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Michigan Early Election Results
Bill Hall
Andy LeCureaux was re-elected to the Hazel Park City Council, coming in second of six candidates for four seats. 
 
9 of 9 Precincts Reporting Hazel Park City Council (elect 4)
Name Percent Votes
Jeffrey A. Keeton 18.65% 817
Andy LeCureaux 18.81% 824
Richard A. Matkin 10.32% 452
Jan Parisi 20.57% 901
Donna Vance 12.99% 569
Michael Webb 18.40% 806
WRITE-IN 0.25% 11
Total 4,380
_______________________
Mark Byrne was defeated in his re-election to the Port Huron City Council, coming in 10th of 14 candidates for seven seats, falling only 60 votes short.
 
The council winners are Pauline Repp (2411 votes), Steven Miller (2146), James Fisher (1834), Alan Lewandowski (1782), Domingo Ruiz (1738), Brian Moeller (1736) and Sherry Archibald (1575).
 
Edged in the race were: Marty Doorn (1563), Ken Harris (1554), Mark Byrne (1516), B. Mark Neal (1333), Chad Noetzel (822), Irene Michels (565), Edison Palmer Jr. (559), Anthony America (16).
Total voters: 3,601, or 17.3%
_______________________
CITY OF BIG RAPIDS GENERAL ELECTION
COMMISSIONER – Vote for 2
Owen Bruce Everitt - 169
Bob Hendrickson - 199
Tom Hren - 97
Lorraine James - 286
Jim Nystrom - 145
Dan A. Rothstein - 306
_______________________
State Senate -- 95 of 100 precincts reporting (95%)
19th District Partial Term
 
Mike Nofs 18,848 61% (X)
Martin Griffin 10,822 35%
Greg Merle 377 1%
Steven Mobley 1,085 3%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
11/4/2009
RENEW YOUR NATIONAL MEMBERSHIP NOW
If you want Michigan to have a strong voice at the next national Libertarian Party Convention, RENEW YOUR NATIONAL MEMBERSHIP NOW
 
 
The party is shaped by the votes of the delegates. The size of the Michigan delegation is based on the number of dues ...paying sustaining members. The count will be based on the membership count at the end of October. 
 
Give Michigan a strong voice in the 2010 platform and bylaws discussion.
 
10/19/2009
Sovereignty resolution passes!
Scotty Boman
Michigan Senate and House concurrent resolution No. 4 passed!  These resolutions were officially supported by the Libertarian Party of Michigan at its 2009 Convention.
 
 
The Michigan Affiliate of Campaign for Liberty lobbied vigorously to make this happen.
 
9/22/2009
Greg Merle is running for State Senate
Scotty Boman
Greg Merle is running for State Senate in the special election in the 19th district [November 3, 2009], in the Battle Creek – Jackson area of South Central Michigan.  This is a race with no incumbent, in a district regarded as “safe” for neither the Republican nor Democrat candidate.  To help Greg rock the boat, contact him at kanemaster@mac.com.
 
Better yet, visit him on Facebook:
 
He has recieved TV coverage.  His interview is close to the end of this program:
9/13/2009
Bus Trip to big Tea Party 9/12 in Washington D.C.
Webmaster_LPM
There will be a bus going from Madison Heights for the Big Washington D.C. Tea Party on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009.  The bus will depart from the Home Depot on 12 Mile in Madison Heights on Friday, Sept 11, 2009 at 8:00 pm. We'll drive all night and arrive in Washington on Saturday morning for the Tea Party.  Please bring your signs and all who want to join us.  Our bus will depart from Washington Saturday evening, about 8:00 pm, drive all night, and arrive back in Madison Heights Sunday morning Sept. 13.  The bus has adjustable, reclining seats, designed for sleeping, and rest room facilities on board. 

The cost is $95 per person for the round trip, and does not include food.  We may stop for breakfast Saturday morning and possibly for dinner in the evening on Saturday.  We are still working out the details.  We are suggesting you bring lunch for Saturday & snacks.  Payment for the trip must be received by Saturday, August 8, 2009.
 
Mail checks to Sharon Snyder, 31758 Edgeworth Drive , Madison Heights , MI 48071 .  If you have questions, call me at (248) 588-8741 or e-mail me at sharonsnyder@wowway.com.  The day should be great fun and very productive.
 
Note: this is an item of interest to Libertarians but is not officially sponsored by the Libertarian Party of Michigan
 
9/12/2009
Dally in the Alley--Liberty Literature Table
Scotty Boman
Dally in the Ally is huge annual Street fair that was started by residents in an Alley Just South of Wayne State University.  It features music, food, vendors, and an eclectic crowd of people who are open to new ideas.... including libertarianism.
[This is an item of interest to our members, not an event sponsored by the Libertarian Party of Michigan]
 
Music is from Noon to 11:00 PM, but I will need to set up by 8:30 AM, and break down by 9:45 PM.
Volunteers are needed for our "Individual Liberty" information table at this event.  There is a special need for volunteers to help set up and keep watch in the morning.
 
Visit the Dally Web for details:
 
Location: The block bounded by W. Forest, W. Hancock, Second Ave., and Anthony Wayne.  Detroit, MI 48201
 
Contact: Scotty Boman 
Phone: 313-247-2052 
 Email: scottyeducation@yahoo.com
 
9/12/2009
John Galt Freedom Festival this weekend
Libertarians who are interested in doing outreach at this event should contact the event organizers ASAP:
 
 
Please see attached flier:
 
[This is an item of interest to our members, not an event sponsored by the Libertarian Party of Michigan]
8/22/2009
Michigan Sovereignty & Anti-Real ID Approved at Hearings!
Scotty Boman
SCR 004 / SR 17 and HCR No. 6
were both approved by their commitees!
 
Way to go!
 
[This is an item of interest to our members, not an event sponsored by the Libertarian Party of Michigan]
 
Attend this if you can.  This is the same resolution that was supported by the LPM at our convention in May:  ( http://www.michiganlp.org/Lists/PressReleases/DispForm.aspx?ID=87&Source=http://www.michiganlp.org/Lists/PressReleases/AllItems.aspx )
 
The following is from an email sent by CJ Schuman Campaign for Liberty Wayne County Coordinator.  [Campaign for Liberty is non-partisan and has no affiliation with the LPM or any other political party]
 
To Our Patriot Friends;
Campaign for Liberty has been notified by Michigan State Senator Bruce Patterson that his legislation, SCR 004 / SR 17, Michigan Sovereignty Under the 10th Amendment is scheduled
for hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, August 18, 1:00, Rm 210 Farnum Bldg.

A copy of the resolution is attached ( http://www.michiganlp.org/Shared%20Documents/2009-SICR-0004.pdf ).  C4L has been diligently working with Senator Patterson, collecting petitions, making phone calls, etc. in an effort to bring this legislation out of committee, and get it to the Senate floor for debate.  We have pledged to "fill the room" when the Committee meets on it.
 
If you are able to travel to Lansing on this date, please join us for this most important hearing.
Attendees are asked to wear appropriate business attire, remain respectful at all times, and do not disrupt or act in a fashion unbecoming a thoughtful citizen (no signs).  Our group will gather at the statue in front of the Capitol Building between noon-12:30, and will proceed to the hearing at 12:45  If you have petitions that need to be turned in, please bring them with you.  If you want to double-check the status of the meeting before leaving home, please call Senator Patterson's intern Scott at 517 373-1606.
 
Those of you who are unable to attend can also do your share.  Please call one, two, or all of the Judiciary Committee members, and ask them to support this critical legislation.
With all the new Federal legislative mandates and regulations coming out of Washington, it is more important than ever that we never forget that Michigan is a sovereign state, and we are its sovereign citizens. 
 
The Judiciary Committee members are:
 
(Chair)            Wayne Kuipers  (R-30)            517 373-6920

(V Chair)         Alan Cropsy      (R-33)            517 373-3760 (Co-Sponsor)

                       Alan Sanborn     (R-11)            517 373-7670 (Co-Sponsor)

                       Bruce Patterson  (R-7)              517 373-7350 (Sponsor)

                       Tony Stamas      (R-36)            517 373-7946

(Min VC)        Gretchen Whitmer   (D-23)       517 373-1734
                       Hansen Clarke    (D-1)             517 373-7346
                       Ray Basham   (D-8)                  517 373-7800
 
Thanks for all you do,
CJ Schuman
Campaign for Liberty
Wayne County Coordinator
 
----------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Since the initial post, Tony DeMott (State C4L organizer) found out HCR no. 6 (Anti Real ID) would be heard in the Senate Transportation Committee.
 

SCR006 (Anti Real ID)
 
Senators Gilbert (C)   (R-25)            (517) 373-7708
Kahn (VC)                 (R-32)            (517) 373-1760 (Sponsor)
Van Woerkom           (R-34)            (517) 373-1635   
 
Basham (MVC)          (D-8)             (517) 373-7800
Gleason                    (D-27)            (517) 373-0142 (Sponsor)
 
p.s.  feel free to pass this to your liberty-minded friends, family, and neighbors.
8/18/2009
LP of West Michigan to host Candidate Training Session
Click here for details:
or
7/19/2009
President visits Warren Michigan
Link here for details.
 
7/14/2009
Call, email and write your Senators!
Today and throughout the summer months citizens will be working together to melt the Senate switchboard.  These calls will likely pertain to at least one of the following issues:
  • Stopping the so-called "Cap and Trade" bill.
  • Asking Senators to cosponsor "S 604: Federal Reserve Board Sunshine Act of 2009."
  • And Stopping the Pass Act (a new accelerated version of "Real ID")
The Senate Switchboard number is:
(202) 224-3121 or toll free at 888-355-3588 or 888-818-6641.
 
An email and snail mail can serve as a follow-up.  Calls, letters and emails are most effective when they focus on one issue at a time.
7/6/2009
Tax Tea Party Resumes July 4
Webmaster_LPM
Libertarian leaders and Volunteers:
Local Michigan list of July 4th Tea Parties:
http://www.michiganlp.org/Shared%20Documents/Tea%20Parties_Michigan_20090704.pdf
Here is a list of national July 4th Tea Parties:
 
The Tax Day tea parties are a national phenomenon that some argue have been set up by pseudo-libertarian Republican types. Nonetheless, the libertarian reality of those who have been turning out tends to take charge.
 
While at your party, if you would like to pass out the Libertarian Party´s "political puzzle" brochure (from www.lpstuff.com), please contact Emily, state chair, at chair@mi.lp.org for a supply. 
 
Thank you for your efforts on behalf of liberty.
 
7/4/2009
New officers elected & resolution adopted at convention
Scotty Boman
New officers were elected at this years convention.  Please see the "Officers and Staff" page for results:
 
 
A resolution was approved by a unanimous vote of the delegates, and the following press release was sent out:
 
5/24/2009
LPM State Convention
Bill Hall
Click here for details:
 
 
The Libertarian Party of Michigan will be holding it's annual convention.  The convention will be held in Jackson.
 
1-800-free-now
5/23/2009
John Cruz Places Second
Scotty Boman
After a well organized campaign (for Mount Clemens Community Schools Board of Education), Libertarian (and Campaign for Liberty activist) John Cruz placed second with 36.6% of the vote behind incumbent Steven Gravlin who won with 46.3% of the vote.
 
Results of the May 5th election are listed here:
 
 
5/7/2009
Bruce S. Gosling re-elected to Glen Oaks Community College Board of Trustees
Scotty Boman
Libertarian Bruce S. Gosling was re-elected to Glen Oaks Community College Board of Trustees:
 
 
Glen Oaks Community College Board of Trustees
(Two elected to six-year terms)
David Allen: 2,100
Bruce S. Gosling: 1,931 (re-elected)
James D. Moshier: 1,914
5/5/2009
TAX DAY TEA PARTIES SPRING UP ALL OVER
Scotty Boman
This list is from an email sent out by
 
Jason Lenz
 
MICHIGAN TAX DAY TEA PARTIES:
--------
City: Adrian
When: April 15, Noon
Where: in front of the old court house (corner of Main St and Maple Ave)
---------
City: Belleville
South East Michigan Tax Day Tea Party Wed. April 15, 2009 ~ 6:30 - 7:30 PM Doane’s Landing, Belleville, Michigan 1st light south of bridge on East side free parking across from landing
EMAIL: semi@ameritech.net
MAP on the WEB: http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http://www.belleville.mi.us%2Fdda%2Fdmaps.htm
————-
City: Big Rapids
When: April 15, Noon
Where:Post Office
————-
City: Clair Shores
When: April 15th, 4pm-7pm
Where: North west corner of 11 mile road and Harper
————-
City: Coldwater
When: April 15, 5:30 p.m. until…
Where: Four Corners Park
————-
City: Farmington Hills
When: April 15, 12:00 p.m.
Where: Farmington Hills City Hall, 31555 W. 11 Mile Rd, Farmington Hills, MI 48336
————-
City: Grand Haven
When: April 15, Noon
Where: City Hall, 519 Washington
————-
City: Grand Rapids
When: April 15, 5:00pm - 6:30pm
Where:Ah-nab-awen Park, located in front of the Gerald R Ford Presidential Museum
————-
City: Grayling
When: April 15, 5:00pm
Where:Grayrock Cafe
————-
City: Grosse Point
When: April 15, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Where: Grosse Pointe War Memorial, 32 Lakeshore Road, Grosse Pointe Farms
————-
City: Holland
When: April 15, Noon
Where: Centennial Park (corner of 10th and River)
————-
City: Houghton County
When: April 15, Noon
Where: Houghton County Courthouse
Contact: :906-483-3840
————-
City: Hudsonville
When: April 15, Noon - 1:00
Where: Gemmen’s parking lot
————-
City: Jackson
When: April 15, 6:00 pm
Where: Under the Oaks Park (Corner of Second & Franklin Sts.)
————-
City: Kalamazoo
When: April 15, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Where: Kalamazoo County Court House, W. Michigan Ave.
Other http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http://Info%3Awww.kzooteaparty.ning.com
————-
City: L’anse
When: April 15, 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Where: Waterfront Park on Lake Superior
————-
City: Lapeer
When: April 15, 12:00 Noon
Where: Lawn of the Historic Courthouse
Other Info: Danette Starr Lowery  810-614-8878
————-
City: Lansing
When: April 15, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Where: Michigan State Capitol, 100 N Capitol Ave
————-
City: Livonia
When: April 15th, 2009 11:30 A.M. to 1:30 P.M.
Where: Stand on sidewalks on Haggerty Road between 7 & 8 Mile Road
Other Info: Bring signs, cell phones to call politicians
Contact: patriots04freedom@yahoo.com
————-
City: Midland
When: April 15, 6:30pm
Where: Main Street in front of Court House
Other Info:Enough is Enough!  Let’s protest the war on Prosperity!
————-
City: Monroe
When: April 15, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Where: St. Marys Park, corner of Elm and Monroe Streets
————-
City: Muskegon
When: April 15, 12:00 noon - 2:00pm
Where: Heritage Landing Park, 7th St and Western at the Pavillion
————-
City: Plymouth
Where: April 15th, 2009, 3:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M.
Where: Kellogg Park in downtown Plymouth, Michigan
Event info: Guest speakers, live music, drama
Other info: Signs, cell phones to call politicians
Contact: patriots04freedom@yahoo.com
————-
City: Port Huron
When: April 15, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Where: In front of Grove Mall at the end of I-94, Pine Grove between Garfield & Sanborn
————-
City: Rives Junction
When: April 15, 12:00 noon
Where: 11625 Clinton Rd., Tompkins Center (12 mi. West of Jackson on M-50 (Clinton Rd.)
Contact: EMAIL
Other Info: Bring:  American Flag(s), Poster(s), Friends
Phone: 517-569-3820
————-
City: Sault Ste. Marie
When: April 15, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Where: Ashmun St. near the Power Canal
Contact: EMAIL
Phone: http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http://906.635.7272
Other Info: http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http://sooteaparty.wordpress.com%2Fwherea%2F
————-
City: South Lyon
When: April 15, 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Where: City Hall on Warren Street, 10 and Lafeyette
Phone: http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http://248.756.8744
----------
City: St Paul
When: Wednesday, April 15, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Capitol
————-
City: Traverse City
When: April 15, 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Where: Traverse City Union Street Post Office, 202 S. Union Street
Other Info: http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http://teapartypatriots.ning.com%2Fprofile%2Ftraversecity
————-
City: Troy
When: April 15, 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Where: Sidewalk along Big Beaver Rd in front of the Troy City Hall (500 W. Big Beaver)
--------------------
4/13/2009
Cruz Campaign Outspends Competition!
Scotty Boman
In a recent email update, Campaign for Liberty activist, and LP member John Cruz told supporters "I'm pleased to report that things are going great!" In reference to his run for Mt. Clemens School Board.
 
His first mailing went out this morning to the absentee voters to deliver his message of common sense education. A general mailing to the general election voters will go out soon, depending on how much money he can still raise.  He also completed his lit drop today.
 
Cruz announced that his campaign is the only campaign committee for Mt. Clemens School Board to no longer have a waiver: meaning They are the only campaign out of all the board members to raise and spend over $1,000!
 
He is still accepting donations at:
 
 
Cruz also has signs available for Mt. Clemens voters.  In his update he reported, 
 
"I'm ecstatic with the way they look. Thanks to the people @ www.signs365.com in Macomb Township for doing such an awesome job, we're going to really PAINT THE TOWN RED with these."
 
Those interested in a sign, can let John know either by email (john@electjohncruz.com) with your address or call him at 586 354 8735 so he can make a drop.  He had 50 at last count, but he can always order more if he (hopefully) runs out.
 
Cruz concluded his recent update saying,
 
"Thanks to everyone for your dedicated support. It means more than you will ever know.
In Liberty,
John Cruz"
4/11/2009
Bowling for John Cruz (for Mount Clemens Board of Ed)
Scotty Boman
Dear Friend of Liberty:
 
I am sending this email to urge you to support my friend John Cruz.  I first met Mr. Cruz while working with him on the Ron Paul for president campaign.  Since that time I have found him to be a steadfast advocate of individual liberty and Constitutional government.
 
Now he is a candidate for the Mount Clemens Schools Board of Education.  I urge you to visit his website at:
 
 
Please consider supporting him in any way you can.
 
He will have a fundraiser this Sunday:
 
What: Bowling Fundraiser for John Cruz
When: 03/22/09, 5:00 PM-9:00 PM
Where: Where: Rec Bowl in Mount Clemens, 40 Crocker Blvd, Mt Clemens, MI‎ - (586) 468-7746‎
 
In Liberty,
Scotty Boman
3/19/2009
Susette Kelo to speak at MSU, East Lansing
Bill Hall
Dear Friends of Liberty,
Students for a Free Economy and the Michigan State University's Young Americans for Liberty are proud to bring Susette Kelo to Michigan State University to tell her story of government abuse and what she's doing about it.
Susette is the owner of the now famous little pink house that the city of New London, Connecticut took from her so they could move forward on their "development plans" on the property. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that taking private property from one person and giving it to another was OK, as long as government was doing it for the "public good" - in this case to get higher tax revenues from a larger development.
 
The Kelo decision sparked a national outrage as groups from the Institute for Justice to the NAACP opposed it. Citizens in many states pushed efforts to limit such government abuse, but the fight continues...
 
Susette will be sharing her experiences and her new book will be available for sale and signing.
The event is free and open to all, so come support the most fundamental human rights - property rights.
 
Tuesday, February 10th, 2009, 7 p.m.

MSU Student Union Parlor C on the 2nd floor.
The MSU Student Union is located on the corner of Grand River Ave. and Abbott in East Lansing, MI.
 
Sincerely,
Jeremy Moore
MSU Young Americans for Liberty
2/10/2009
Mark Byrne's Tax reform idea wins support
Scotty Boman
To view the contents on www.thetimesherald.com, go to:
2/6/2009
Defender of Liberty Awards Presented
Scotty Boman
The 2008 Defender of Liberty awards were presented to Leon Drolet, Krystal Martinez, David Eisenbacher, and Greg Stempfle on January 24th.  Click here http://www.michiganlp.org/Shared%20Documents/LibertyFest.aspx  to learn more: 

 
1/30/2009
Urgent Need to Defeat "Stimulus Package"
Webmaster_LPM
This afternoon the House began debate on the Democratic-drafted $825 billion economic stimulus package (H.R. 1) with a vote expected on Wednesday, January 28.
 
All Americans who are concerned over the fiscal irresponsibility of Congress and the inflationary effects of its trillion dollar deficits, trillion dollar bailouts, and trillion dollar stimulus package, must contact their representative immediately in opposition to H.R. 1, the economic stimulus package. 
 
Please go to the following page (the John Birch Society does a fine job of explaining via Ron Paul's arguments why the act is so awful) and send an email or a snail mail to your Congressperson:
 
1/28/2009
Liberty Fest to Feature Charles Snyder III
Scotty Boman
At this year's Liberty Fest (January 24th) attendees will have the opportunity to hear from a man who helped make legal medical marijuana a reality in Michigan.  He is Charles Snyder III.  Mr. Snyder has played an integral role in passing multiple local initiatives as well as Proposal 1.
 
He is not only an activist but also a patient: He has a bone disorder call Nail Patella Syndrome (NPS).  Seven years ago he discovered that the federal government was supplying 5 remaining patients with 300 marijuana cigarettes a month, and, one of the five also had NPS. George McMahon has been receiving his marijuana for over 20 years. Immediately Mr. Snyder made up his mind to turn this seeming curse into a blessing by showing the inconsistency between how Mr. McMahon was treated compared to himself being persecuted.  
 
Having co-founded Flint Coalition for Compassionate Care (FCCC), Mr. Snyder speaks fluently about both medical and political aspects of medical cannabis from personal experience.    Mr. Snyder should be an inspiration to all who seek a more free Michigan.
Seating is limited, so register early to make sure you don't miss out on this opportunity.
 
 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Other Liberty Fest (2008 Defender of Liberty Awards Presentation) information:
 
Date: 1/24/2009
 
Time:  5:15 PM to 8:40 PM
 
Description:  A cash bar will be available and dinner is served family style.   We will need to take advanced reservations...
 
Please link to
 
 
To reserve tickets.  Early registration is essential since we must submit a count 2 weeks prior to the event.
 
Location: Dimitri's on the Avenue, 14316 Michigan Avenue. Dearborn, MI
 
Contact: Scotty Boman
Phone: 313-247-2052
1/24/2009
Leon Drolet to Speak at Liberty Fest
Scotty Boman
Leon Drolet is chair of the Michigan Taxpayer's Alliance as well as recently being County Commissioner for Macomb County, Michigan. He was also Treasurer of Michigan Recalls who sought the recalls of several state legislators for their vote in favor of a tax increase during Michigan's spending crisis in 2007.
 
In 2008 Mr. Drolet spearheaded an effort by the recall Michigan Speaker of the Michigan house Andy Dillon.  While Dillon survived November's recall vote, the effort put Michigan's lawmakers on notice.  They now no that any tax increase will be noticed, and there will be political consequences.
From 2000 to 2006 Drolet served in the Michigan House of Representatives. Drolet also served as a Macomb County, Michigan county commissioner from 1999-2000.
 
In the 2006 election he acted as state-wide Chair of the successful Michigan Civil Rights Initiative. The Libertarian Party of Michigan was the only party to endorse the initiative.  The Michigan Civil Rights Initiative used the petition process to place a state constitutional amendment (Proposal 2 of November, 2006) before voters that prohibits governments in Michigan from discriminating against, or giving preferential treatment to, any citizen on the basis of race, gender, ethnicity or national origin in the operation of government hiring, contracting, or state university admissions. The amendment was approved by 58% of voters despite the fact that proponents were heavily outspent in the campaign by opponents who supported race-based government preference programs. 
 
During his final term in the state legislature, Drolet co-authored a state constitutional amendment that prohibited governments in Michigan from using their power of eminent domain to seize citizens private property and turn it over to new owners for their private use. This proposed amendment was Proposal 4 in the November, 2006 election and was overwhelmingly adopted by voters.
 
But Mr. Drolet is best known among Libertarians for introducing HB5237 on October 16th, 2001. This bill made it easier for a party to remain on the ballot. Prior law required it to poll the needed number of votes for its candidate who was listed closest to the top of the ballot (president in presidential election years, and governor in mid-term years, are the offices closest to the top of the ballot). The bill now lets a party meet the vote test by the vote for any of its statewide candidates.  The bill became law on May 30th 2002.
1/24/2009
MDCH public hearing on Proposal 1. Monday
Scotty Boman
There is an urgent need for attendance by citizens to ensure compliance with the voter's wishes.
 

Begin: 1/5/2009 9:00 AM 
 

Description: Meetup Description: The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) will be holding a public hearing on January 5 at 9:00 a.m. in Lansing. Please let me know at Karen@mpp.org if you are interested and able to attend. It is particularly important that qualifying patients, doctors, and attorneys speak out at the hearing. If you are able to attend, please remember to be respectful and polite and to dress appropriately for a government hearing.
 
Thank you for supporting the Marijuana Policy Project. Please pass this message on to other supporters of Proposal 1 so we can ensure that the law is implemented faithfully.
Background: Draft medical marijuana rules need to be revised
On December 5, the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) issued draft rules for Michigan's new medical marijuana law, Proposal 1. The draft rules go much further than the department's role under Proposal 1 and in several areas conflict with it. The MDCH has a comment period, and based on the comments will consider revising the rules. We need your help to make sure they do.
 
Please take the time to write and submit a comment urging the MDCH to bring the rules in line with the law. Be sure to be respectful and polite in your letters, which are due by 5:00 p.m. on January 9.
 
Proposal 1 tasked the MDCH with issuing state registry ID cards to qualifying patients, which will protect them from arrest. It gave the MDCH authority to issue rules about processing applications, adding additional qualifying conditions, and setting fees. But these draft rules go much further and seek to rewrite new and unreasonable requirements into the voter-enacted law. Here are some of the provisions of the draft rules that conflict with Proposal 1 and need to be revised:
The draft rules would require patients and caregivers to submit inventory reports on their marijuana cultivation each year. The law does not require any such records, and the department does not have the authority to require them. Inventory reports would be self-incriminating since they would document violations of federal law.
 
The draft rules indicate that all marijuana must be kept in an enclosed locked facility, when the law only requires that marijuana plants be stored in an enclosed, locked facility. There is no similar restriction for potentially deadly medications like prescription morphine, oxycontin, or methamphetamine.
The draft rules provide for monitoring, inspections, and reporting by the department that is not provided for in the act.
The draft rules seek to define a "public place" where marijuana cannot be used to include anywhere "visible to the public." This could include a front porch or the inside of a patient's house, if the patient is near the window.
Click here for a longer list of draft rules that need revision:
http://www.mpp.org/assets/pdfs/states/DraftRulesNeedRevision.pdf
Learn more here:
http://www.meetup.com/libertynetwork/calendar/9430703/
 
 
Location: Secondary Complex - General Office Building. 7150 Harris Drive. Dimondale, MI 48821
 
 
 
1/3/2009
2008 Election Results for LP of Michigan Candidates
Webmaster_LPM
The Libertarian Party election results are completely detailed in this PDF file:
11/30/2008
Two Libertarians Elected on Partisan Ballot
Two candidates (Tom Bagwell and Larry Johnson) were elected Ypsilanti Township Park Commissioners...
 
For the Full Story link to:
 
 
or
 
11/27/2008
LEC Meeting
Webmaster_LPM
4:00 p.m.
Teleconference.
Please contact an LEC member for instructions to join in.
http://www.michiganlp.org/Shared%20Documents/Officers%20and%20Staff.aspx
11/23/2008
"End the Fed" Rally in Detroit 11/22
Webmaster_LPM
From David Gillie:
 
Join us in Detroit as we, and peaceful activists in 39 cities across the country, participate the event that marks the beginning of the End of the Federal Reserve!
 
Life, Liberty and Property will not be ours until the "creature" is removed.  Read: G. Edward Griffin's "The Creature from Jekyll Island"
http://www.brianrwright.com/Coffee_Coaster/03_Book_Reviews/2007/070829_Jekyll_Island.htm
 
Federal Reserve Office Building
1600 East Warren
about 3 blocks east of I-75
Detroit, Michigan
 
This Saturday November 22 (Date of JFK assassination and Jekyll Island meeting)
Activities begin at 2 PM, but come a little early.
Make your own signs or just join us.  There will be plenty of extra signs.
 
If you live in another State, see site for a rally near you: http://www.endthefed.us/
See list of who's endorsing this National Rally (panel on left)...great videos too!

Disclaimer: This event sponsored by End the Fed USA http://www.endthefed.us/.  The announcement of this event by the LPM does not mean the LPM endorses or sponsors the event or its organizers.
 
 
 
 
11/22/2008
LP makes strides in a poor year for alternative parties
Webmaster_LPM
Bob Barr polls at .4% (487,089 votes) behind Ralph Nader at .5% (652,867 votes).  Scotty Boman reaches 2% (76,397 votes). Both Prop 1 (medical marijuana) and Prop 2 (stem cell research) in Michigan were victorious.  For a complete picture of 2008 election results, visit this CSpan link: http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/files/specials/election_night_2008/election_map_premium/index.html?SITE=CSPANELN&SECTION=POLITICS
 
From Greg Stempfle here is a table of past LP presidential performance:
 

2008 Primary  Ron Paul  54,475  6.27%
(Ron Paul ran as a Republican in 2008)
2004  Michael Badnarik  10,548  0.22%
2000  Harry Browne  16,711  0.39%
1996  Harry Browne  27,980  0.70%
1992  Andre Marrou  10,121  0.24%
1988  Ron Paul  18,567  0.50%
1984  David Bergland  10,055  0.26 %
1980  Ed Clark  41,597  1.06 %
1976  Roger MacBride  5,406  0.15 %
1972  John Hospers  not on ballot  
11/5/2008
Harry Veryser to speak on economic crisis, 11/1
Brian Wright
You are cordially invited to the
2008 "American Economy in Crisis" SYMPOSIUM
at the MACOMB UNIVERSITY CENTER
9 a.m. - noon, Saturday, November 1, 2008
44575 Garfield Road,UC-1
Clinton Township, Michigan
 
 Featured speakers include:
Joseph A. Weglarz, senior lecturer at UDM on
"The Winners and the Losers"
Ryan Mackinder, financial associate at Thrivent
Financial on "Capital Based Macro-Economics"
David R. Breuhan, vice president and portfolio
manager at Gregory J. Schwartz and Company, Inc. on
"Capital Markets: An Overview"
Harry C. Veryser, senior lecturer at UDM on
 "A Program for Monetary Reform"
 
 Paul M. Veryser, vice president of PMA on
"Manufacturing: Requirements for Recovery"
 
*** Seating is limited!! RSVP to Maryrose Patrick at 313-993-1589.***
*** This event is sponsored by the University of Detroit Mercy, Department of Economics, Macomb University Center, Clinton Township, Michigan and the UDM Center, Michigan Council on Economic Education***
10/29/2008
Debate Protest is Lead Story on Grand Rapids TV
Grand Rapids broadcasters, WOOD TV 8 and WZZM TV 13 both interviewed Libertarian Candidate Scotty Boman, and broadcast the interview early in their evening newscasts.
 
The lead story on the WOOD web page was titled:
 
"Libertarian candidate protests Senate debate"
 
 
The WZZM story emphasized accuracy with the title:
 
The event was also mentioned on MSNBC:
 
 
10/19/2008
Get Scotty Boman in Debate
Brian Wright
Is it worth five minutes of your time, to get Scotty Boman in a debate with Carl Levin and Jack Hoogendyk?  If so, now is the time to take action.  General Manager Michael Walenta, at WGVU (walentam@gvsu.edu), has told me I will not be included in the October 19th Senatorial "Debate" because I don´t have a visible campaign.  Well let´s show him how visible we can be.
 
WGVU is a publicly supported TV station.  Excluding any balloted candidate from the event amounts to the use of your tax dollars to promote some candidates at the expense of others.
 
Please Email him at walentam@gvsu.edu with the message that I have a visible campaign.  Then email everyone on your list and ask them to do the same.  We can make this go viral.
 
Finally, follow it up with a phone call at: (616) 331-6666.  If he says I don´t have a visible campaign, tell him about some of the things this campaign has done:
 
    * We posted a billboard on I-96 that will be seen by tens of thousands of commuters.
    * We printed over a thousand lawn signs, most of which are posted.
    * We have printed over 12,000 "slim-Jims" most of which have already been distributed, by volunteers, to their neighbors.
    * We have a dominant online presence.  This includes; online advertisements, a first rate web page, a meetup group, coverage in online news articles and blogs, a YouTube channel with videos about my campaign, interviews with online broadcasters, and the promotion of my campaign on social networking sites.
    * I have made campaign stops throughout the state, including the Upper Peninsula, and I intend to make more.  I have had literature booths at the Ann Arbor Art Fair, Hillsdale County Peace and Justice Festival, gun shows and other events.  I marched in the "Shields Lions Club Parade."  I have already attended several campaign forums (at which Levin and Hoogendyk were no-shows).
    * We have reached thousands of liberty-minded voters with professionally produced direct mail.
    * I have had interviews on radio talk shows in Traverse City, Lansing, and Kalamazoo.
 
If he says I haven´t done well enough in the polls, ask which statewide polls even asked about me.  If there are any let me know.  He couldn´t identify any when I asked him.
 
In liberty,
Scotty Boman
 
10/15/2008
Candidates Forum
Kenneth Proctor
A forum in which Kenneth Proctor, MI 7th Congr. District is appearing.  Linda Lumley is in charge of this event, which is sponsored by the Battle
Creek branch, American Association of University Women. 
 
Here are the details:
Monday October 6, 7:00p.m.
A Candidates' Forum
Public Invited
Burnham Brook Community Center
200 West Michigan
Battle Creek
 
Candidates who have committed to appearing:
 
7th District, U.S. House of Representatives:  Tim Walberg (R),
Kenneth Proctor (Libertarian), Sharon Renier (D, write-in)
62nd District, Michigan House:  Greg Moore (R), Kate Segal (D)
63rd District, Michigan House:  Jase Bolger (R), Phyllis Smith (D)
10/6/2008
DON'T BAIL OUT; THROW OUT!
Scotty Boman
DON'T BAIL OUT (THE BANKERS); THROW OUT (THE INCUMBENTS)
9/26/08
 
CONTACT:  Libertarian Party of Michigan Chair Bill Hall, 616-460-9516 or Media Coordinator Mark Norrod, 616-902-0086
JOINT MEDIA RELEASE ISSUED BY ALL 16 LIBERTARIAN PARTY OF MICHIGAN CANDIDATES FOR US CONGRESS –
Scotty Boman US Senate; Daniel W Grow, US House District 1; Dan Johnson, District 2;
Erwin J Haas, District 3; Allitta Hren, District 4; Leonard Schwartz, District 5; Greg Merle, District 6; Kenneth Proctor, District 7; Will Tyler White, District 8; Adam Goodman, District 9; Neil Kiernan Stephenson, District 10; John J Tatar, District 11; John Vico, District 12; Greg Creswell, District 13; Rick Secula, District 14; Gregory Scott Stempfle, District 15

Libertarian Scotty Boman, candidate for U.S. Senate, joined Michigan’s candidates for all 15 U.S. House of Representative seats to renounce the proposed financial bail out of the mortgage banking system.  "These problems were caused by the Republican and Democratic politicians in DC and the Federal Reserve!"  Boman continued, "They created the government monopolies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. They required them to insure no-money-down loans at artificially low rates to people without the ability to pay them back.  They inflated the money supply, driving down interest rates, and artificially inflating home and asset values.  Giving the same incompetent government regulators even more control over the market would be insane."
Leonard Schwartz, US House candidate for Michigan’s 5th District expressed similar outrage.  He summarized the situation, "These firms made loans, which is naturally a risky business. They made a lot of money on most of those loans.  Now they want us to pay for the ones that went bad.  This situation is the same as if a casino wanted to keep all the wagers they won, but wanted taxpayers to cover all their payouts."
"Their proposals are simply wrong," stated Daniel Grow, 1st District candidate for U.S. Congress.  "Banking is already highly regulated."  Mentioning the Securities and Exchange Commission, the 2002 Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and prosecutions by the US Department of Justice, Grow added, "Loose monetary policy and efforts to expand home ownership caused this crisis, and further regulation will not fix anything."  Attacking the bail-out proposals, Grow said, "Pumping in more money will at best only temporarily delay necessary adjustments, ultimately bringing a worse crisis, and is a thinly veiled effort to seek short-term political gain."
 
Dan Johnson, candidate for the 2nd District, declared, "It is us hard-working Americans who work, save to buy a home, and pay our bills who are being asked to mortgage not only our future, but our children's and grandchildren's future to pay for this.  We need to stop this now, and we need to elect a Libertarian Congress in November.  Otherwise, we risk further federal manipulation of our economy, which will ultimately fail and drive us into a deeper and longer depression than will occur naturally without further manipulation.  Should this bailout go through, we will have handed the inmates the keys to the asylum."
 
Scotty Boman offered this proposal: "The fastest way out of this mess is to free those hard-working Americans who have demonstrated they are responsible with their finances to continue to work hard, invest in our economy, and create jobs.  We must not tax, regulate and penalize them to bail out those on Wall Street and Main Street who have demonstrated they are not responsible, and will likely do the same thing again, and expect yet another bail out."

9/26/2008
Ron Paul throws support behind third parties (including Bob Barr)
Scotty Boman
On Wednesday, Ron Paul held a televised press conference, in which he said,
 
"The strongest message can be sent by rejecting the two-party system, which in reality is a one-party system with no possible chance for the changes to occur which are necessary to solve our economic and foreign policy problems. This can be accomplished by voting for one of the non-establishment principled candidates—Baldwin, Barr, McKinney, Nader, and possibly others."
 
All four of these candidates were invited and given an opportunity to represent their party.
 
For Paul's full statement, visit:
 
Items of agreement:
 
The video of the complete conference can be viewed at:
 
 
or
 
9/10/2008
Zogby Poll: Most Voters want Bob Barr in the Debates
Zogby Poll: Majority Want Libertarian Bob Barr Included in Presidential Debates.
Majority of Independents - 59% - also favor inclusion of Ralph Nader in debates this fall.

UTICA, New York - More than half of likely voters nationwide - 55% - want Republican-turned-Libertarian Bob Barr to participate in presidential debates this fall, while nearly half - 46% - said they think Ralph Nader should be allowed into the on-stage fray, the latest Zogby Interactive polling shows...

 
For the full story, link here:
 
8/15/2008
Barr Speaks at U of M Dearborn at Noon (Free!)
A public appearance is scheduled for noon at U of M Dearborn.  Check the event schedule for details:
http://www.michiganlp.org/Lists/Events/DispForm.aspx?ID=273
 
Libertarian Presidential candidate Bob Barr will be appearing at the University of Michigan-Dearborn campus this Friday, August 8th at noon.
 
Barr will be speaking in the Kochoff C Room in the University Center on campus.
 
This is the only appearance Mr. Barr is currently scheduled for during his two day visit to Michigan that is open to the general public.
 
I encourage anyone who is free on Friday afternoon to bring a friend, family member, or co-worker to hear our Presidential candidate. This will be a unique outreach opportunity for college students as well. Presidential candidates attract a lot more attention and are often the first Libertarian many people are exposed to.
 
This event is sponsored by the Libertarian Party of Wayne County. Campaign materials will be available (bumper stickers, yard signs, tri-folds).
 
For more information, please contact
Greg Stempfle (313) 929-1789 stempfle@hotmail.com
or
Scotty Boman (313) 247-2052 scottyeducation@yahoo.com

Directions to the University of Michigan (Dearborn)

Campus Map

Bob Barr
Libertarian Party candidate for President

Kochoff C Room
University Center
University of Michigan-Dearborn campus
4901 Evergreen Rd
Dearborn, MI 48128

Friday, August 8, 2008
12:00 pm
8/8/2008
Boman Endorsed by Ruwart. Barr & Boman in News-Herald Article
Boman endorsed by Ruwart:
 
Times Herald Op-Ed (By Councilman Byrne) on FISA, Obama, and McCain supports Boman and Barr as alternatives.
 
7/26/2008
LeCureaux endorsed by Detroit News & Mirror Hometown
Scotty Boman
Detroit News: "The Democrats have a strong group of candidates: Charles Findlay, an Oak Park commercial loan company owner; Andy LeCureaux, a business owner and city council member from Hazel Park; Ellen Cogen Lipton, an intellectual property attorney from Huntington Woods; Mark Richardson, a Macomb County assistant prosecutor from Berkley; and Kevin Weeden from Hazel Park. Our nod goes to Andy LeCureaux , who has fly-specked local government operations to help save money, including as a former chairman of the Southeastern Oakland County Resource Recovery Authority. LeCureaux says he would work with Republicans on money-saving measures, such as contracting out food services for the state prisons. "
 
 
 
Mirror Hometown: "Five Democrats and two Republicans are hoping to succeed term-limited Andy Meisner as state representative for District 27, which includes Ferndale, Berkley, Huntington Woods, Pleasant Ridge and Hazel Park. They're on the Aug. 5 primary ballot.
 
Andy LeCureaux, 46, of Hazel Park is our top choice for the Democratic nomination."
 
Link to the article at:
7/9/2008
Ron Paul ends his campaign for President
Scotty Boman
Go to the source: http://ronpaul2008.com
6/12/2008
National Convention Videos Posted
Scotty Boman
Videos of the 2008 LP National Convention  are posted on the current newsletter page.
 
6/6/2008
Libertarian Party selects Bob Barr as presidential nominee & Root for VP
Scotty Boman
The Libertarian Party selected Bob Barr as the 2008 presidential nominee.  Wayne Allyn Root was chosen as his running mate.  For more information read:  http://www.lp.org/media/article_589.shtml
5/25/2008
Greetings from the Libertarian Party Presidential Nominating Convention in Denver, Colorado!
Bill Hall
So far, the Convention appears to be very-well attended.  The 14-way race for the Presidential nomination and controversies over the Platform apparently have piqued the interest of Libertarians all across the nation.  As of last night, 552 delegates and 10 alternates had arrived and obtained credentials, and a lot more are expected to arrive today. 
 
Platform debate continues today (Saturday).  Tomorrow (Sunday) are the Presidential and Vice Presidential nominations, which may be covered by C-Span.  The convention is crawling with Press.  As of late Thursday, more than 40 news organizations and 70 individuals from those organizations had requested and received credentials, ranging from CBS to NPR to Fox News and CNN.
 
Tonight is the debate among the leading candidates for the LP Presidential nomination, on C-SPAN from 7 to 9 pm MDT (9 to 11 pm Eastern).  As the candidates must collect endorsements from at least 10% of the delegates by 1 pm MDT today to participate in the C-SPAN debate, it's crunch time for the candidates to do so.  Rumor has it that so far only Mary Ruwart, Wayne Root and Bob Barr have collected sufficient of these endorsement "tokens"  to assure inclusion in the debate.
 
Bob Barr appears to be adopting a "Rose Garden" strategy in his campaign, refusing to debate other candidates.  He never officially announced his candidacy until all the state conventions (and pre-Convention debate opportunities) had concluded.  He was the only Presidential candidate who avoided the "All-Inclusive" Presidential candidate debate yesterday evening.  Hence, tonight will be the first time of which I am aware when he has debated his opponents.  It should be very interesting!
 
I have been very impressed with the quality of the leading candidates for our Presidential nomination and will enthusiastically support our nominee, whoever it may be.  Please join me in doing the same.
 
Bill Hall
Chair, LP of Michigan
Denver, CO
May 24, 2008 at 940 am MDT
5/24/2008
Last Chance to become an LPM Delegate!
Scotty Boman
If you are already a dues paying member of the Libertarian Party, you can update your membership any time before the Convention and still vote.
New members: In order to be a voting delegate at the Libertarian Party of Michigan 2008 Convention, you must join the LPM today.
One may use this link to access the membership form:
 
5/6/2008
Candidate Training Videos Posted on Resource Page
Scotty Boman
Videos of the 2008 LPM Candidate Conference and Training have been posted on the "Resources" page which is under the "Membership Resources" Sub-heading.  Link to it directly at: http://www.michiganlp.org.sp003.alentus.com/Shared%20Documents/Resources.aspx
4/20/2008
2008 Ann Arbor Hash Bash
Scotty Boman
Libertarians should show up with lots of literature for one simple reason:  There will be thousands of people who agree with us on one of our more controversial issues, and we are the only party that recognizes their right to be left alone.  It’s an election year so let’s get busy!
 
More information posted here:
 
4/5/2008
Former Senator, Gravel, seeks LP nomination
Scotty Boman
"former Alaska Senator Mike Gravel, appears to have found a new party – and perhaps a route onto the ballots of November voters. "  Read the full article at:
 
 
 
4/5/2008
LPM Convention 2008 (Register Now and Save!)
Bill Gelineau
The 2008 LPM Convention will be held in Romulus, Michigan, June 7, 2008.  Early bird rates extended for limited time only! Web page flyer: http://www.michiganlp.org/Shared%20Documents/LPM_2008_Convention.aspx
3/27/2008
LPM, represented by the ACLU, wins federal lawsuit
Scotty Boman
The Libertarian Party of Michigan, represented by the ACLU, today (March 26) won its federal lawsuit to overturn the portion of the Michigan Presidential Primary law that required the State of Michigan, at taxpayer expense, to compile presidential primary voter lists recording whether voters voted Democrat or Republican, and provide them exclusively to the Democratic and Republican Parties.  The effect of the ruling is that voter privacy will be preserved, as the lists may not be distributed to anyone.
 
See
 
 
For the Full article.
3/26/2008
Federal Court Upholds MCRI
Brian Wright
An article in Wednesday's Detroit Free Press reports that, "A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of Proposal 2, the statewide referendum that banned race and gender affirmative action in public university admissions and government and public school hiring and contracting." (Detroit Free Press)
 
3/19/2008
Libertarian Mark Byrne Lights Up Council
James Allison
Local newspaper speaks highly of our newly elected Port Huron Councilman Mark Byrne.
 
 
 
 
 
2/17/2008
Interested in being a candidate?
James Allison
Our candidate training seminar is just around the corner!
 
2/17/2008
New LP of West Michigan Chair
Ed.
Ken Howe has moved away.  
 
The Vice Chair of the Libertarian Party of West Michigan, Steve Nickelson, has succeeded to Chair. For the website, affiliate manual and newsletter affiliate contacts, his email address is sknickelson@gmail.com and his phone number is 616-364-5450.
11/19/2007
Four Libertarians Elected to City Councils
Scotty Boman
  • Former Mayor Pro-Tem Mark D. Owen retains a seat on the Owosso City Council.
  • Former Mayor Pro-Tem Andy LeCureaux retains a seat on the Hazel Park City Council.
  • Mark Anthony Byrne was elected to the Port Huron City Council.
  • David Eisenbacher was elected to the Troy City Council (with the highest vote total for that position).
11/6/2007
Platform Committee Delegate to Be Chosen
Bill Hall
At its October 7 meeting, the Libertarian Party of Michigan Executive Committee will select the LPM's representative to the 2008 Libertarian Party National Convention Platform Committee. Any LPM member interested in the appointment should submit their request for appointment and a resume setting forth their qualifications to LPM Secretary Emily Salvette at salvette@umich.edu no later than Wednesday, October 3. The Platform Committee will meet in Las Vegas February 15-17 at the annual Libertarian State Leadership Alliance Conference, to prepare its preliminary report to delegates, and then again in Denver prior to the National Convention, which will be held May 21-25, 2008.
8/28/2007
Year 5 of a National Tragedy
Scotty Boman
St. Patrick's day festivities were over-shadowed by gatherings around the country commemorating the fourth anniversary of the Iraq occupation.
 
This is a time to reflect on the price we pay for our freedom, it is modest when compared to the much greater price (measured in body counts) that we (Americans and Iraqis) pay for unrestricted government.
3/20/2007
Register for the 2007 LPM Convention
Scotty Boman

Registration forms and information pertaining to the 2007 Libertarian Party of Michigan Convention are available at:

http://lpwm.org/stateconvention

This is on the Libertarian Party of West Michigan's Web page. The LPWM has been gracious enough to host this important annual gathering.

Registration (and other payments) will be possible online in within a couple of days. Please check in on

http://lp.mi.org

to see if a link to our online form is yet posted.

Important information for would-be delegates: "A person who has never been a member of the Libertarian Party of Michigan must become a member at least 30 days prior to a State convention before being allowed to vote at that convention."
-LPM Bylaws-

If you recently joined the national organization, you may not yet be an LPM member. So make sure to join the Michigan Party too. Dues must be current at the time of the convention to vote there.

3/13/2007
A Message From Christine Smith for President
Christine Smith

[Note from the Chair: All Libertarian Presidential Candidates are welcome to submit articles.]

GET TO KNOW LP PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE CHRISTINE SMITH

I invite Michigan Libertarians to listen to the recent 30-minute interview with me on Angela Keaton's Liberated Space Radio Show. The March 1, 2007 interview is archived at

http://blogtalkradio.com/hostpage.aspx?show_id=12084

I also invite you to listen to the WNYU-New York interview (approx. 5-10 minutes) archived at http://www.wnyu.org/archives Click the Thursday, Feb. 22 "Feature" archive.

Michigan Libertarians may read about me at my campaign website: http://www.LibertarianForPresident.com

I have received numerous invitations to Libertarian state conventions and other events nationwide. I have already attended or will be attending the San Diego LP Convention, the Oregon LP Convention, the New Mexico LP Convention, the California (in San Ramon) LP Convention, and others across the country are now being planned.

MICHIGAN LP TRIP FUNDRAISER: The Michigan LP Convention sounds very interesting as I would welcome having the opportunity to meet all of you. However, due to our limited campaign budget, the expense of trips we've already planned, and recent campaign advertising costs, I need to raise a nominal $600 in order for me to commit to attending the Michigan LP Convention. ($600 is just a nominal amount, but it will help defray the travel expense for myself and a campaign assistant.)

Those wishing to help make my campaign trip to Michigan possible should designate their contribution for the Michigan trip.

If for any reason I am unable to attend (or if the $600 isn't raised), all contributions which were made for the Michigan trip will be promptly refunded. Again, contributors should clearly state that their contribution is for the Michigan trip.

Want to help? Visit http://www.libertarianforpresident.com/id7.html for complete details on how to contribute. With just a little help from you, I'll be able to accept the invitation to participate in your state convention in May.

Thank you,
Christine Smith
Paid for by Christine Smith for President

3/6/2007
Taxpayer group organizing protest
Scotty Boman
I received this information in an email from Rose Bogaert of the Wayne County Taxpayers.
 
Send a virtual teabag to your State Legislators to remind them of the Boston Tea Party and ask them not to raise your taxes. Pass this on to others in your address book. www.wctaxpayers.org
3/6/2007
2007 Bylaws Committee Selected
Scotty Boman

To assure a smooth running business meeting at the convention, please submit bylaw proposals by email, in advance, to the committee.

Time is limited, and priority will be given to proposals submitted in advance.

The 2007 Bylaws Committee is as follows:

Will White, whitewi5@msu.edu
Macomb: Jim Allison, marthos1776@comcast.net
Leonard Schwartz, Leonard@LeonardSchwartz.us
Larry Johnson, MichLibertarian@comcast.net
Greg Stempfle, stempfle@hotmail.com
Ken Howe, kenneth.howe@comcast.net

3/6/2007
Leadership Conference Moved to April 1. No kidding
Scotty Boman
If this looks familiar, it is because I am resubmitting it in case interested activists missed it the first time:
 
For the convenience of all concerned, the 2007 leadership conference will be held on Sunday April first at the headquarters in Lansing. It will be held in conjunction with the regular LEC meeting which is commonly held on the first Sunday of every other month.
 
This year we are asking affiliate leaders and other party activists to arrive with specific concerns and ideas. This is an excellent time for the membership of this party to develop ways for us to work smarter, not harder.
 
To last and grow, an organization must have a structure that can survive significant changes in membership and leadership. We are individualists, but the needs of the members should not be loaded on to the shoulders of any one individual.
 
April 1st isn't just for fools anymore!
2/27/2007
Update! 2007 LSLA Conference Open to all LP Activists
Scotty Boman
Last weeks version of this article contained an error. The correction is...
 
People should call 407-859-2711 to make reservations for the conference.

Though I am state chair, I will not be able to attend this conference, but for anyone interested in combining a vacation in Orlando, with some excellent Libertarian training, it's a great opportunity...

2007 LSLA (Libertarian State Leadership Alliance) Conference
Open to all Libertarian Party supporters, activists, and state leaders.

For additional details contact Florida state chair Doug Klippel (dougklippel@aol.com , 904-363-9698)
Friday March 16 – Libertarian National Committee (LNC) meeting (first meeting with former US Congressman Bob Barr)
Saturday March 17 – LSLA Conference, Banquet
Sunday March 18 – LSLA Conference concludes at 12:00 noon
Registration:
$99 until March 1
$115 until March 15
$130 at the conference
$40 for lunch or dinner banquet alone
 
Send payment to LSLA treasurer:
 
Jeremy Keil
5482 S. Westridge Dr.
New Berlin, WI 53151
jeremykeil@gmail.com,
414-520-2388
 
LSLA and LNC HOTEL INFORMATION:
Orlando International Airport Hotel and Conference Center
3835 McCoy Road
Orlando FL 32812
407-859-2711
 
www.bestorlandoairporthotel.com (NO WEB REGISTRATION AVAILABLE)
 
HOTEL FEATURES: 2 miles from the Orlando International Airport (airport code MCO), complimentary airport shuttle, free parking, pool/spa/fitness center, business center, on site-restaurant, close to other restaurants and shopping, complimentary continental breakfast
 
ROOM RATES: Standard Double Bed Room = $72 per night; Executive Room with King Bed = $89 per night -- room rates will be honored 3 days before and 3 days after our event (so, from 3/13 to 3/21)
 
TO REGISTER: CALL THE HOTEL AT 407-859-0380, AND BE SURE TO ASK FOR THE "LP GROUP RATE"
 

LSLA 2007 Conference Agenda
 
Friday March 16
8:00 AM – 6:00 PM: LNC Meeting
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Socializing in hotel lounge
Saturday March 17
8:30 AM: Introduction
 
Time Room 1 Room 2
9:00 Ballot Base FEC Compliance/Avoidance
10:00 Candidate Tracker Executive Director's Panel
11:00 Marketing Conflict Management
12:00 PM – 12:30 PM: Break
12:30 PM – 1:45 PM: Lunch presentation “The Future of the Libertarian Party”
 
Time Room 1 Room 2
2:00 Issue Coalition Building Candidate Recruiting
3:00 Managing Legislative Campaigns Fundraising 1
4:00 Campus Organizing Fundraising 2
5:00 Local Office panel Conventioneering
7:30 PM: Banquet with Presidential candidates
Sunday March 18
 
Time Room 1 Room 2
9:00 Ballot Access Planning Database management
10:00 AM – 12:00 AM: State Chair’s business meeting
12:00 AM: Adjourn
 
LSLA 2007 Conference
Detailed Agenda
 
All registrants may attend any of the sessions for the conference. Registration is open and not restricted to state leaders. The Sunday business session will only restrict speaking and voting to state leaders.
Friday March 16
8:00 AM – 6:00 PM: Libertarian Party National Committee (LNC). This will be the first LNC meeting with its newest member, former US Congressman Bob Barr from Georgia. The meeting is open to visitors to attend and witness.
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM: LNC members, state leaders, and attendees can gather in the hotel lounge for informal socializing.
Saturday March 17
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM: Introduction and instructions for the weekend from LSLA Chair Pat Dixon. Update from the LP National Chairman Bill Redpath and Political Director Stephen Gordon.
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM, ROOM 1: Ballot Base is an application for helping volunteers contact voters. Stewart Flood, developer of the Ballot Base application, will present the features and capabilities of this popular tool and answer questions.
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM, ROOM 2: Questions about the McCain-Feingold restrictions and FEC compliance have raised concerns among many state affiliates. This panel discussion will help state leaders understand how to avoid or comply with these restrictions. Panelists include:
M Carling: M is a member of the LNC and has researched ways of avoiding the FEC filing efforts
Bill Hall: Bill has serves as legal counsel to the LNC and has advised the committee and affiliates on FEC compliance.
Jeff Dimit: Jeff is the treasurer for the Libertarian Party of South Carolina and handles filing reports with the FEC
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM, ROOM 1: Candidate Tracker is a means for providing LP members with information about active Libertarian candidates. LP national staff will present Candidate Tracker and answer questions.
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM, ROOM 2: A few state affiliates have executive directors that work full time for their state party. Two executive directors will share their experience and advice:
Richard Burke: Richard is the longest tenured executive director and serves in Oregon. Richard will share his successes and challenges.
Wes Benedict: Wes was hired by the Texas LP in 2004 and will share his methods for success.
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM, ROOM 1: LNC member Jeremy Keil from Wisconsin will share some of the work he has done with marketing experts to come up with a brand for the LP and to identify the best targets for outreach and growth.
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM, ROOM 2: Occasionally Libertarians disagree. Imagine that! Oregon LP Executive Director Richard Burke discusses some of the conflicts that have occurred in their state and how they have managed to survive.
12:00 PM – 12:30 PM: Break
12:30 PM – 1:45 PM: Lunch presentation “The Future Direction of the Libertarian Party”. Where are we going? Where will we be when we get there? When will we get there? This panel will discuss the future of our party and its role in the political process. Lunch will be provided with sandwiches and other provisions.

Speakers include:
Bill Redpath: National Chair, Libertarian Party
Shane Cory: Executive Director, Libertarian Party
Congressman Bob Barr: LNC Representative Region 4
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM, ROOM 1: How do you build a coalition and get people motivated to defeat big government and promote liberty? Missouri LP state chair Darla Maloney will tell you how.
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM, ROOM 2: How do you recruit more candidates than ever before. Texas LP executive director will explain how he placed a record number of Libertarian candidates on the ballot in 2006.
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM, ROOM 1: Would you like to get influence legislation in your state? The Libertarian Party of Colorado’s Legislative Director Richard Randall will tell you how they have managed campaigns to promote a libertarian agenda in their state government.
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM, ROOM 2: Raising funds is a core activity of any successful political organization. A presentation will be made describing the Target America database that identifies contacts that are most likely to provide your state organization with the funds you need.

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM, ROOM 1: Studies have proven that younger generations are the most receptive to the Libertarian message. There is no better resource for organizing student libertarian organizations than Dr Jim Lark. Dr Lark will present the latest updates and advice on promoting these student groups.
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM, ROOM 2: Direct mail is a fundamental means of raising funds from your supporters. This session will focus on the best methods for getting you letters to the most receptive audience and getting the best results.
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM, ROOM 1: Would you have the courage to stand up to intimidation, downsize government, and relieve city workers of their jobs in your community? Libertarian Jack Tanner will tell you how he stood his ground on the Lee Soil & Water Conservation District Board.
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM, ROOM 2: LNC Secretary Bob Sullentrup will present his popular session on Conventioneering.
7:30 PM – 9:00 PM: The Libertarian Party already has a crowded field on candidates for the 2008 Presidential nomination. Take this opportunity to vet the candidates at the dinner banquet.
Sunday March 18
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM, Room 1: A political party needs candidates. Candidates need to be on the ballot. The Libertarian Party constantly fights to put its candidates on the ballot. One of the great leaders in gaining ballot access for Libertarian candidates is LP National Chair Bill Redpath. Bill will discuss methods for the best success in getting your candidates on the ballot.
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM, Room 2: There has been much discussion and concern over the data sharing between the national party and state affiliates. This discussion will help address some of these issues and build consensus for future data sharing policies.
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: The business meeting of state leaders will provide a follow up of issues raised during the conference and actions to be taken. All registrants may attend but participation and voting is limited to state leaders.
 
LSLA 2007 Conference
Speakers
 
Congressman Bob Barr: Former Congressman Bob Barr from Georgia is the newest member of the Libertarian Party National Committee.
Bill Redpath: Bill is a long serving supporter of the Libertarian Party. He has served as a party officer, campaigned for office, led efforts for ballot access, and supported proportional representation voting such as IRV. He is currently the national chairman.
Dr Jim Lark: Dr Lark is the primary resource for libertarian student organizations. He is a professor at the University of Virginia and former national chair of the LP. He continues to serve on the LNC.
Jack Tanner: Jack leads a Libertarian majority on the Lee Soil & Water Conservation District Board. They recently received much attention from their vote to eliminate a mobile irrigation lab and reduce their government staff.
Stephen Gordon: Stephen was campaign manager for the Aaron Russo campaign and a state LP leader in Alabama. He now serves as Political Director for the national party.
Stewart Flood: The developer of the Ballot Base application, Stewart is a representative n the LNC from South Carolina.
Bill Hall: Attorney Hall is the legal counsel to the LNC. He has a law office in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Jeff Dimit: Jeff is Treasurer of the Libertarian Party of South Carolina. He files the FEC reports for the state party.
M Carling: M is a representative on the LNC and has researched ways to avoid FEC filing and reporting efforts.
Richard Burke: The longest tenured Executive Director in the Libertarian Party, Richard works for the Libertarian Party of Oregon.
Wes Benedict: Wes was hired by the Libertarian Party of Texas in 2004 as Executive Director. He is a regional representative on the LNC and county chair in Austin.
Jeremy Keil: Jeremy serves on the LNC and as Treasurer for LSLA.
Shane Cory: Shane is the Executive Director of the national Libertarian Party.
Darla Maloney: Darla is the state chair of the Missouri LP and has led efforts to build coalitions to fight government growth and promote liberty.
Richard Randall: Richard serves as the Legislative Director for the Libertarian Party of Colorado.
Bob Sullentrup: Bob serves as the LNC Secretary and is the foremost Cardinals fan on the committee.
2/27/2007
2007 LSLA Conference Open to all LP Activists and Officers
Scotty Boman
Though I am state chair, I will not be able to attend this conference, but for anyone interested in combining a vacation in Orlando, with some excellent Libertarian training, it's a great opportunity...

2007 LSLA (Libertarian State Leadership Alliance) Conference
Open to all Libertarian Party supporters, activists, and state leaders.

For additional details contact Florida state chair Doug Klippel (dougklippel@aol.com , 904-363-9698)

Friday March 16 – Libertarian National Committee (LNC) meeting (first meeting with former US Congressman Bob Barr)
Saturday March 17 – LSLA Conference, Banquet
Sunday March 18 – LSLA Conference concludes at 12:00 noon

Registration:
$99 until March 1
$115 until March 15
$130 at the conference
$40 for lunch or dinner banquet alone

Send payment to LSLA treasurer:
Jeremy Keil
5482 S. Westridge Dr.
New Berlin, WI 53151
jeremykeil@gmail.com, 414-520-2388
LSLA and LNC HOTEL INFORMATION:
Orlando International Airport Hotel and Conference Center
3835 McCoy Road
Orlando FL 32812
407-859-0380
www.bestorlandoairporthotel.com (NO WEB REGISTRATION AVAILABLE)

HOTEL FEATURES: 2 miles from the Orlando International Airport (airport code MCO), complimentary airport shuttle, free parking, pool/spa/fitness center, business center, on site-restaurant, close to other restaurants and shopping, complimentary continental breakfast.

ROOM RATES: Standard Double Bed Room = $72 per night; Executive Room with King Bed = $89 per night -- room rates will be honored 3 days before and 3 days after our event (so, from 3/13 to 3/21)

TO REGISTER: CALL THE HOTEL AT 407-859-0380, AND BE SURE TO ASK FOR THE "LP GROUP RATE"
 

LSLA 2007 Conference Agenda
Friday March 16
8:00 AM – 6:00 PM: LNC Meeting
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Socializing in hotel lounge

Saturday March 17
8:30 AM: Introduction
Time Room 1 Room 2
9:00 Ballot Base FEC Compliance/Avoidance
10:00 Candidate Tracker Executive Director's Panel
11:00 Marketing Conflict Management
12:00 PM – 12:30 PM: Break
12:30 PM – 1:45 PM: Lunch presentation “The Future of the Libertarian Party”
Time Room 1 Room 2
2:00 Issue Coalition Building Candidate Recruiting
3:00 Managing Legislative Campaigns Fundraising 1
4:00 Campus Organizing Fundraising 2
5:00 Local Office panel Conventioneering
7:30 PM: Banquet with Presidential candidates

Sunday March 18
Time Room 1 Room 2
9:00 Ballot Access Planning Database management
10:00 AM – 12:00 AM: State Chair’s business meeting
12:00 AM: Adjourn
 
LSLA 2007 Conference
Detailed Agenda

All registrants may attend any of the sessions for the conference. Registration is open and not restricted to state leaders. The Sunday business session will only restrict speaking and voting to state leaders.

Friday March 16

8:00 AM – 6:00 PM: Libertarian Party National Committee (LNC). This will be the first LNC meeting with its newest member, former US Congressman Bob Barr from Georgia. The meeting is open to visitors to attend and witness.

6:00 PM – 8:00 PM: LNC members, state leaders, and attendees can gather in the hotel lounge for informal socializing.

Saturday March 17

8:30 AM – 9:00 AM: Introduction and instructions for the weekend from LSLA Chair Pat Dixon. Update from the LP National Chairman Bill Redpath and Political Director Stephen Gordon.

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM, ROOM 1: Ballot Base is an application for helping volunteers contact voters. Stewart Flood, developer of the Ballot Base application, will present the features and capabilities of this popular tool and answer questions.

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM, ROOM 2: Questions about the McCain-Feingold restrictions and FEC compliance have raised concerns among many state affiliates. This panel discussion will help state leaders understand how to avoid or comply with these restrictions. Panelists include:

M Carling: M is a member of the LNC and has researched ways of avoiding the FEC filing efforts
Bill Hall: Bill has serves as legal counsel to the LNC and has advised the committee and affiliates on FEC compliance.
Jeff Dimit: Jeff is the treasurer for the Libertarian Party of South Carolina and handles filing reports with the FEC

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM, ROOM 1: Candidate Tracker is a means for providing LP members with information about active Libertarian candidates. LP national staff will present Candidate Tracker and answer questions.

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM, ROOM 2: A few state affiliates have executive directors that work full time for their state party. Two executive directors will share their experience and advice:

Richard Burke: Richard is the longest tenured executive director and serves in Oregon. Richard will share his successes and challenges.
Wes Benedict: Wes was hired by the Texas LP in 2004 and will share his methods for success.

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM, ROOM 1: LNC member Jeremy Keil from Wisconsin will share some of the work he has done with marketing experts to come up with a brand for the LP and to identify the best targets for outreach and growth.

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM, ROOM 2: Occasionally Libertarians disagree. Imagine that! Oregon LP Executive Director Richard Burke discusses some of the conflicts that have occurred in their state and how they have managed to survive.

12:00 PM – 12:30 PM: Break

12:30 PM – 1:45 PM: Lunch presentation “The Future Direction of the Libertarian Party”. Where are we going? Where will we be when we get there? When will we get there? This panel will discuss the future of our party and its role in the political process. Lunch will be provided with sandwiches and other provisions.

Speakers include:

Bill Redpath: National Chair, Libertarian Party
Shane Cory: Executive Director, Libertarian Party
Congressman Bob Barr: LNC Representative Region 4

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM, ROOM 1: How do you build a coalition and get people motivated to defeat big government and promote liberty? Missouri LP state chair Darla Maloney will tell you how.

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM, ROOM 2: How do you recruit more candidates than ever before. Texas LP executive director will explain how he placed a record number of Libertarian candidates on the ballot in 2006.

3:00 PM – 4:00 PM, ROOM 1: Would you like to get influence legislation in your state? The Libertarian Party of Colorado’s Legislative Director Richard Randall will tell you how they have managed campaigns to promote a libertarian agenda in their state government.

3:00 PM – 4:00 PM, ROOM 2: Raising funds is a core activity of any successful political organization. A presentation will be made describing the Target America database that identifies contacts that are most likely to provide your state organization with the funds you need.

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM, ROOM 1: Studies have proven that younger generations are the most receptive to the Libertarian message. There is no better resource for organizing student libertarian organizations than Dr Jim Lark. Dr Lark will present the latest updates and advice on promoting these student groups.

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM, ROOM 2: Direct mail is a fundamental means of raising funds from your supporters. This session will focus on the best methods for getting you letters to the most receptive audience and getting the best results.

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM, ROOM 1: Would you have the courage to stand up to intimidation, downsize government, and relieve city workers of their jobs in your community? Libertarian Jack Tanner will tell you how he stood his ground on the Lee Soil & Water Conservation District Board.

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM, ROOM 2: LNC Secretary Bob Sullentrup will present his popular session on Conventioneering.

7:30 PM – 9:00 PM: The Libertarian Party already has a crowded field on candidates for the 2008 Presidential nomination. Take this opportunity to vet the candidates at the dinner banquet.

Sunday March 18

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM, Room 1: A political party needs candidates. Candidates need to be on the ballot. The Libertarian Party constantly fights to put its candidates on the ballot. One of the great leaders in gaining ballot access for Libertarian candidates is LP National Chair Bill Redpath. Bill will discuss methods for the best success in getting your candidates on the ballot.

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM, Room 2: There has been much discussion and concern over the data sharing between the national party and state affiliates. This discussion will help address some of these issues and build consensus for future data sharing policies.

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: The business meeting of state leaders will provide a follow up of issues raised during the conference and actions to be taken. All registrants may attend but participation and voting is limited to state leaders.
 
LSLA 2007 Conference
Speakers

Congressman Bob Barr: Former Congressman Bob Barr from Georgia is the newest member of the Libertarian Party National Committee.

Bill Redpath: Bill is a long serving supporter of the Libertarian Party. He has served as a party officer, campaigned for office, led efforts for ballot access, and supported proportional representation voting such as IRV. He is currently the national chairman.

Dr Jim Lark: Dr Lark is the primary resource for libertarian student organizations. He is a professor at the University of Virginia and former national chair of the LP. He continues to serve on the LNC.

Jack Tanner: Jack leads a Libertarian majority on the Lee Soil & Water Conservation District Board. They recently received much attention from their vote to eliminate a mobile irrigation lab and reduce their government staff.

Stephen Gordon: Stephen was campaign manager for the Aaron Russo campaign and a state LP leader in Alabama. He now serves as Political Director for the national party.

Stewart Flood: The developer of the Ballot Base application, Stewart is a representative n the LNC from South Carolina.

Bill Hall: Attorney Hall is the legal counsel to the LNC. He has a law office in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Jeff Dimit: Jeff is Treasurer of the Libertarian Party of South Carolina. He files the FEC reports for the state party.

M Carling: M is a representative on the LNC and has researched ways to avoid FEC filing and reporting efforts.

Richard Burke: The longest tenured Executive Director in the Libertarian Party, Richard works for the Libertarian Party of Oregon.

Wes Benedict: Wes was hired by the Libertarian Party of Texas in 2004 as Executive Director. He is a regional representative on the LNC and county chair in Austin.

Jeremy Keil: Jeremy serves on the LNC and as Treasurer for LSLA.

Shane Cory: Shane is the Executive Director of the national Libertarian Party.

Darla Maloney: Darla is the state chair of the Missouri LP and has led efforts to build coalitions to fight government growth and promote liberty.

Richard Randall: Richard serves as the Legislative Director for the Libertarian Party of Colorado.

Bob Sullentrup: Bob serves as the LNC Secretary and is the foremost Cardinals fan on the committee.
 
2/20/2007
Leadership Conference Moved to April 1. No kidding
Scotty Boman
For the convenience of all concerned, the 2007 leadership conference will be held on Sunday April first at the headquarters in Lansing. It will be held in conjunction with the regular LEC meeting which is commonly held on the first Sunday of every other month.
This year we are asking affiliate leaders and other party activists to arrive with specific concerns and ideas. This is an excellent time for the membership of this party to develop ways for us to work smarter, not harder.
To last and grow, an organization must have a structure that can survive significant changes in membership and leadership. We are individualists, but the needs of the members should not be loaded on to the shoulders of any one individual.
April 1st isn't just for fools anymore!
2/20/2007
Christine Smith Running for President
Eric L Larson

This is a brief press release that I received from Christine Smith who is seeking the Libertarian nomination for president. As chair of the state convention committee, she contacted me about attending and asked that I pass along this brief message for her. The following is not an endorsement of her campaign.

PRESS RELEASE
-------------------------------------------------------
I would like to introduce myself to Michigan Libertarians.

Thus, I invite you to my campaign website:

http://www.LibertarianForPresident.com


As Libertarian candidate for president, I am interested in learning more about the history and current work and strengths of the Michigan LP as well as learning more about your individual county/regional chapters.

I want to get to know more Michigan Libertarians. So, I invite Michigan Libertarians who are willing to share about the Michigan LP, and who are interested in discussing their ideas to contact me.

I look forward to hearing from you...talking with you...and hopefully meeting many of you during my campaign travel.

Christine Smith

Paid for by Christine Smith for President
15400 W. 64th Ave., E9-105
Arvada, Colorado 80007
(303) 532-4185
campaign@christinesmithforpresident.com

2/13/2007
Flint Marijuana Proposal
Leonard SchwartzA medical marijuana proposal is on the ballot in Flint. Please ask friends who live in Flint to go to the polls on Tuesday, Feb. 27, and vote yes for medical marijuana.
2/13/2007
Taxes — by Rene Portales
Scotty Boman

Be sure to read all the way to the end!
Tax his land,
Tax his bed,
Tax the table
At which he's fed.

Tax his tractor,
Tax his mule,
Teach him taxes
Are the rule

Tax his cow,
Tax his goat,
Tax his pants,
Tax his coat.

Tax his ties,
Tax his shirt,
Tax his work,
Tax his dirt.

Tax his tobacco,
Tax his drink,
Tax him if he
Tries to think.

Tax his cigars,
Tax his beers,
If he cries, then
Tax his tears.

Tax his car,
Tax his gas,
Find other ways
To tax his ass

Tax all he has
Then let him know
That you won't be done
Till he has no dough.

When he screams and hollers,
Then tax him some more,
Tax him till
He's good and sore.

Then tax his coffin,
Tax his grave,
Tax the sod in
Which he's laid.

Put these words
upon his tomb,
"Taxes drove me
to my doom..."

When he's gone,
Do not relax,
Its time to apply
The inheritance tax.

Accounts Receivable Tax
Building Permit Tax
CDL license Tax
Cigarette Tax
Co rporate Income Tax
Dog License Tax
Federal Income Tax
Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)
Fishing License Tax
Food License Tax,
Fuel permit tax
Gasoline Tax (42 cents per gallon)
Hunting License Tax
Inheritance Tax
Interest expense
Inventory tax
IRS Interest Charges IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax)
Liquor Tax
Luxury Taxes
Marriage License Tax
Medicare Tax
Property Tax
Real Estate Tax
Service charge taxes
Social Security Tax
Road usage taxes
Sales Tax
Recreational Vehicle Tax
School Tax
State Income Tax
State Unemployment Tax (SUTA)
Telephone federal excise tax
Telephone federal universal service fee tax
Telephone federal, state and local surcharge taxes
Telephone minimum usage surcharge tax
Telephone recurring and non-recurring charges tax
Telephone state and local tax
Telephone usage charge tax
Utility Taxes
Vehicle License Registration Tax
Vehicle Sales Tax
Watercraft registration Tax
Well Permit Tax
Workers Compensation Tax
Now let's blame the donkey's or the elephants. Good idea.

COMMENTS: Not one of these taxes existed 100 years ago,
and our nation was the most prosperous in the world.
We had absolutely no national debt, had the largest middle class
in the world, and Mom stayed home to raise the kids.
What happened?
And I still have to "press 1" for English
I hope this goes around the country 10 times

Rene Portales

2/6/2007
New Oakland LP Officers
Leonard Schwartz
The Libertarian Party of Oakland County, at its annual convention on January 24, selected the following officers:
 
Chair: Adam Goodman
 
Vice-chair: Jim Young
 
Secretary: Leonard Schwartz
 
Treasurer: Dianne Szabla
 
Communications director: Brian Kelly
 
Membership director: Nathan Allen
 
Development director: vacant
 
Anyone interested in becoming the development director should contact Adam Goodman, 248-765-3213, goodman582@hotmail.com.
1/30/2007
West Michigan Affiliate Schedules Convention Date
Scotty BomanThe 2007 State Convention has been scheduled for the weekend of Saturday May 5th in Grand Rapids. It will be in the Hilton Hotel. Please stay posted for more details.
1/16/2007
Libertarian Memorials observed by Detroit News and FreeP
Scotty Boman
If you missed this in Sunday's Detroit News paper, you may wish to visit this link:
 
 
Another feature appeared in the Saturday Free Press:
 
 
 
1/9/2007
Publicity Opportunity Overlooked
Scotty Boman

A couple days ago I was contacted by Dan Wilson of Parents for Children (PFC). PFC and the equal parenting movement were major interest groups supporting the Bill Hall candidacy, and other Libertarians.

Dan was organizing a rall which started on January 01, 2007 at 11:15 AM. The rally (amidst Governor Granholms' inauguration) was over by 12 Noon. Parents for Children were on the scene by 11:15 for picture and release of a press release since every TV station in the State was their including all the newspapers.

First of all I applaud Mr. Wilson's activism, but I kick myself in the behind (yes I really can do this) for missing out on a prime opportunity. But self-punishment isn't the real lesson here. This is a reminder that we must always be on the look out for opportunities to step in front of the cameras instead of waiting for the cameras to come to us (they don't and they won't unless we spend lots of money or do something we are embarrassed about).

Sometimes these are unforeseen opportunities for which we can't plan. The inauguration date and location was public information for months. Let's look for more well publicized opportunities.


For more about PFC please visit: http://www.parentsforchildren.net

1/2/2007
Libertarians Loose Leaders On All Levels
Scotty Boman

On the world stage we lost Nobel Prize winning economist Milton Friedman.
Our nation lost two time presidential candidate and best selling author Harry Browne.
Our Statewide two-time US Senate candidate, and LPM activist Dr. Bette Erwin (later married to be Sprague) is gone.
On Christmas day, the man who took the phrase, "all politics is local" left as well. Lloyd Sherman served in a variety of public offices. When we spoke a couple weeks ago, Lloyd told me that we need to show up at our city Council meetings and County Commission meetings. There are almost always reporters present, and there is almost always a chance for public comment.

I have though about what all this tragedy means. It seems that people live on to those who remember them and continue their battles. While the first instinct is to morn, we should continue to be inspired by these great individuals.

1/2/2007
Michigan Libertarians Lose a Veteran Activist and Candidate
Scotty Boman
Dr. Bette Erwin-Sprague was an active voice for liberty before many of us had even heard the word "libertarian." She passed away this past December, and a Memorial Service will be held in her honor this Saturday (January 6) at 10:00 AM.
Dr. Bette Sprague (married name). Was a candidate in 1976 & 1982 for the US Senate. She also ran for US House (District 18) in 1980 [Ref: http://www.ourcampaigns.com/CandidateDetail.html?CandidateID=28895]. She ran for office under her maiden name: Bette Erwin.
Most recently, she was one of the collaborators on the LPM's 25th anniversary project (visit www.mi.lp.org/history/25thann.htm).
The memorial Service will be in the chapel of Acacia Park Cemetery (Acacia Park Cemetery Association 31300 Southfield Road Beverly Hills, MI 48025
Contact: Acacia Park Cemetery Association Phone: 248-646-4228 ). for directions, link to: http://www.infospace.com/info/redirs_all.htm?pgtarg=mapdir&mdop=mapres&QA=31300+Southfield+Road&QC=Beverly+Hills&QS=MI&QZ=48025&w=360&h=270&s=1
Location: chapel
Arcacia Park is also the resting place of other people who made history: Charles Erwin Wilson (1890-1961) — Born in Minerva, Stark County, Ohio, July 18, 1890. U.S. Secretary of Defense, 1953-57. Died in Norwood, East Feliciana Parish, La., September 26, 1961. [ Ref: http://politicalgraveyard.com/geo/MI/OA5.html#RKC00N7YS ]
A formal Obituary is at:
1/1/2007
Lloyd Sherman - Rest in Peace
Leonard Schwartz
Lloyd Sherman, a long-time Libertarian activist, passed away on Christmas Day after a long struggle with cancer. He had been a frequent candidate and an officer of the Libertarian Party of Oakland County and the state party.
Memorial Service
When: Saturday, January 6, at 11 am.
Where: First Congregational Church of Royal Oak
1314 Northwood, at Crooks Road, between 12 & 13 Mile
At Lloyd's request, there also will be a potluck party celebrating Lloyd's life. Bring food to share. BYOB.
When: Saturday, January 6, at 6 pm.
Where: Home of Lloyd & Jeannie Sherman
23770 Hazelwood
Hazel Park, MI 48030-2718
Their home is 2 blocks north of the old LPM HQ, which was at the corner of 9 Mile and Hazelwood, east of John R.
An article about Lloyd Shermans' public service was published in the Daily Tribune on December 27th( http://www.dailytribune.com/stories/122706/loc_20061227005.shtml )
1/1/2007
Tragedy Presents Opportunity for Federal Candidates
Scotty Boman

“Meet the new boss, same as the old boss”
-Won't Get Fooled Again- The Who

Well it looks like our Federal candidates will have an issue to run with, if any are up to the challenge.

Yes the LPM is a state party, with a platform focused on state issues, but we also nominate candidates for US Senate and the US House of Representatives. We also send delegates to a convention that nominates a candidate for president, so here I go thinking globally on how to act locally.

In the recent election, the votes cast for federal candidates became a referendum on the war (I mean police action) in Iraq. Most voters who opposed a continuation of the US occupation did what they always do: Vote for the “other” party. In this case the “other party” was the Democrats.

Within the first few days, Democrats started hedging on their campaign promises. Some even advocated a return to draconian practices like the draft. Now the house majority leader to be, Nancy Pelosi, says she opposes any cuts in funding to the war with Iraqis. She still claims to be against it. This reminds me of the parent who is concerned about her teenager’s drug problem, but refuses to cut off the kid’s allowance.

Finally, the Iraq Study Group report. They started out sounding like they opposed Bush’s policy, but when the veil of harsh rhetoric was lifted, it became clear that they were rubber-stamping Bush’s "Stay the course" approach. Sure they said we need to get out. So did president Bush. When the violence stops. Perhaps in two years when a new president picks up the torch.

Now our federal candidates have a hot topic where (like the MCRI) neither Democrats nor Republicans agree with the majority. We can tell them “I told you so!” when this tragedy has escalated. The problem, as usual will be getting the word out. So federal candidates need to start planning on a plan to penetrate that media barrier.

12/12/2006
Taxes are not Fair. Especially a 30% Sales Tax
Scotty Boman

“Ignorance is Strength
Freedom is Slavery
War is Peace”

From the Ministry of Truth in “1984” by George Orwell


Lately, supporters of HR-25 the so-called “Fair Tax” have been contacting Libertarian officers and seeking their support. I oppose this proposal as much, if not more than, any abomination put forth by Republocrats for a number of reasons:

1. While I have heard some complicated (and possibly correct) arguments that this would be a net tax reduction, on the surface it would appear to be a tax increase. Especially for low-income people. The 30% sales tax is enough to make a Marxist salivate. Certainly anyone who is poor enough to get a 100% refund on income tax would face significant hardship from this huge tax hike on them. Thus it would be a PR nightmare. We would solidly position ourselves as the party of large taxes.

2. This proposed tax is 13% higher than the 17% flat tax proposed by several Republican politicians a few years back.

3. The only reason such a rate could be justified is to maintain the current level of federal excess. If such a huge tax was needed after eliminating federal drug laws, ending government subsidies for political campaigns, stopping domestic spying, recalling foreign occupation troops, ending corporate welfare, and releasing all US political prisoners than you might get me to look closer at it.

4. As it is I have already given it far more attention than it has earned from any libertarian (Moderate or otherwise). I suppose accepting a minimal tax to subsidize deficits in the federal operating expenses, and funding prior unpaid obligations may be regarded as moderate. A true Libertarian views no tax as good, and can only except the existence of some taxes as an intermediate step between the present and an ethical future.

For more a more in depth analysis of the fair tax visit:

http://www.jpfo.org/fairtax.htm

Fair Tax
Just War
Friendly Facism…

Etc.

11/28/2006
LEC Meeting to Be Held at New HQ
Scotty Boman

In case the Calendar wasn't enough...

December 03, 2006 - 1:00 PM

Libertarian Executive Committee meeting at our new HQ. Topics will include post election analysis, and planning the 2007 (pre-convention) Leadership Conference.

Location: New LPM Headquarters. Lansing, Michigan.
New LPM Headquarters at 2722 E. Michigan Ave., Ste 22, Lansing, just west of US-127 Michigan Ave exit. Park and enter in the back of the building - Ste. 22 is on the lower level. "Xango" office is in the front of the building. About five miles away from the current HQ.

11/28/2006
2007 Convention Location Needed
Scotty Boman

Now that we have had a moment to exhale, we now must prepare for the next convention. The first order of business is finding a host.

I have composed such a short article because I don't want to overshadow my primary message here.

11/28/2006
Libertarian Executive Committee meeting at our new HQ.
Scotty Boman
December 03, 2006 - 1:00 PM
Libertarian Executive Committee meeting at our new HQ. Topics will include post election analysis, and planning the 2007 (pre-convention) Leadership Conference.
Location: New LPM Headquarters. Lansing, Michigan.
Address to be announced.
Michigan Avenue, about five miles away from the current HQ.
 
Contact: Scotty Boman Phone: 313-247-2052
Email: scottyeducation@hotmail.com
11/21/2006
Liberty Fest Honors Defenders of Liberty
Scotty Boman
Four Defender of Liberty Awards Were Presented at Liberty Fest 2006
 
Proposal 2 Architects were among those honored:
 
Two people who were instrumental in making The Michigan Civil Rights Initiative (Better known as Proposal 2) a success were honored at The Libertarian Party of Michigan’s “Liberty Fest.” While they are less well known than Jennifer Gratz and Ward Connerly, Gregory Creswell and Tim O’Brien were also key players. Creswell (Spokesperson of Liberty) and O’Brien (Producer of Liberty) were organizers for the MCRI petition effort since 2003. O’Brien was on the original MCRI Committee in 2003, and lead the MCRI Grassroots organization in 2006. Creswell was a community organizer in Detroit throughout the effort, and made support for the initiative the centerpiece of his campaign for governor.

After conceding defeat in the gubernatorial vote Creswell went on to say, “I bet plenty of people are surprised at the victory of Proposal 2!” Creswell was the only gubernatorial candidate to support the statewide proposal, also known as the Michigan Civil Rights initiative. “I have been working on the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative from the beginning. I was an organizer of the first attempt to get it on the ballot, I was a petitioner in the most recent effort, and I was a community organizer as well as the only pro-MCRI gubernatorial candidate.”

Tim O’Brien was the central organizer of the grassroots effort that placed “Equal means Equal” signs, pamphlets and brochures around the state. O’Brien and his wife Nancy have also supported Pro-MCRI candidates via their work in Small Government Alliance (PAC). Nancy received a Liberty Fest award in 2001.

“One United Michigan made much of what they called ‘A secret society from California’ brining MCRI to Michigan.” Said LPM Chair Scotty Boman, “Well we are from Michigan. We have been around since 1972, but I suppose we are a secret society, since more people have heard of the Illuminati than have heard of the Libertarian Party of Michigan.” Boman mused. “We don’t want to be a secret society. We even paid for radio ads that positioned us as the only political party to agree with the majority of Michiganders on MCRI.”
 
Bill Hall Honored on his First-Class Attorney General Campaign and Years of Legal Service to the Libertarian Party:
 
Bill Hall Received the Promoter of Liberty Award. He attracted nearly 2% of the vote in his attempt to unseat Attorney General Mike Cox. He invested heavily in a professional statewide campaign that championed the equal parenting cause, and medical marijuana. He distributed slick full color pamphlets and aired professional radio ads.
 
Throughout the years he has lent his legal expertise to the state and national Libertarian organizations.
 
Gulick Gets One of Two Producer of Liberty Awards:
 
The Second Producer of Liberty award was presented to LPM secretary Arthur Gulick. Gulick has quietly advanced the Party with Professionalism, smart work, and an attention to detail.
Gulick has always been willing to step in and solve problems when his help was needed. He has done so without any pressure or complaint.
 
He came to the rescue when the LEC was short staffed. He has always been modest about his roll in the party and reacted with joy and surprise upon receiving the award.
 
Liberty Fest featured prominent business strategist Jim Boyle and was held at the Original Cottage Inn Restaurant.
 
Boyle gave an in-depth speech on how to dissect the numerical quagmire presented by government entities as budgets. He spoke about the danger of unfunded liabilities, and how Libertarians could get politically involved in response to the impending financial crisis.
11/21/2006
LP of Washtenaw Co. to host Liberty Fest
Scotty Boman

You will only find this announcement in LPM online, and not the Michigan Libertarian.

However you should have received a flyer for this event by direct snail mail, if not a pdf file may be down-loaded from:

http://mi.lp.org/Libfest/LibertyFestFlier.pdf

This important event was rescued by the Libertarian Party of Washtenaw County. Please attend!


Saturday,
November 18
2006
Annual
Featured Speaker:
Business Turnaround and Crisis Manager
John Boyle
“Saving Government from
Bankruptcy—What the Libertarian
Party Must Do”

Special Report
from Former LPM Chair
Emily Salvette,
Libertarian National Committee
Region 3 Representative
Held at the Original Cottage Inn Restaurant, 512 E.
William St., on campus in Ann Arbor, 734-663-3379
Social Hour 7:00 PM
Dinner 7:30 PM
Parking around the corner in the
Maynard St. Parking Structure
For Information, call Liz Bagwell, 734-678-5040
Name(s):__________________________________
_____________________________________________
Address: __________________________________
_____________________________________________
Phone, cell, email: ________________________
_____________________________________________
Menu Choices (please indicate):
___Meat Lasagna, ___Chicken Parmesan,
___Fettuccini Alfredo
Cash bar
Please send your check for $40.00 per
person to your hosts:
Libertarian Party of Washtenaw County
1000 N. Huron River Drive Apt 115
Ypsilanti, MI 48197.
The advance sale deadline has passed.
Tickets at door $50.00.
Honoring this year’s Spokesperson for Liberty, Promoter of Liberty, and
Producer of Liberty
It’s time for the Libertarian Party of Michigan’s
Dinner and Awards Presentation
Send your reservation now!

11/14/2006
Creswell Concedes Gubernatorial, Proclaims Victory On Pro. 2
Scotty Boman

Royal Oak Michigan – “The people have had their say.” Said Libertarian Gubernatorial candidate, Greg Creswell, as he spoke to supporters at a post-election party in Royal Oak, Michigan. “Few people are surprised by my defeat. This is the first time a Libertarian has run for Governor of Michigan since 1982.”

Creswell went on to say, “I bet plenty of people are surprised at the victory of Proposal 2!” Creswell was the only gubernatorial candidate to support the statewide proposal, also known as the Michigan Civil Rights initiative. “I have been working on the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative from the beginning. I was an organizer of the first attempt to get it on the ballot, I was a petitioner in the most recent effort, and I was a community organizer as well as the only pro-MCRI gubernatorial candidate.”

The citizens of this state have sent the mainstream politicians a clear message: “We may put you in office, but we can still think for ourselves. It doesn’t matter how many lies you tell, or how many negative TV ads you produce. We could read the petition, we can read the amendment, and we read the ballot. In other-words, Michigan voters are smart enough to know that equal means equal.”

Creswell’s running mate was Scotty Boman. In addition to being the Libertarian candidate for Lt. Governor, Boman is also chair of the Libertarian Party of Michigan. Boman said, “On this issue (Proposal 2) The Libertarian Party of Michigan was the only political party that was in touch with the majority of Michigan voters.” He went on to say, “Opposition to state sponsored discrimination is part of our party platform. Both Greg Creswell, and US Senate candidate Leonard Schwartz made our opposition to racial preferences a highlight of our radio commercials. Without our vigilant efforts to speak the truth, and ignore the dishonest propaganda campaign being pushed by One United Michigan, the proposal may have failed.”

“People frequently ask how a third party can make a difference, when faced with the huge advertising budgets of Republicans and Democrats. My response is that our mere existence, provides people with another choice. This way the Major parties can’t take their privileged positions for granted. Clearly, we are able to influence public policy.”

11/14/2006
LPM Election Results
Gregory Scott Stempfle

Libertarians faired well in last week’s General Election relative to other third parties.

Our Top of Ticket this year was our gubernatorial candidate Gregory Creswell and Lt. Governor Candidate Scotty Boman. This team earned 23,497 votes (0.6%) to best the candidates from the Green and US Taxpayers Party.
The last time the LPM ran a candidate for Governor was in 1982, when Dick Jacobs earned 15,603 votes.

Our other statewide candidates did well also. Attorney General candidate Bill Hall received nearly 2% of the total with 61,603 votes. US Senate candidate Leonard Schwartz also finished third with 27,025. All three of these candidates ran radio ads across the state which contributed to their victories over their third party opponents.

The results of the four education boards were rather puzzling. These races usually reflect the base support for each party in any given year and Libertarians have traditionally earned more votes in these races than
other third parties. However, the Greens have been doing as well as the Libertarians in recent elections. The results this year showed a lot of inconsistency. A Green Party candidate had more votes in three of the four
races and the US Taxpayers took the other. However, in one race the Greens won, their other candidate in that race finished second to last.
Overall, the Green Party ran 6 candidates and averaged 80,000 votes. The US Taxpayers Party’s 6 candidates earned an average of 66,000 votes. The Libertarians, who filled all 8 slots, earned 65,000 votes and the nearly
defunct Natural Law Party ran 4 candidates and earned 60,000 votes on average. These were the only candidates the NLP fielded this year. The NLP was taken over by the Socialist Party in 2004.

Our Supreme Court nominee, Kerry Morgan earned 7.4% with 370,000 votes. Supreme Court candidates are nominated by parties but appear as nonpartisan candidates on the ballot. Kerry came within 15,000 votes of beating one of
the major party nominees.

As for US Congress, the LPM ran 13 candidates and the Greens and US Taxpayers ran 8. In head-to-head competition, the Libertarians had a record of 5-3 against the Greens and 5-3 against the US Taxpayers Party. The US Taxpayers Party edged out the Greens in head-to-head competition with a record of 2-1-1. Yes, the candidates for District 10 actually tied!

In races for the Michigan Legislature, the LPM ran 25 candidates. The US Taxpayers Party ran 12 and the Greens 9. There were only 3 races featuring more than one third party candidate and in these races the Libertarians were 3-0.

These are only the results for State and Federal offices. The LPM also ran at least 8 more candidates for county and city offices. Overall the LPM ran at least 58 candidates. The other three third parties combined ran 60.

The spoilers in this election were the Green Party candidates for State Senate. The Republicans have a two seat majority in the State Senate, 21-17, thanks in part to Green candidates drawing votes from Democrats.
Republican John Pappageorge won District 13 with 49% of the vote to Democrat Andy Levin’s 48%. Green candidate Klyle McBee had the remaining 3% to tip the scales for the Republican. The same thing occurred in District 32 where
Republican Roger Kahn got 49% to Democrat Carl Williams 48%. Green Lloyd Clarke got 3% again. Each house of the Michigan Legislature is now controlled by a different party.

The US Taxpayers Party has gained strength in recent elections while the Libertarians have lost strength, yet their platforms are extremely similar.
The main difference between the two parties is a theological one. The US Taxpayer’s Party claims to be based on Christian principles and Natural Law of God, while Libertarians publicly have a secular approach to
government and law. Combined, the vote total far surpasses the Greens which have stayed about the same since 2000.

For complete election results, please visit:
http://miboecfr.nictusa.com/election/results/06GEN/

11/14/2006
Voters Support Libertarian Ideas, and Statist Candidates
Scotty Boman

If one simply looked at votes on ballot proposals, one would think libertarianism had reached the mainstream. Proposal (#4) which is supposed to reduce eminent domain abuse passed over-whelmingly. Proposal #4, which would lock in state school funding increases, failed. Proposal 2 (The Michigan Civil Rights Initiative) passed!

This last example is especially interesting because the Libertarian Party of Michigan was the ONLY political party to support the amendment. In fact many candidates, including Greg Creswell and myself, made it the centerpiece of our campaign. Libertarians like Greg Creswell, Leonard Schwartz, Tim O’Brien and many others were instrumental to putting this initiative on the ballot.

Radio ads featuring Greg Creswell, Leonard Schwartz and myself used the racial preference issue to contrast our party from the “Two Old Parties.” Prior to these commercials One United Michigan had planned on releasing a dual Devos / Granholm “Vote No On 2” commercial. The fact that this would confirm our claim that there was “No real difference…” killed the idea.

Other Pro-MCRI ads were scarce, and only appeared on TV shortly before the election. The TV commercial featuring Ward Connerly and Jennifer Gratz, was simple and to the point. Nevertheless, attack ads that spread various falsehoods about the initiative ran almost around the clock on every major TV station. Nearly every special interest group jumped on the “Vote No On 2” bandwagon. In the end, support by the smallest minority of all (individuals) is what gave MCRI its victory.

We should not live this one down. The mass media has completely neglected our instrumental role in the passage of this initiative. Every time, you read an article that mentions this November surprise, write a letter to point out that Libertarians were behind this effort from the beginning. Every time you read that “BOTH” parties or “BOTH” candidates opposed it, point out the lie implied by this use of the word “BOTH.”

On the Federal Front, special congratulations to Robert Hutchinson in receiving an endorsement from the Detroit News. Hutchinson (7th House of Representative District) was endorsed because the Republican and the Democrat were perceived (By the Detroit News) as being too extreme.

Libertarian ideas also won on the Federal level, though our candidates did not. The Libertarian Party National Committee has supported a strong defense while opposing the use of our troops and tax-dollars for use in wars of occupation, empire building and similar crusades. The invasion of Iraq took was justified by the false premise of weapons of mass destruction (based on the word of an Iranian informant… They had nothing to hide). Since then the task has been nation building. This being said, the congressional elections were nationally perceived as a referendum on the occupation. Since the national media ignores our existence: A vote for a Republican congressperson was a vote for the war, and a vote for a Democratic congressperson was a vote against. The Democrats won based on at least claiming to hold to a libertarian position.

Well in two years, American troops will still be there, and it won’t be for R&R. The media will be sure to ignore us when we say “Told you so.”

11/14/2006
LP of Washtenaw Co. to host Liberty Fest
Scotty Boman
You will only find this announcement in LPM online, and not the Michigan Libertarian. In my haste to see that the most recent Michigan Libertarian reach members early, I failed to give the Washtenaw Co. Group time to include an article in our publication.
However you should receive a flyer for the event by direct snail mail, and the pdf file may be down-loaded from:
 
 
This important event was rescued by the Libertarian Party of Washtenaw County. Please attend!
 
Saturday,
November 18
2006
Annual
Featured Speaker:
Business Turnaround and Crisis Manager
John Boyle
“Saving Government from
Bankruptcy—What the Libertarian
Party Must Do”
Special Report
from Former LPM Chair
Emily Salvette,
Libertarian National Committee
Region 3 Representative
Held at the Original Cottage Inn Restaurant, 512 E.
William St., on campus in Ann Arbor, 734-663-3379
Social Hour 7:00 PM
Dinner 7:30 PM
Parking around the corner in the
Maynard St. Parking Structure
For Information, call Liz Bagwell, 734-678-5040
Name(s):__________________________________
_____________________________________________
Address: __________________________________
_____________________________________________
Phone, cell, email: ________________________
_____________________________________________
Menu Choices (please indicate):
___Meat Lasagna, ___Chicken Parmesan,
___Fettuccini Alfredo
Cash bar
Please send your check for $40.00 per
person to your hosts:
Libertarian Party of Washtenaw County
1000 N. Huron River Drive Apt 115
Ypsilanti, MI 48197.
Advance sale deadline Nov.11.
Tickets at door $50.00.
Honoring this year’s Spokesperson for Liberty, Promoter of Liberty, and
Producer of Liberty
It’s time for the Libertarian Party of Michigan’s
Dinner and Awards Presentation
Send your reservation now!
11/7/2006
LEC Meeting Scheduled for December Third
Scotty Boman
The next Libertarian Executive Committee meeting at our new HQ. Topics will include post election analysis, and planning the 2007 (pre-convention) Leadership Conference.
 
It will be held at the new LPM Headquarters. In Lansing, Michigan on Michigan Avenue. (about five miles away from the current HQ.) Address to be posted soon.
11/7/2006
Last minute sinage
Scotty Boman

OK it's that big day. If you haven't voted yet. Do it. Don't forget ballot initiatives. Especially yes on 2 and 4!

So far I have encouraged supporters to post signs on their property, and not to use signs up at public signage locations, where the may quickly be removed. However, at this point, we might as well go for broke. The Creswell / Boman signs are campaign specific. If they are not currently in a highly visible location, it may be prudent to move them to a more visible spot, even at the risk of loosing them. Especially near major intersections and polling locations.

Be careful to observe local ordinances pertaining to the posting of signs. “Public signage locations” can be identified as places where signs of competing (like Granholm AND Devos) candidates are displayed, and the property is not clearly linked to any particular resident or business. For whatever reason, it seems that a bit of campaign season littering is tolerated. Clean up afterwards of course.

Generic “Vote Libertarian” signs are reusable, and recovery is important. If it is not too much trouble, recover those Creswell /Boman signs too. You never know.

Finally, collect wires early, collect wires often. Candidates can always use wires.

11/7/2006
Rally for Change Announced on WDIV News at Noon
Scotty Boman
First of all, I would like to thank Debbie Evans for organizing this rally, and inviting us. While attendance (at the November 3rd event) was modest, those who attended were some of the most enthusiastic freedom lovers I ever met.
 
Our response from passersby’s was overwhelmingly positive. We were not deterred by the cold. But one big lesson came out of this: If we leave the L-word out, the media pays attention. The Channel 4 news at noon announced the rally, using the organizers press release almost verbatim.
 
I have sent out many press releases, all clearly connected with a Libertarian campaign, or the LPM. No response from South East Michigan TV stations.
 
Clearly, organizing non-partisan issue events, that happen to feature libertarians, is a strategy to consider in the future.
11/7/2006
Debates and Newsletter
Scotty Boman
I have included two links that are a must see before the election.

First of all the REAL Michigan gubernatorial debate may be viewed by web-cast at:

The newsletter went out a couple weeks ago, but only a few members received theirs. I plan on making a formal complaint with the United States Postal Service, but this won’t help those who have not received theirs. Since timing is everything, I will supply a link to a PDF of the newsletter, so members may read it while they await the snail-mail version.

If you know a member who doesn’t do Internet, please print the PDF and share it with him or her.
The link is:

Sorry about the delay.

Scotty Boman
11/4/2006
Libertarian Party Looks Web Saavy
Eric L Larson
The Libertarian Party looked extremely tech saavy according to research done by reporters at CNET.com, an online technology magazine.

The article found here:
 
 
The basis of the article is that very few candidate campaign websites are well designed, only 35 out of 1000 sites for federal office. Of those 35, 7 were Libertarian and 3 were Michigan candidates (Allitta Hren in 4, Ken Howe in 6, and Mark Byrne in 10). All of those websites were designed by LP of West Michigan webmaster Steve Van Til as subdomains on the affiliates' web site.
 
This is all possible and relatively easy to set up using the inexpensive Plone software purchased by the affiliate in the summer of 2005. With nearly unlimited subdomain capability and ease of text transfer from other sources makes the software very powerful and helps convey a more professional image.
 
Kudos to those candidates and best of luck in the campaign.
10/31/2006
Local Contacts for Campaign Lit. and Signs
Gregory Scott Stempfle

Election Day is approaching and the Governor's race is a dead heat. Please help the LPM make the most impact this season and support our Govenor and Lt. Governor candidates.  Libertarian Greg Creswell could very well hold the balance of power for the entire state. Campaign material has been distributed to affiliates across the state. Support you Libertarian Candidate for Governor Greg Creswell and Scotty Boman for Lt. Governor by proudly displaying a yardsign or bumpersticker. Literature is availabe for distribution as well as signs and stickers.

Please contact your local affilate representative for campaign supplies.

Wayne Co Greg Stempfle stempfle@hotmail.com
313-929-1789
Oakland Co Nathan Allen knathan_knows@yahoo.com
248-891-3003
Macomb Co Jim Allison marthos1776@comcast.net
586-751-5619
Washtenaw Co James Hudler aguli@provide.net
734-475-9792
Lansing William White whitewi5@msu.edu
517-349-3895
Kalamazoo Carl Brown carl@glasstree.com
269-373-5418
Tri-Cities Richard Jozwiak
989-922-5226
Kent Co William Gelineau freedomlover59@hotmail.com
616-987-0488
St. Clair Co Mark Byrne iwantska@hotmail.com
810-987-9856

Others:
Scotty Boman has plenty of generic "Vote Libertarian" signs. Come and get them!
Scotty Boman 313-247-2052
4877 Balfour, Detroit, MI 48224
scottyeducation@yahoo.com

Greg Stempfle
stempfle@hotmail.com
313-929-1789

10/31/2006
Rally in Ferndale This Friday: Take it to the streets!
Scotty Boman
I urge anyone who is available Friday afternoon, to promote the cause of Liberty by attending this high Visibility Rally. This will be at a busy intersection where we will be noticed.
 
November 03, 2006 - 3:00 PM

Rally for freedom and recognition of third parties. Show up at 3:00 PM sharp. Bring a banner or a sign (large enough to be read by passers by). Generic "vote Libertarian" signs will be provided for those who don't have one.

Location: Woodward & 9 Mile. Ferndale Michigan.
Contact: Debbie Evans Phone: 586-935-2125
10/31/2006
Poll Workers Wanted on Election Day
Gregory Scott Stempfle

Dear Libertarians,
The Creswell for Governor Team is seeking volunteers to pass out flyers on Election Day at the polls. Imagine the average voter heading out to vote for Governor and realizing that there is an alternative to DeVos and Granholm. All the negative comercials will have taken a toll on them and hopefully, those that look at the flyer will be happy that there is a candidate with a positive vision for Michigan.

Please contact one of these gentleman to get a stack of literature for Election Day (or sooner if you'd like to do some campaigning beforehand). Even if you can only work for a couple of hours, your help will be greatly apprecaited.

Greg Stempfle, Campaign Manager 313-929-1789 stempfle@hotmail.com

Greg Creswell, Governor candidate 313-527-9099
i.am4_gcreswell@yahoo.com

Scotty Boman, Lt. Governor candidate 313-247-2052
scottyeducation@yahoo.com

10/31/2006
College Affiliates Host Creswell, Boman and Morgan
Scotty Boman
Last Friday, Gubernatorial candidate Greg Creswell and his running mate Scotty Boman visited two College Libertarian groups:
 
They spent the afternoon at an information table in the busy Oakland Student Center. Nearly a hundred students stopped to speak with the candidates.
 
In the evening they joined Supreme Court candidate (and MCRI attorney) Kerry Morgan at a candidate forum hosted by The University of Flint Libertarians. LPM members from Flint and some journalists were present.
 
Special Thanks to Jon Ettinger for organizing the Flint event.
 
Daniel Kolleth organized the Oakland event and wished to pass on the following information:
 
Center for Student Activities
Attn: College Libertarians at Oakland University
49 Oakland Center
Rochester MI 48309-4401

President: Thomas Stanis, tstanis@oakland.edu
Faculty Adviser: Sherman Folland, folland@oakland.edu
Addition information: Michael Palmer, mjpalmer@oakland.edu
10/31/2006
More Newsletter Issues
Scotty Boman
The newsletter went out a couple weeks ago, but only a few members received theirs. I plan on making a formal complaint with the United States Postal Service, but this won’t help those who have not received theirs. Since timing is everything, I will supply a link to a PDF of the newsletter, so members may read it while they await the snail-mail version.
 
If you know a member who doesn’t do internet, please print the PDF and share it with him or her.
 
The link is:
 
 
Sorry about the delay.
10/31/2006
Last minute sinage
Scotty Boman
So far I have encouraged supporters to post signs on their property, and not to use signs up at public signage locations, where the may quickly be removed. However, on election eve (Monday November 6) and election Tuesday, we might as well go for broke. The Creswell / Boman signs are campaign specific. If they are not currently in a highly visible location, it may be prudent to move them to a more visible spot Monday, even at the risk of loosing them. Especially near major intersections and polling locations.
 
Be careful to observe local ordinances pertaining to the posting of signs. “Public signage locations” can be identified as places where signs of competing (like Granholm AND Devos) candidates are displayed, and the property is not clearly linked to any particular resident or business. For whatever reason, it seems that a bit of campaign season littering is tolerated. Clean up afterwards of course.
 
Generic “Vote Libertarian” signs are reusable, and recovery is important. If it is not too much trouble, recover those Creswell /Boman signs too. You never know.
 
Finally, collect wires early, collect wires often. Candidates can always use wires.
10/31/2006
Ballot Proposals
Leonard Schwartz
It is illegal to place in a public library material encouraging people to vote for or against a ballot proposal. I have already found vote NO on MCRI handouts at libraries. If you see any illegal material in a public library, please remove it. You shouldn't inform the library staff. They might question your right to remove it. Just remove it.
10/24/2006
Creswell and Boman get 3 minutes on Kalamazoo’s Ch. 3
Scotty Boman
On the Thursday Morning Newscast of WWMT-TV (Channel 3) in Kalamazoo, Greg Creswell was interviewed for the news program's “Three Minutes in the Spotlight” segment. Scotty Boman had the same opportunity on the Friday evening newscast.
 
WWMT deserves special recognition for being the first commercial broadcast TV station to count to three when addressing the gubernatorial campaigns. Then again, three is their channel.
10/24/2006
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