According to LP.org, in an entry posted on January 22nd, Mike Fellows became the first Libertarian in U.S. history to crack the 40% barrier in a partisan statewide race. Fellows received 185,419 votes, or about 43%, running against Democratic incumbent Ed Smith. This showing was also the best percentage-wise in the history of Montana’s Libertarian Party.
According to the entry, Fellow’s surprisingly strong showing can be attributed to the fact that there was no Republican in the race, as well as the party’s successful efforts in being able to expose the electorate to libertarian principles and philosophy.
11 responses so far ↓
1 Mark Axinn // Feb 3, 2013 at 6:19 pm
Mike accomplished that terrific result while simultaneously acting as Montana LP Chair and helping to coordinate the local Gary Johnson/Jim Gray campaign.
Bravo!
2 Krzysztof Lesiak // Feb 3, 2013 at 6:47 pm
Lol, I wasn’t yet done writing the article, but that’s ok
3 Stewart Flood // Feb 3, 2013 at 11:41 pm
So our state house candidate’s 46% last November doesn’t count?
What total BS!
The national party didn’t help. The LNCC told us that a statehouse race in South Carolina was insingificant. Now we get this?
Does the LP even want to have an affiliate party in our state?
4 Steven Wilson // Feb 4, 2013 at 12:00 am
Flood, read statewide in the descriptor and then check your own definition of state house race.
The BS might be a reference to reading skill set.
5 Jill Pyeatt // Feb 4, 2013 at 12:06 am
Oh, Krzysztof, finish the article and click update.
6 David // Feb 4, 2013 at 12:46 am
The Fellows race was statewide and the Clerk position is open every 6 years. With a little more money and advice that 43% would have been over 45%. #3 is right that the LNC should start looking at some of these legislative races, at least the ones who have a chance of winning. There must be other support we could give to these candidates. I know people were disappointed when the LNC gave 50,000 dollars to a candidate, who couldn’t retain his seat. Montana’s percentages were pretty good last election, but we need wins and better numbers for candidates. By the way, the Republicans haven’t run a candidate for the Clerk’s position since 1988.
7 mARS // Feb 4, 2013 at 6:27 am
The Libertarians ought to focus on more races such as this if they want to be successful. Oftentimes, one of the two major parties won’t contest certain elections like this, (or a perennial candidate will get the nomination,) creating a vacuum. With an articulate, qualified candidate, as well as a little bit of money, these types of races are winnable.
8 PTK // Feb 5, 2013 at 2:43 pm
Hey Krzysztof , kind of off topic but do you happen to be Polish?
9 Krzysztof Lesiak // Feb 5, 2013 at 11:52 pm
PTK, yes
10 Jill Pyeatt // Feb 6, 2013 at 12:28 am
Gee, PTK, how did you know??;)
11 PTK // Feb 7, 2013 at 11:20 am
Probably because Krzystof’s Youtube channel’s background design gave it away, and also the fact that his first name is similar to my last name. With that being said, it caught my attention because I also happen to be Polish.
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