May 5, 2014

‘Wonderful’ and ‘enjoy’ aren’t words that often come to mind in the realm of politics. But those who came to hear the candidates, speakers, and new ideas presented at the 2014 LPMN State Convention found that the Libertarian Party of Minnesota is unlike other parties in many ways.

The convention schedule was chock-full of activity. Several Libertarian candidates were nominated for statewide office as the party moves to assert its presence in November. An afternoon of speakers and workshops featured such a wide variety that everyone found several topics of interest, all highlighted by a rousing keynote speech from nationally-known libertarian journalist Ben Swann. The evening’s after-party was a chance for delegates and guests alike to socialize and share laughs.

This last aspect, a chance to meet other like-minded people, left one of the strongest impressions upon many convention-goers. Those who came to check out a Libertarian convention discovered that they were among friends.

“I had a wonderful time at the state convention! It is great to meet so many freedom lovers,” remarked Tanner Schake, a new LPMN member who joined this year.

“It was a great convention with an easy to swallow platform. So many political events can be extreme and impersonal at times and I love how the caring about and for people element was a strong focus. I also love how excited everyone was about liberty and genuinely all opinions,” added Alicia Hardimon, visiting an LPMN convention for the first time.

“I spent 16 hours with some of the best people I’ve ever met. I felt very accepted and welcome in their group. I can’t tell you how much I learned and just plain enjoyed my day,” stated Don Hammond, another first-time attendee.

Others had their expectations shattered upon meeting other Libertarians in-person.

“I was pleasantly surprised to find that there was a healthy mix of genders and ages at the convention, given that the stereotypes had led me to expect a ballroom full of several hundred Ron Swansons,” remarked newcomer Tara Davis.

Four statewide candidates clinched a Libertarian endorsement. In the morning, delegates nominated Chris Holbrook as the LPMN candidate for Governor. He unveiled a ‘Legalize and Minimize’ theme for his state campaign: legalize marijuana, fireworks, and Sunday beer sales, and minimize income tax, business tax, and government spending. Chris Dock was chosen for his running mate as Lieutenant Governor, pledging to campaign for the gubernatorial ticket as a team. Keegan Iversen will carry the Libertarian banner in the State Auditor race, aiming to shed new accountability on state spending.

In the US Senate race, Heather Johnson spoke about bringing the libertarian message to new demographics, besting fellow contender and former Brooklyn Center city councillor Mary O’Connor. Initially coming up just two votes shy of the two-thirds majority needed, she secured the nomination after a second round of balloting.

While the public has become accustomed to political discourse that is often divisive, delegates and guests discovered that this was not the case at a Libertarian convention. Instead, they were treated to a multitude of speakers and workshops, all focused on new ideas and with a positive energy. One track focused on agorism, practical do-it-yourself methods for individuals to live free, which included presentations on home brewing, the market-based currency Bitcoin, and voluntary ways to help the homeless.

Another track focused on political activism. One among the many speakers, elected Libertarian Roger Parras spoke of his experiences on the St Peter city council, encouraging other Libertarian candidates not to simply be ‘the No vote’ but to instead build working relationships with other officials so any measures implemented are as voluntary and liberty-based as possible. An emphasis was also given to the upcoming petition drive needed to get the candidates onto the statewide ballot, which will begin on May 20.

Laura LaVoie, visiting from North Carolina to present the ‘tiny home’ movement, remarked, “The convention proved to be an extremely hospitable place. I enjoyed spending time in the hospitality suite and meeting people throughout the day. When it came time to present about tiny homes and how to live mortgage-free and off-the-grid, the discussion was met with genuine interest. The organizers of the LPMN State Convention had their act together and created an amazing event that everyone could enjoy. I would like to thank the LPMN for inviting us to Minneapolis from North Carolina to share our story about tiny house living.”

Chris Holbrook, Libertarian candidate for Governor, speaks to the convention.

Chris Holbrook, Libertarian candidate for Governor, speaks to the convention.

 

Chris Dock, Libertarian candidate for Lieutenant Governor.

Chris Dock, Libertarian candidate for Lieutenant Governor.

 

Keegan Iversen, Libertarian candidate for Auditor.

Keegan Iversen, Libertarian candidate for Auditor.

 

Heather Johnson, Libertarian candidate for US Senate.

Heather Johnson, Libertarian candidate for US Senate.

 

Keynote speaker Ben Swann.

Keynote speaker Ben Swann.

Acclaimed journalist from Ohio and keynote speaker Ben Swann delved into why libertarian ideas have been gaining steam, and how public attitudes have turned strongly toward libertarianism over the past few years. His presentation had the audience sitting on the edges of their seats and brought the crowded main hall to a standing ovation.

Ben Swann dives into his presentation.

Ben Swann dives into his presentation.

LPMN Chair David Arvidson concludes the convention with a few words to the crowd.

LPMN Chair David Arvidson concludes the convention with a few words to the crowd.

However, the festivities didn’t end until well past midnight. Many joined the ‘End Prohibition’ themed after-party in the LPMN hospitality suite, sharing stories, drinks, laughs, and trying out the ‘libertini’, a new cocktail making its debut for convention-goers. Gubernatorial candidate Chris Holbrook hosted a second after-party in a neighboring suite.

“Helping out with the hospitality suite is a great way to get to meet just about everyone at the convention. I really enjoyed how welcoming and friendly everyone is to new people. Everywhere I looked, I saw people connecting with old and new friends and chatting about issues they are passionate about. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience. I’ve made new friends who I look forward to seeing again next year,” remarked Heather Biedermann, attending her second LPMN convention.

For the third year in a row, the convention drew a larger turnout than the previous year, offering another indication of the party’s continuing growth.

Cara Schulz, the Convention Planning Chair who organized the event, expressed delight with the results, “We wanted to create an exciting and fast-paced experience for our attendees with plenty of time to meet new friends. Judging by the feedback we received during and after the convention, we succeeded. You know your convention is a success when it’s past midnight and no one wants to leave.”

Even seasoned LPMN leaders relished in the day’s atmosphere.

Ray Whitledge, Chair of the Twin Ports Libertarians affiliate in Duluth, exclaimed afterward, “Thanks to all my old and new liberty friends I met this weekend. You have no idea how much I need you in my life. This world gets me down sometimes, and it is beautiful people like you that keep me sane, and keep me pushing forward. I will never stop working for a free society, and knowing that all of you are there with me makes it a little less daunting and a whole lot more fun!”

More photos are on the LPMN Facebook page.  Videos of several speeches and workshops can be found on YouTube.

Decorating the hospitality suite for the after-party, in prohibition-era black & white.

Decorating the hospitality suite for the after-party, in prohibition-era black & white.

 

Cara Schulz prepares 'libertinis' at the after-party.

Cara Schulz prepares ‘libertinis’ at the after-party.

 

Standing room only at the after-party, particularly when Ben Swann arrived.

Standing room only at the after-party, especially when Ben Swann stopped in.

 

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.