PLATFORM/PLANKS
- The Libertarian party is a supporter of:
- pro-choice - equal rights for gays - separation of church and state - personal privacy - maintaining a clean environment - giving authority to parents to determine the education of their children, without interference from government - free market health care system - maintenance of a sufficient military system - world peace by not entangling ourselves in foreign affairs - removal of government impediments to free trade |
- They oppose:
- income taxes - all federal programs and services not required under the Constitution - government subsidies to business, labor, or any other special interest - government-fostered forced retirement - being the world's "policeman" or entangling alliances - any form of compulsory national service - foreign intervention including economic or military aid - abridgment of any human rights due to sex, wealth, ethnicity, creed, age, national origin, personal habits, political preference or sexual orientation |
PARTY POPULARITY
Over 400 party members hold various government offices, and field morel local and federal candidates than any other third party. It is considered America's largest and fastest-growing third party. In 2012, New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson was the LP Presidential nominee, had ballot status in 48 states, and scored the highest vote total in the party's history: 1,276,000 (3rd place - 1%).
LEADERS
Gary Johnson- 2012 Presidential Candidate; had ballots in 48 states and finished third with 1,276.000 votes.
Bob Barr - 2008 won Presidential Nomination; had ballots in 45 states and finished fourth with 575,000 votes
Bob Barr - 2008 won Presidential Nomination; had ballots in 45 states and finished fourth with 575,000 votes
WHY WINNING/LOSING
It's difficult for any third party to win elections considering their lack of popularity and their platforms that are generally inconsistent with the two main parties that most people feel obligated to be a part of. With that being said, Libertarians are open-minded and willing to change in order to best suit the people and their rights and needs. This will most likely begin to attract more people as the Republican and Democratic parties are becoming more and more extreme and less agreeable.
"The Constitution never mentions marriage, however the Declaration of Independence mentions the pursuit of happiness...we want gay, loving couples to not only pursue, but achieve happiness. Why shouldn't everyone be happy?" -Andrew Ian Dodge, 2012 candidate for US Senate Maine