FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: LPMN Executive Director Kevin Bradley
Cell: 612-440-1776
E-mail: kevin.bradley@lpmn.org
Due to conflict and contrast to core principles of the Libertarian Party of Minnesota, including but not limited to his proven legacy of government growth having measurable negative economic impacts that last to this day, the LPMN Executive Committee hereby declares that former (Reform Party/Independence Party) Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura, shall not receive support from this body at any point in his potential bid to become the 2016 Presidential nominee of the Libertarian National Committee.
We believe in being fiscally conservative and socially liberal. We promote less government dominion over the lives of individuals. Mr. Ventura’s practices and statements are inconsistent with said beliefs. Therefore, in addition, the LPMN Board shall not invite Mr. Ventura to speak at our 4/16/16 state convention. We furthermore request that the LNC not invite Mr. Ventura to appear at the 5/28/16 national convention nor participate in the 4/1/16 televised Fox Business News LNC Presidential debate.
Mr. Ventura has recorded statements supporting a renewed military draft, ethanol subsidies, and expanded sales tax (to include services). He has stated his opposition to ending public education and opposition to extending school choice vouchers. He has laid out a case to replace the (albeit imperfect) computer assisted electoral college voting system with a paper ballot national popular vote, which would result in increased voter fraud, lengthier and costlier recount processes, while at the same time decreasing the representation of Midwestern voters in favor of coastal media regimes. We disagree with these proposals.
Mr. Ventura’s legacy is a legacy of the Independence Party destruction. His lack of allies and coalition building within his own party and across all parties resulted in not only a lack of political progress, but the demise of alternative party progress. The IP has been relegated to minor party status in the wake of Mr. Ventura’s self promotion. He has never been a member of the Libertarian Party, he is not currently a member, and has indicated he will not become a member; with the possible exception of accessing a path to the Presidential ballot to promote his self interests. We the LPMN EC oppose.
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