January 26, 2016
The Libertarian Party of Minnesota has secured its sixth elected official, as Steve Grotting, a well-reputed real estate agent in the city of Independence, sought and received approval to become an elected Libertarian.
Steve Grotting, Independence City Councillor
In November 2015, Mr Grotting came in second among five candidates for two open seats in his city’s race for City Council. Independence is a community in the far west Twin Cities metropolitan area. It’s a city that has seen some internal political divisiveness, and he hopes to bring a new pro-liberty approach in representing his neighbors.
The term “elected Libertarian” is not used loosely. To be considered an elected Libertarian, a candidate must be a member of the LPMN. The candidate must be nominated with at least two-thirds approval by any of the three methods allowed (by delegates at a state convention, by the state party Executive Committee, or by a registered regional affiliate). And of course, that candidate must be elected by voters to office.
But those steps need not happen in that order.
Mr Grotting was approved by the LPMN Executive Committee at its meeting in January. The vote was unanimous in favor.
Prior to running for City Council, Mr Grotting had been a Minnesota delegate in support of Dr Ron Paul’s presidential candidacy in 2012, traveling to Tampa Florida and witnessing the debacle there firsthand. He was not impressed by the GOP.
Mr Grotting’s willingness to take a public stand with the Libertarian Party demonstrates the rising appeal of our support for liberty on all issues, all the time. He now joins with other Libertarians already elected in Crystal, Pine City, and St Peter. It’s another indication of the LPMN’s accelerating growth. As recently as 2012, the LPMN had no elected officials.
Whether a candidate runs for office as a Libertarian and becomes elected, or a standing official signs on as a Libertarian, these leaders continue to bolster the credibility of the LPMN as the new go-to alternative party in Minnesota.
We welcome Steve Grotting to our team!
Concerned about the expansion of government control and the erosion of individual liberty? Please consider joining and becoming active with the Libertarian Party of Minnesota. Libertarians support liberty on all issues, all the time! Libertarianism is a philosophical and political movement to promote personal freedom, strong civil liberties, a genuinely free marketplace, and peace.
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