In case you were wondering, the Libertarian Party is getting along very well in Wisconsin. Eric Ostermeier of the University of Minnesota comments:
Whether it is because the Libertarian Party has a well-known nominee in the Presidential race in Bob Barr (though not necessarily well-regarded in Libertarian leadership circles), whether it is because the Libertarian base has been fired up due to the successful candidacy of Ron Paul, or whether it is simply due to an increased dissatisfaction among the electorate with government itself, the Libertarian Party has mounted a healthy comeback in the state of Wisconsin in 2008.
In district races for the State Assembly, Libertarian Party candidates will appear on seven ballots (Districts 7, 29, 30, 61, 62, 67, and 91). In 2006, the Party failed to field a single candidate in any of the State’s 99 Assembly races. This year marks the second largest number of Libertarians in the field during the last six election cycles dating back to 1998 (with the 10 candidates in 2002 being the high water mark during that span).
The Libertarians will also field one candidate in the race for the State’s open 18th Senate District after not running a candidate in any of the 17 Senate races in 2006.
Likewise, the Party will run two candidates in U.S. House races – in the 1st and 3rd Districts – after not fielding any candidates in the last election cycle.
Bob Barr will be on the presidential ballot in Wisconsin – seeking to improve upon the record 1.3 percent garnered by Libertarian Edward Clark in the Badger State in the 1980 presidential race.
I don’t believe it is necessary to post that link on every thread, especially as we already have an entire post on the subject of the article.
As a diehard libertarian I am sick that due Mr. Barr’s actions in recent days I will not be able to vote for my party for the first time in decades. But then I found this article: http://www.lewrockwell.com/orig8/hamilton4.html
It cleared everything up for me. Now I know what to do.
Maas is not related to Alan Maass, to my knowledge.
Barrett agrees with more Libertarian positions than Green positions.
In particular, Barrett supports gun rights and opposes smoking bans.
Is Jim Maas related to Alan Maass, who wrote that article for the Socialist Worker? If so, that would explain the party’s acceptance of Barrett.
Barrett would make a great Green candidate.
Jim Maas is doing a great job as new state chair, and Todd at Libery Action is kicking ass, too. TP is also doing a lot of organizing, and we’ve got Ed Thomspon as well, providing spiritual support.
Wisconsin rocks! Barrett has fired up the troops!
Good find, Ross.