.

While I don’t doubt at all that US foreign policy has inflamed jihadism around the world, this reduction simply cannot explain what has been taking place in Europe for the past decades. The radicalization of Europe’s Muslim immigrant populations, growing sections of which declare their open hatred on a regular basis for democracy, free speech, and other Western political ideas, agitate for Sharia law, use the courts to try and silence critics, and even declare fatwas on them, cannot be explained by this analysis.

Nor can it explain violence in Chechnya, Kashmir, Nigeria, the Philippines, Thailand, or any number of places where Islamic insurgencies are threatening non-Muslim societies. It can’t explain why a supposed U.S. ally, Saudi Arabia, is financing radical Islamic schools all over the world in a manner similar to the Soviet Union’s funding of communist movements and insurgencies during the Cold War. To put it simply, there’s a whole lot of complexity to this matter that a simplistic reduction of the problem to American foreign policy cannot account for.

Ron Paul is a very principled politician, and I support him for that reason. But principles must constantly be tested and checked against reality. A man without principles isn’t worthy of respect, but a view that doesn’t take all of the realities of a complex situation into account isn’t very useful.

Geert Wilders of the Netherlands gets it right

Hargrave asks if it's all about Foreign Policy as Ron Paul posits, than what about the Dutch?:

I think it is high time that American libertarians begin to take this threat seriously, before it is too late. The most instructive example in this regard is that of the Netherlands, where this problem has become highly concentrated and reached violent dimensions in the last decade. If any society embraces at least some libertarian ideas in the extreme, it is modern Holland. Few countries have made tolerance and openness a part of their national identity as the way that country has in recent years.

And yet Geert Wilders and his Party for Freedom, which is derided by the leftist press as “far right”, as “extremist”, as “racist” even, is growing rapidly in popularity and support among the Dutch. What happened? Are we to believe that this most open, tolerant society on the most open, tolerant continent in the world suddenly, overnight, for no reason, became a society of bigots and fascists? Or have real threats made certain countermeasures inevitable as a basic condition for national survival? The answer ought to be self-evident.

Kristin Davis makes CNN

Qualifies for Ballot

Manhattan Madam and independent-libertarian for New York Governor Kristin Davis qualified for the ballot on Monday. She will be listed on the Anti-Prohibition Party ticket. CNN covered her filing:

Self-avowed madam who claims Spitzer ties is running for NY governor

New York (CNN) - A former madam who claims to have provided prostitutes to former New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer says she is running as an independent candidate for governor.

Kristin Davis, one of eight candidates who secured positions on the November ballot by filing independent petitions, lists herself as the gubernatorial candidate of the Anti-Prohibition Party, according to the New York State Board of Elections.
"I am running on a platform of personal and economic freedom," Davis writes on her website. "I want to end the prohibition on marijuana, gay marriage and casino gambling to generate new revenues instead of raising taxes on already over-taxed New Yorkers."

Davis's campaign is managed by Libertarian Republican political consultant Roger Stone.

Rock Guitarist Libertarian for CA Senate Adrian Galysh - successful Fundraiser in L.A. area

Candidate for California State Senate District 20 and noted rock guitarist, Adrian Galysh, hosted a successful campaign fundraiser wine-tasting event on August 20th.

Supporters enjoyed wines selected by libertarian winemaker Bryan Babcock of Babcock Winery in Lompoc, CA, and listened intently to guest speaker, retired Orange County superior court judge, James Gray, who described his libertarian perspective on urgent issues facing California, the Constitution, Bill of Rights, healthcare and specifically Prop. 19 (the Regulate, Control and Tax Cannabis Act of 2010). Judge Jim Gray is also the author of the new book, “A Voter’s Handbook: Effective Solutions to California’s Problems”.

The evening concluded with magician David Minkin (Magic Castle, MTV’s “Room 401”) amazing Galysh’s supporters with his remarkable slight of hand. Notable attendees included Los Angeles County Libertarian Party regional representatives, Ed Bowers, Ted Brown, and Alan Pyeatt, as well as noted Libertarian celebrity, Paul Marshall, of the classic rock band “Strawberry Alarm Clock”.

Galysh's strong campaign has brought the musician's message of government spending cuts, lower taxes, and school choice to groups including the Los Angeles Urban League of Students Candidate Forum at USC, San Fernando Valley Tea Party Patriots "Candidate Sampler", Thousand Oaks Glenn Beck 9-12 book club, LA JEMM Medical Marijuana Awareness Festival, and UCLA's Young Americans For Liberty.

Galysh intends to win the race for State Senate District 20 in the November 2 General Election, and become California's first Libertarian Senator. You can learn more about Adrian Galysh and his campaign at www.ElectAdrianGalysh.com

Finalist for Miss Universe Jesinta Campbell of Australia, gives very libertarian answer to judges' question

No government-enforced dress codes

From the Editors:

Women in Islamic countries across the Middle East are forced to wear coverings, known as Burqas or Hijabs from heat-to-toe. In many nations, such as Saudi Arabia and Iran, such dress standards are strictly enforced by law. In front of a millions of viewers worldwide last night, watching the Miss Universe pageant, Miss Australia seemingly took a stand against such oppressive policies.

From the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer, Aug. 23:

Miss Australia Jesinta Campbell: What role should the government play in regulating potentially offensive clothing? "One of the greatest things we have is the freedom of choice...I don't think the government should have any say in what we wear."

Her answer was met with loud cheers from the audience.

However, she did not make the top two contestants. The pageant was won by Miss Mexico. Campbell was in the Top 5, along with Miss Phillipines, Miss Jamaica, and Miss Ukraine.

Interestingly, Miss Ukraine was similarly asked a political question. She was queried about full body scans at airports to protect against potential terrorists. Neighboring Russia has been a target of Islamic terrorism in recent years. Her response:

This is a very important question of security. To avoid the type of catastrophes that we are well aware. So if that helps us to save the lives of people then I’m for it!

Out of a total of 83 contestants, only 6 came from predominantly Muslim countries: Egypt, Lebanon, Kosovo, Indonesia, Turkey, and Albania. Notably, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Sudan, Somalia, and other large-population Muslim nations, did not participate.

Australia Elections: Hung Parliament by 1 Vote

From Cliff Thies:

With the votes on hand tabulated and others ("the postal vote") to be received over the next several days, it looks as though the Liberal-National Coalition (lean free market) has an ever so slight advantage over Labor in seats won and in the possibility of forming the next government. On the other hand, it looks as though Labor has narrowly won the national "two-party preference vote" and that it with the Greens have gained the upper hand in the Senate.

Before anything else can happen, the outcome in one seat in Western Australia must be determined. Currently, the Liberal candidate is ahead by about 400 votes in that contest. In the past, Liberals have done slightly better in the postal vote than in the election day tally. So, there is reason for some confidence in this seat being picked up by the Coalition. Assuming this seat and other close seats go as anticipated, the final distribution of seats will be: Coalition 73, Labor 72, Greens 1, National-type independents 3, Green-type independents 1. It should be possible, then, for Tony Abbott, the leader of the Coalition, to form gain majority support in the lower house from his Coalition and the three National-type independents.

Fortunately, from the standpoint of forming a ruling coalition, the three National-type independents have chosen to negotiate with the leaders of the major parties as a team. Getting them separately to either join the ruling coalition (making the ruling coalition a majority coalition) or to support government from outside (making the ruling coalition a minority coalition) would be like herding cats. These three men, all former members of the National Party, represent rural areas, and, so, oppose the mining tax imposed by Labor and favor environmental policies that consider cost in addition to the theoretical risk of climate change. They also favor the Coalition's approach to social policies such as local control of schools and health services. Where they differ from the Coalition, if it is fair to generalize on this matter, is on the more market-oriented economic policies of the Liberals who are the dominant member of the Coalition.

Libertarian Republican will continue to track developments down under and elsewhere of free market-oriented parties around the world.

Houston Libertarian says vote for the Republican against Sheila Jackson-Lee

"Both the Libertarian and Republican candidates' views are similar on issues that will affect me"

From Eric Dondero:

A Houston small-businesswoman and prominent local Libertarian Party member Kathleen Dougherty has decided to cast her lot with the Republican candidate in the Congressional race, and urges other Party members in the Bayou City to do the same.

From Yahoo News, Society Page, "How Can a Houston Libertarian Vote Republican in the Upcoming Election?" Aug. 23:

I work hard and my small business is growing. With incumbent Sheila Jackson Lee this means that I will work very hard to scrape by but my neighbor who chooses not to toil as much as I will benefit from my labor. I
object to that. Vehemently. While I am not opposed to taxes and government programs, the current system needs to be revamped.

Republican John Faulk states, "Sheila Jackson Lee [is] discouraging private business investment, and it is private business investment that creates all real, self-sustaining jobs." He continues with, "The corporate income tax, the capital gains tax, and the death tax...must be cut or eliminated. Because they reduce economic growth and employment, they are economically and financially counterproductive. The truth is that both the country and the Federal government would be better off financially if these taxes were repealed and replaced with nothing."

Libertarian Mike Taylor states, "that all persons are entitled to keep the fruits of their labor. He seeks to reduce government spending to an absolute minimum, reduce taxes to match, and explore means of funding non-essential government functions without taxation."

She goes to compare the two choices on education:

as a parent of school aged children, education is highly important to me. On his website Libertarian Mike Taylor states that he "supports increased localization and privatization of education and education funding, the restoration of local control over public schools, and the end of all federal government interference in education policy." Republican John Faulk states, "I believe students can be more effectively educated by returning school curriculum prerogatives to the states, local communities, and the local Independent School Districts and, most importantly, to the family."

Likewise both have similar views on government involvement in parental rights. Mike Taylor states that he "believes that family is defined by the individuals in a relationship and feel families should be free from government intrusion and interference." Likewise, John Faulk states, "I oppose any legislation that will interfere in the child-parent relationship through unreasonable government intrusion."

Finally she concludes:

Both the Libertarian and Republican candidates' views on issues that would most affect me are similar. So as a Libertarian why am I voting Republican? To be blunt, Mike Taylor has zero chance of winning. His campaign, if you can even call it that, is virtually nil. Libertarian candidates do not have the campaign finances to be noticed. In previous elections I would still vote Libertarian but the long reaching affects of the status quo are dire. If I cannot do my part to elect a candidate who mirrors my political beliefs I will get behind the one who is close enough. John Faulk is a candidate I can get behind.

Libertarians for Faulk web page

Libertarian for Lt. Gov. in New York a "Pro-War Hawk" Ayn Randian

From Eric Dondero:

Dr. Thomas Link has secured the Libertarian Party nomination for Lt. Governor of New York. He is an alternative lifestyles advocate. He's also a Men's Rights advocate.

Bachelors for Link (via Liberty Lion):

Bachelors often feel pressure to get married and to live a conventional lifestyle. Despite choosing to be "unattached", they often face ridicule and are the subject of "whispering campaigns" questioning their sexual orientation.

People are sovereign over their own bodies and they should have the right to do with them as they please so long as they do not directly interfere with the right of others to do the same. The government should not be involved in trying to legislate morality and should not act paternalistically to protect people from making the decisions they believe are in their own best interests. Private adult consensual behavior should not be criminalized.

He's a worldwide adventurer who has traveled the globe to over 50 different nations.

Link takes a radically different approach to foreign policy than his running mate, AntiWar Libertarian for Governor Warren Redlich.

From Thomas Sipos at Libertarian Peacenick blog, "Libertarian Warren Redlich Support "Ground Zero Mosque," Aug. 22:

There's been much bigoted hysteria regarding the "Ground Zero mosque" (which is not on Ground Zero, and is not a mosque), including bigoted statements from Libertarian Party embarrassment Wayne Allyn Root... but Warren Redlich, the LP candidate for New York governor... supports the right of our fellow Americans (of the Muslim faith) to build a Muslim cultural center two blocks from Ground Zero...

the New York LP nominated Alden Link as their Lt. Governor candidate. I don't know Link's position on the "Ground Zero mosque," but when I met him at the 2006 LP national convention, Link struck me as quite pro-war. He suggested the U.S. military should bomb the branches of banks that hold "terrorist money" in their deposits.

Link was also quite the warhawk at the 2008 LP national convention. He was the only candidate who managed to make Root look like a dove.

From Link's campaign website:

Dr. Stevens is the Founder of the Objectivist Party. He was elected to the Judicial Committee of the Libertarian Party in 2006 and re-elected in 2008. He served as a New York State Delegate to the Libertarian Party’s National Convention in Atlanta in 2004, Portland in 2006, Denver in 2008, and St. Louis in 2010. He currently serves on the State Committee of the Libertarian Party of New York as the State Representative of the Libertarian Party of Queens County.

Also from his website, Links takes many hardline stances, including a rather unique view on the United Nations. Continuing:

Reduce government. Make the Lt. Governor's job a part time position for half pay.

Stop enforcing marijuana laws and make use and possession legal.

Eliminate State government except for infrastructure: roads, bridges, and police.

Encourage nuclear power plants in New York State.

Move the UN out of New York City to Gaza.

Link is backed by the Empire State Libertarians, a more conservative-leaning group separate from the New York Libertarian Party.