Public speaking is one of the ways the LPMN works to promote the principles and benefits of liberty. This spring, several groups of high school students were introduced to the libertarian philosophy.

The first-ever Joint State Convention between the Libertarian Parties of Minnesota and Wisconsin proved to be one of the largest regional gatherings of Libertarians in several years. The event was held in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, with a theme of "Moving Libertarianism Forward". Some traveled long distances from across both states to attend, and many who came called it a smashing success.

Mark your calendars! The Libertarian Parties of Minnesota and Wisconsin are teaming up to hold a Joint State Convention in April. The goal is to organize a large event which can attract the public as well as entertain and energize our members! In addition to business matters conducted by each state party, the convention will offer people in both states the chance to meet the 2012 Libertarian presidential candidates and hear distinguished Libertarian speakers.

The LPMN now has a new tool for promoting the benefits of liberty. We're pleased to roll out our Speakers Bureau, which can offer a libertarian perspective whether you may be a teacher of civics, a journalist investigating an issue, or an organization hosting a political roundtable.

The Minnesota Arms Spending Alternatives Project (MN ASAP) is an organization seeking to build a coalition to pressure Minnesota's federal representatives away from their focus on military spending and war. The LPMN is lending its support to this initiative.

Residents of St. Paul's Highland Park and Macalester-Groveland neighborhoods will enjoy a unique opportunity this November. Libertarian candidate Tylor Slinger is running to represent his Ward 3 neighbors, facing off against opponents John Mannillo, Eve Stein, and Chris Tolbert in a four-way race for an open seat on the City Council.

The LPMN continues to reach out to the public at community fairs and events. LPMN activists at Twin Cities Pride in Minneapolis and the Tax Cut Rally in St Paul found many libertarians among predominantly liberal and conservative crowds, respectively, and have been working hard to build our movement by presenting the libertarian message directly to the public, unfiltered by the media.

With a state government shutdown now underway, the St. Paul Pioneer Press published an article characterizing Libertarians as opportunists relishing the shutdown while so many Minnesotans are inconvenienced. The newspaper used the headline "Libertarians see opportunity in Minnesota shutdown" despite statements by LPMN party officials to the contrary. The LPMN is issuing this rebuttal to set the record straight.

In the ongoing fight over how to pay for a new Vikings stadium, local government officials have trotted out various plans, all attempting to shift the costs onto taxpayers. But now, a Libertarian candidate is proposing a different idea that could allow a stadium to be built without taxes. His proposal is an approach that's already been proven to work elsewhere.

A Student Senate group decided to debate the issue of illegal drugs, and wanted to hear well-reasoned arguments for ending the War on Drugs. Who did they turn to? The Libertarian Party of Minnesota! This spring, two volunteers from the LPMN testified before a group of 30 teens in Roseville, a Twin Cities suburb. Ending the futile and disastrous War on Drugs has long been a plank of the LPMN platform. Our steadfast opposition to Drug Prohibition is based on history, statistics, and the basic principles of liberty. All were discussed before the group.