At the State Convention on April 24, the LPMN approved delegates to represent Minnesota at the National Libertarian Convention in St. Louis on May 22, filled vacant Executive Committee positions, approved a series of changes to its Bylaws to allow endorsement of candidates of other political parties, nominated Libertarian candidates for two metro-area races, and considered requests for endorsement by candidates of other parties.

The Convention’s most significant outcome was the adoption of cross- party endorsements. This will allow the LPMN to endorse candidates of other parties, whereas previously, the LPMN could only endorse candidates if they were LPMN members. The new Bylaws now define the term “endorsement” to apply to candidates of any party, while the term “nomination” will apply specifically to candidates running under the Libertarian banner. Nominated candidates may also use the term “endorsed”. The LPMN will consider endorsing another party’s candidate only if a Libertarian has not been nominated in that race. A two-thirds majority vote is required for either nomination or endorsement. There are three goals behind this Bylaws change:

  1. Increased Publicity. There have been few Libertarian candidates running in previous election cycles, and thus, little visibility for the LPMN. Allowing candidates of other parties to obtain our endorsement should increase our visibility to the public. On their websites and campaign materials, candidates frequently list the political parties, groups, and organizations which have endorsed them. When a candidate states that they are “Libertarian endorsed”, it will remind the public that the LPMN is active, and may inspire some in the public to check into the LPMN to learn more about us.
  2. Increased Influence. The term “libertarian” has become more widely-used in the mainstream press in recent years, with some well-known personalities using it as a new buzzword to describe themselves. Thus, more candidates are likely to seek a Libertarian endorsement now that it is available, and those who approach us for endorsement are likely to have a least a vague understanding of our philosophy and positions. Candidates will be asked to discuss their views on important issues, and when their views may conflict with ours, the Executive Committee can explain where we disagree and the reasons why. It’s an opportunity to directly educate candidates about the benefits of liberty, unfiltered by the media. Whether a candidate receives endorsement or not, they’ll undoubtedly mull over the arguments they’ve heard from the LPMN and may decide to adjust their views to a more pro-liberty stance.
  3. Membership Guidance. With few Libertarian candidates on the ballot, there has been little opportunity for our membership to stand up for liberty at the voting booth. Cross-party endorsements should offer our members more choices. An endorsement by the LPMN means that we believe a candidate is significantly pro-liberty, enough to be worthy of attention and consideration by our membership. However, it should be noted that endorsed candidates of other parties will often not be entirely pro-liberty, so members are likely to find one or more positions they disagree with. Endorsements of other parties’ candidates are intended as advisory only; we recommend that each member make their own judgement of a candidate’s positions, prior to voting.

Two Libertarian candidates were nominated for metro-area races in the upcoming November 2010 elections:

  • Bob Odden for Columbia Heights Mayor. Mr. Odden mentioned his previous activism in successfully lobbying against the city’s plans to build an Activity Center, which would have resulted in eviction of current residents and raising of taxes citywide. As Mayor, he would oppose further unnecessary bonding proposals, such as the new high school gymnasium the city recently approved which resulted in a 1% increase in property taxes. He would also immediately act upon citizens’ suggestions to save money, which the city had sought in a survey a year ago but never implemented. He would seek ways to reduce taxes, and block proposed new ordinances unless they could be clearly shown to benefit the vast majority of city residents. Mr. Odden was nominated unanimously.
  • Mary O’Connor for Hennepin County Commissioner, District 1. Ms. O’Connor mentioned her previous experience on the Brooklyn Center City Council and as advocate against eminent domain seizures of private property. As County Commissioner, she would focus on reducing county spending and finding ways to cut taxes for county residents. Ms. O’Connor was nominated unanimously.

Five candidates from other political parties spoke at the Convention seeking Libertarian endorsement. Vigorous questioning accompanied some of the candidates. While straw polls indicated support for these candidates, the Executive Committee will discuss and vote on endorsements at the following month’s meeting.

Two keynote speeches were given. Pat Anderson spoke of the public’s reawakening to the need for limited government, and of her wish that the State Auditor’s position be a more assertive taxpayers’ watchdog. Dr. Mary Ruwart gave a presentation discussing membership trends, fundraising strategies, goals for the Libertarian Party, and an update on the activities of the National LNC.

Concerned about the relentless expansion of government control and the erosion of individual liberty? Consider joining and becoming active in the Libertarian Party of Minnesota. Libertarians stand in support of liberty on all issues, all the time. Libertarianism is a philosophical and political movement promoting individual freedom, voluntary interaction, genuine free markets, and peace.