Federal income tax rate reductions, as well as cutting back on all state and local taxes. Making federal income tax rate reductions permanent. Scaling back of capital gains taxes, and an immediate end to estate taxes.
Stop the Over Spending
Balanced Federal Budget through spending cuts, not increased taxes. Broad cuts in rates of spending increases for all federal, state and local governmental programs. Reform of Medicare, Social Security and other entitlement programs through greater reliance on private alternatives.
Growing the American Economy
Getting the Government off the backs of small business, and corporations by scaling back OSHA, the EPA and other restrictive Federal Agencies. Right to Work legislation that protects workers and spurs economic growth. Workers' comp. reform that protects small businesses against huge lawsuits and endless litigation.
Pro Independence Energy Policy
More self-reliance. Lower gas prices through increased refining capacity and allowance for drilling for oil in Alaska and Coastlines.
Property Rights
Absolute opposition to Eminent Domain laws when used by local governments to transfer lands from one private entity to another.
Choice in Education
School vouchers and tuition tax credits. Greater emphasis on private and home schooling as an alternative to failing public schools. Opposition to affirmative action laws, and minority preferences.
Individual Liberties
An end to petty laws that harass Americans such as restrictions on free speech, bans on religious expression, unreasonable regulations of sexual lifestyles for consenting adults, clogging up our court systems with low level marijuana cases, smoking bans in restaurants/bars, and ticketing law-abiding safe drivers for not wearing seat belts. Also, no federal mandates for speed limits or drinking age laws. Repeal gambling restrictions such as internet gaming ban.
Gun Rights & Supporting Sportsmen
Full rights and protections to keep and bear arms. Protecting rights of hunters and anglers. Lessening of licensing fees. More access for off-road recreational vehicles and other sports enthusiasts on public lands.
Strong Defense
Defending our borders, and maintaining a strong and well-equipped Military to protect our nation from any terrorist or foreign state. Using the Military to fight terrorists overseas, when necessary, rather than here at home. Support for the All-Volunteer Armed Forces.
Humanitarianism
A foreign policy of diplomacy, cooperation and free trade to promote democratic ideals and freedoms around the world. Assisting with the liberation of repressed peoples from the tyranny of fascist and socialist dictators.
Protecting our Borders from Illegal Immigration through beefed up enforcement, more Border Patrol and fencing. Allowing for a Guest Worker Program for Mexicans who wish to work temporarily in the U.S., with a criminal background check. Citizenship only for those who learn English. Strict measures to stop terrorists from entering the U.S.
HEADLINES
Bob Barr: The Man of the Hour
05/13/08 -- In announcing for President today, former Congressman Bob Barr of Georgia has received more publicity than all other 2008 Libertarian Party Presidential candidates combined. It's quite possible that he's received more media than any other LP candidate in history.
Already picking up the story: Associated Press, Reuters, Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, ABC News, Fox News, Voice of America and the BBC.
The AP said this:
WASHINGTON (AP) _ Former Republican Rep. Bob Barr launched a Libertarian Party presidential bid Monday, saying voters are hungry for an alternative to the status quo who would dramatically cut the federal government.
His candidacy throws a wild card into the White House race that many believe could peel away votes from Republican Sen. John McCain given the candidates' similar positions on fiscal policy.
Barr said he is not getting into the race to play spoiler or to make a point.
"I've heard from Americans from all walks of life ... they want a choice," he said at a news conference. "They believe that America has more and better to offer than what the current political situation is serving up to us."
"We intend to succeed," he said.
Sarah Palin receives National Press for newborn, and VP speculation
05/13/08 -- The AP recently syndicated a national story on Alaska's libertarian-leaning Governor Sarah Palin. The piece focused on Ms. Palin's newborn, who has been diagnosed with downs syndrome and how she is handling the job of being a mother, Governor and potential Vice-President. AP:
During her first year in office, Palin distanced herself from the old guard, powerful Republicans in the state GOP, even calling on tight-lipped veteran U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens to explain to Alaskans why federal authorities were investigating him.
She asked Alaska's congressional delegation to be more selective in seeking earmarks after what came to be known as the "Bridge to Nowhere" turned into a national symbol of piggish pork-barrel spending.
She stood up to the powerful oil industry, and with bipartisan support in the statehouse she won a tax increase on oil companies' profits.
She also found time to pose for the fashion magazine Vogue while she was pregnant, and she has been mentioned as a potential running mate for presidential candidate John McCain.
Libertarian-leaning Republican runs for Congress in Philly
Marina Kats, a free market conservative, is running for Congress in the Philadelphia suburbs. Marina emigrated from Russia and has been a major success as a criminal lawyer and entrepreneur. She's running against Democrat Allyston Schwartz.She has been featured as one of Philadelphia's "Super Lawyers" (Philadelphia Magazine, June ' 04) and "Woman of the Year" (Real Philly Magazine, January ' 05). Her website is at: http://www.katsforcongress.com/
Libertarian loses badly in GOP primary race, but will return in November as 3rd party candidate
05/08/08 -- Libertarian Party member Thomas Hill ran as a Republican for a State House, and got beat last Tuesday. Now due to North Carolina ballot access rules, he is able to come back in the Fall to run on the LP line. From the Salisbury Post: Hill announced Tuesday evening that he will be on the ballot anyway — as a Libertarian candidate running against U.S. Rep. Robin Hayes (R-8) and his Democratic challenger Larry Kissell.
Republican Liberty Caucus members lobby Florida Legislature
04/18/08 -- According to the RLCFL: Over 40 RLCers from around the state converged on Tallahassee on March 25-26 for the RLC’s annual grassroots lobbying trip to the state capitol and two busy days of organizing, lobbying and rallies.
RLCers started arriving around noon on March 25 and participated in a rally for tax cuts on the state house floor which included a supportive talk by House Speaker Marco Rubio. Then, led by RLCer and political consultant John Hallman, RLCers went legislative office to office to agitate for lower taxes, spending restraints and a free market in property insurance.
Notable among the meetings were those with Rep. Carlos Lopez-Cantera, Sen. Mike Haridopolos, Rep. Gayle Harrell, Majority Leader Rep. Adam Hasner and Majority Whip Ellyn Bogdanoff. RLCers also met legislators or staffers in the offices of Gov. Charlie Crist, Sen. Jeff Atwater and others.
*Note - Photo is of Danny McDaniel, longtime Florida RLC member and Tallahassee Republican meeting with legislators at the Capitol.
WE DID IT! Speaker Dillon will face recall election
Friends,
The citizen's of Redford, Dearborn Heights, and Livonia needed to collect 8,720 signatures in order to have a `recall Andy Dillon' question placed on the August 5th ballot.
I am ecstatic to announce that today Rose Bogaert, Sandra Eggers, and members of the Wayne County Taxpayers Association were able to submit 15,498 signatures to the Michigan Secretary of State - 77% more than required!
Everyone who helped make this possible is to be congratulated and thanked - including YOU if you pitched in.
Andy Dillon has already turned on the old Lansing `fog machine' - an attempt to accuse, lie, sue, whine, cry, more accusations, more lawsuits, blah, blah, blah. Anything to obscure the truth about his recall - that he led the legislature in supporting the biggest tax hike in Michigan history and then he gave the legislature a nice 7% budget increase.
Sorry, Andy. You made the choice of putting Lansing and bigger government ahead of the citizens' budgets. Now the citizens - over 15,000 of them - have asked for a choice on whether you should be fired ASAP.
Andy Dillon will become the first House Speaker in the United States to be recalled from office. And it will happen because he raised taxes on suffering Michigan citizens.
Site published by Eric Dondero of Houston, Texas at 832-896-9505
ELECTION NEWS
Club for Growth releases annual Index of Congress: Jeff Flake scores best
It's finally here! Yesterday, the Club released its 2007 Congressional Scorecard. Find out how your congressman and senators voted last year (and in previous years) by clicking here. Perfect scores were given to Reps. Jeff Flake, Jeb Hensarling, and Doug Lamborn, along with Senator Jim DeMint. Congratulations to all of them.
On Thursday, the Wall Street Journal published an op-ed that I wrote, titled, "In Defense of RINO Hunting." You can read it below. I think you'll enjoy it.
Also, please save the date for the Club's Annual Winter Economic Conference. It will be held March 5-7, 2009, at The Breakers Palm Beach Hotel in Florida. The registration fee is $2,250 per individual or $3,750 per couple. If you have any questions or would like more information, please don't hesitate to call Stacie Smith at (202) 955-5500. You can also email her at ssmith@clubforgrowth.org.
Patrick J. Toomey President, Club for Growth
Report from Allan West for US Congress in Florida
Editor's Note - Col. Allan West is an African American Iraqi War Veteran and "limited government" Conservative running in South Florida for Congress. Here was featured here at ML two months ago and was a guest on "Libertarian Politics Live."
We have had another whirlwind month! As you no doubt know by now, we qualified last week; our deepest thanks to all of you who signed petitions. We have no primary, but Mr. Klein was not as fortunate. He does have a primary challenger who will keep him busy between now and August.
We are also happy to announce that Leah Chambliss has joined our team. Those of you who have been active in the last few cycles will remember Leah from other campaigns, most recently those of Clay Shaw and Rudy Giuliani. We are lucky to have her with us to help with our fundraising efforts in particular, and our overall grassroots organization as well.
If you've tracked our website calendar and media pages, you have seen that not a day goes by that we aren't hard at work. Allen has spoken to chambers of commerce, Rotary clubs and attended a number of private events where he has been able to meet with local voters. He has also been on the Michael Savage Show, was chosen Patriot of the Month by Fred Thompson's website, The Thompson Coalition, and was contacted this week by New Republic. Please check in often at http://allenwestforcongress.com for new additions.
We are especially happy to tell you that Congressman Clay Shaw is hosting a private event at his home on May 15, where he will introduce Allen to key supporters and community leaders. We greatly appreciate his interest in our campaign and are excited to have his help!
