A quickie analysis of the Libertarian Party and Tea Party (C4L, Tea Party, 912, Liberty, Patriot and other like-minded groups) impact in the mid-term election of two weeks ago yields some interesting points. The massive GOP blowout that swept the party of Lincoln into power in the nation’s capitol has been credited to a great degree to “Tea Party” activity. With a few notable Senate exceptions (Angle (NV), Buck CO), perhaps Miller (AK) and O’Donnell (DE), most Tea Party endorsed or supported candidates were electorally successful and led the way to a 60-plus seat pickup in the House and at least a 6 seat gain in the Senate for Republicans.
A cursory glance at results in Ohio would suggest a similar outcome in the Buckeye state. There are some numbers that suggest, however, that the co-opted “Tea Party” activists lost some impact when they strayed beyond traditional GOP RINO candidates. A look back at the May 4th Primary Election reminds us that Sandy O’Brien (Secretary of State) and Seth Morgan (Auditor) were both favorites of the Ohio Tea Party groups. Each of them garnered around 30% of the Republican vote and failed to secure their respective nominations
Throughout the newly formed activist groups, righteous anger and disgust with how the state party apparatus had been used to advance the prospects of Dave Yost for Auditor and John Husted for Secretary of State was notable. An additional galling aspect was that Yost had changed from an Attorney General candidate to Auditor in order to provide an open field for former Senator, Mike DeWine, after some funny business with petitions for Tea Party AG favorite, Steve Christopher. Christopher failed to qualify for the ballot, and DeWine did, indeed, enjoy an open field.
Over the past ten months I’ve had the opportunity to speak to several dozen Tea Party-type groups. Almost without exception they pronounced their loathing of DeWine and his questionable conservative values. They also expressed heated discontent with Yost and Husted along with State Chair, Kevin DeWine. I sensed that grassroots were angry and would not blindly work for a victorious RINO slate. At their various meetings they often stated that it was time to teach the GOP a lesson---that the Republican Party could not take their allegiance for granted.
Robert Owens was the Constitution Party Chairman and its candidate for Ohio Attorney General. A former prosecutor he was an instrumental drafter of the Health Care Freedom Amendment, a statewide measure to repeal the noxious national legislation (Obamacare). So, Owens had credentials, youth and energy, and he offered a viable alternative to DeWine. The Ohio Liberty Council is a statewide alliance of liberty-oriented groups, and their endorsement arm, The Ohio Tea Party PAC, endorsed Owens’ candidacy. He was the ONLY statewide candidate to receive at least 7/8 approval from their 58 affiliates (at least 51 local organizations). Owens was a tireless campaigner, traveling all over the state to many venues and winning adherents.
In 2010 for the first time in 76 years, a minor party had a full slate of statewide candidates. The Libertarian Party of Ohio had candidates for every major office including Marc Allyn Feldman, their Attorney General hopeful. Clearly, Feldman’s candidacy would have some impact on Owens’ Constitution Party candidacy, but the key Ohio Tea Party PAC endorsement and the general Tea Party organizations’ disillusionment with DeWine’s nomination could, nevertheless, yield a significant vote total for Owens. Apparently, Tea Party endorsements did not translate into votes.
Three of the Libertarian candidates for statewide office garnered more than 177 thousand votes each suggesting that a base of around 175 thousand for statewide LPO challengers. In the Attorney General race, however, Feldman’s 104,554 tally lagged considerably behind his party mates. Owens’ presence in the race coupled with Feldman’s inability to wage an aggressive campaign were the two most instrumental factors in Feldman’s final number. So, did the Tea Party activists propel Owens into contention? Did they overcome the 100 thousand plus votes that Feldman siphoned from Owens’ potential? Did the Tea Party faithful soundly reject the re-cycled Mike DeWine? No, no, no.
They did not deliver. They crawled back upon their favored RINO and rode him once again. Same old, same old. Fervor and endorsements did not deliver votes. Owens’ final total was slightly more than 127 thousand votes while DeWine had nearly one million seven hundred eighty-three thousand (1,782,821).
Comments: earl4sos@gmail.com or cnpearl@woh.rr.com
Showing posts with label Libertarian Party. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Libertarian Party. Show all posts
Monday, November 15, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
Cupcakes and stuff
This election cycle promises to be an exciting one here in Ohio and around the nation. Citizens are exchanging beers and barco-loungers for Tea Parties and Liberty Lobbies. An over current of discontent and dissatisfaction is driving citizens to become more informed and more active in the political scene. While their activity is noteworthy and generates media attention, if one were to objectively examine the restoration movement, it would, in my view, become apparent that they represent an infinitesimal segment of the voting population. On the other hand, it is difficult to ascertain their potential impact on the election because they do interact with family, friends and co-workers. Observing the restoration movement in action as a candidate and as a long-time political watcher has led me to conclude that their activities remind of something that I witnessed many years ago.
At this point I would suggest that if you have young children gazing at the computer screen, you usher them to another room. I plan to discuss bodily excretions in the remaining portion of this treatise. Bodily functions are natural and excretions are the body’s method for disposing of unwanted, harmful elements. My memorable metaphor occurred some time ago at a birthday party for a four year-old child. One of the angelic little kiddlings attracted my attention. The main staples of the celebration were beautifully decorated cupcakes, and the little was attacking his with relish. As he meticulously rotated his cupcake while chomping off the edges, I noticed that his nose was running profusely and streaming down onto the cupcake. This development didn’t appear to faze the little guy because he continued his dedicated munching…cake and mucous.
One of the advantages of being a statewide candidate on a third-party ticket is that most people assume that you are crazy. So, when I have an unprovoked flashback of a grotesque moment, and then associate that memory with the current political scene, most people are not shocked. So, here goes. The scene that I recalled reminds of the current state of the Republican Party….lots of glitter, some substantive cake adorned with waste. Despite their protestations to the contrary, government under GOP rule continues to grow and oppression increases. Since 1994 the GOP has to one degree or another had a grip on the reins of power. That is sixteen years…more than one and a half decades. Does CPB/PBS still receive federal funding? Are OSHA and the EPA smaller? Do Planned Parenthood and ACORN slurp at the federal trough? Have non-vital federal lands been sold to the private sector, or has federal ownership of real estate increased? The Republicans smugly declare that their contribution to sane government involved their slowing or stopping some extremely noxious legislative efforts. So, I’m supposed to be encouraged by this chest thumping? The GOP is actually more dangerous, in some respects, than the Mad-Hatters who are rushing us toward tyranny. They (the Republicans) may not be driving the bus, but they are willing riders on it…and neither group will squirm when they toss us under the wheels.
Lest some of you readers perceive that I am targeting my greatest wrath toward the Republicans by using body waste as an illustration, let me balance this screed by stating that the Democrats/progressives promise us booger sandwiches…but with no bread. The bread metaphor is used for money, therefore the D’s promise the moon, but will spend us out of money in the meantime. So, dear Reader, you may believe that it’s safer to support one of the old spendthrifts, unconstitutional parties, but it’s not.
Comment or email: cnpearl@woh.rr.com
At this point I would suggest that if you have young children gazing at the computer screen, you usher them to another room. I plan to discuss bodily excretions in the remaining portion of this treatise. Bodily functions are natural and excretions are the body’s method for disposing of unwanted, harmful elements. My memorable metaphor occurred some time ago at a birthday party for a four year-old child. One of the angelic little kiddlings attracted my attention. The main staples of the celebration were beautifully decorated cupcakes, and the little was attacking his with relish. As he meticulously rotated his cupcake while chomping off the edges, I noticed that his nose was running profusely and streaming down onto the cupcake. This development didn’t appear to faze the little guy because he continued his dedicated munching…cake and mucous.
One of the advantages of being a statewide candidate on a third-party ticket is that most people assume that you are crazy. So, when I have an unprovoked flashback of a grotesque moment, and then associate that memory with the current political scene, most people are not shocked. So, here goes. The scene that I recalled reminds of the current state of the Republican Party….lots of glitter, some substantive cake adorned with waste. Despite their protestations to the contrary, government under GOP rule continues to grow and oppression increases. Since 1994 the GOP has to one degree or another had a grip on the reins of power. That is sixteen years…more than one and a half decades. Does CPB/PBS still receive federal funding? Are OSHA and the EPA smaller? Do Planned Parenthood and ACORN slurp at the federal trough? Have non-vital federal lands been sold to the private sector, or has federal ownership of real estate increased? The Republicans smugly declare that their contribution to sane government involved their slowing or stopping some extremely noxious legislative efforts. So, I’m supposed to be encouraged by this chest thumping? The GOP is actually more dangerous, in some respects, than the Mad-Hatters who are rushing us toward tyranny. They (the Republicans) may not be driving the bus, but they are willing riders on it…and neither group will squirm when they toss us under the wheels.
Lest some of you readers perceive that I am targeting my greatest wrath toward the Republicans by using body waste as an illustration, let me balance this screed by stating that the Democrats/progressives promise us booger sandwiches…but with no bread. The bread metaphor is used for money, therefore the D’s promise the moon, but will spend us out of money in the meantime. So, dear Reader, you may believe that it’s safer to support one of the old spendthrifts, unconstitutional parties, but it’s not.
Comment or email: cnpearl@woh.rr.com
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
In the Race:a personal memo
Well, I’ve done it. I stood on the precipice surveying the landscape, and then I stepped over the edge. My sanity, my energy and my commitment will be challenged as I campaign as a Libertarian for the office as Secretary of State for Ohio. We’re in the embryonic stage now as we structure the committee and solicit signatures on our petitions. One huge advantage for this race at this time is that those who sign our petitions do NOT have to be registered Libertarians. The LP will be on the primary ballot, and my name will be in the SoS slot, but because the party has not had ballot access in the recent past, there is currently no registration designation for “Libertarian.” So, R’s, D’s and I’s can sign my petitions without being legally challenged or required to forfeit their party affiliation. This opening may close for future campaigns because after this year’s primary, there will be a registration designation for Libertarians, and candidates will (unless the law is changed) be forced to secure signatures from party members only in order to qualify for the party nomination on future ballots.
So, why have I chosen to jump back into the election arena after a 26 year sabbatical? After all, it is much easier to sit on the sidelines and lob written spitballs at present-day political goings-on. Running for a statewide office is no picnic…Ohio is roughly 240 miles by 210 miles, and I live in a corner of the state…not the center. There are roughly 11 million people in Ohio, although the real population may be lower because of people relocating after losing their jobs. There are 88 counties, six or seven urban centers (depending on the criteria used), miles of country roads that wind through hills and valleys, and miles of country roads that pierce the prairies of the western portion of the state. There is a very strong (but shrinking) union presence in Ohio and a strong but diminishing corporate/business environment. In many respects our state is a microcosm of the nation.
My reasoning for deciding to pursue the office of Secretary of State for Ohio followed five paths: principle, pragmatism, political, punitive and personal.
My decision to become a Libertarian was based on principles. I had been a conservative Republican for several decades, but had become increasingly frustrated with GOP officeholders as they appeared to be complicit in the massive expansion of government. I had been a significant contributor to the party in years past, but had stopped doing so when the party apparatus (including President W) endorsed (snarlin’) Arlen Spector over Pat Toomey in 2004. The Republican Senatorial Campaign also dedicated significant resources to the election of Lincoln (actually a Yugo) Chaffee. I knew, and every sentient observer knew that both of those endorsed candidates were statist, big government liberals, and yet, the party saw fit to promote them AT THE EXPENSE of solid small government challengers. At that point I began to contribute directly to candidates rather than official party entities. It wasn’t enough, however because when those Republicans that I supported were elected, they were often marginalized by the party leadership …or they became dealmakers and compromisers in order to preserve their political lives. So, I chose to align myself with a group from the Land of Misfit Toys who proclaimed and passionately promoted three basic principles for governing: Smaller government, lower taxes, more (personal) freedom. As someone with a knapsack full of personal biases and preferences, I determined that my failure to join the Libertarians at an earlier stage in my political development was because of my unease with that “personal freedom” thing. I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that there were many Libertarians whose personal preferences were radically different from mine. I finally concluded, however, that “personal” preferences of any sort are meaningless if the power of the state is supreme and restrictive. When the light bulb of understanding flickered in my resistant mind, I realized that we should unite and fight to restore smaller government and lower taxes, and then we can argue about those pesky personal freedom things later. If we don’t have smaller government and lower taxes (taxes fund big government), then personal freedom in all probability becomes a moot issue. The principles of smaller government, lower taxes…and more freedom are driving me to run for statewide office.
The pragmatic basis for my running for Secretary of State is grounded in the duties of the office. As a constitutional position, the Secretary of State is administratively responsible for overseeing elections in Ohio and business registration and licensing. There are other sundry duties and responsibilities, but those two are the big kahuna’s. As a Libertarian, or third-party candidate, I can wield power and influence to assure that our elections in the Buckeye State are free and fair. Because the Libertarian Party, as of now, is small, we do not have the resources to cheat and affect electoral outcomes in various venues throughout the state. The two Old Parties do …and have. Pragmatically speaking, I can force them to obey the law and toe the line. If anyone tries to corrupt the electoral process in Ohio, I will drop the big hammer. For example If ACORN, or any organization similar to them, tries to register the dead or Mickey Mouse, there will be “Crushed Nuts (acorns or whatever) in Ohio.” People who attempt to vote in other states and Ohio will be forced to choose or to be prosecuted. Precincts that have more votes than registered voters will be vigorously investigated and prosecuted. The business registration procedures will be streamlined so that new start-up small business can begin functioning with minimal delay. We need jobs in Ohio.
Politically the Secretary of State slot made the most sense for me. The gubernatorial campaign is going to be a high-visibility, high-dollar affair. Ken Matesz, the Libertarian candidate, has to contend with an incumbent Democrat and a Republican challenger who has very high name identification. Good luck, Ken. Steve Linnabary is the Libertarian candidate for U.S. Senate. That race, also, will be a high-dollar, high-energy bloodbath.
I’m not all that great with spread sheets so Auditor and Treasurer didn’t appeal to me. Having served in the minority in the Legislature a quarter century ago, I recall how frustrating it can be when one battles an entrenched power structure. So, I wanted an under the radar type of office that could favorably impact the citizens of Ohio. The present Secretary of State is running for U.S. Senate. It’s an open seat. Because of the high-level of scrutiny associated with the other statewide races, the SoS contest could present an opportunity for disgruntled citizens to vote for a third party candidate without feeling that they might be risking or wasting their votes. Given the environment generated by the Tea Party/912/Liberty groups, they clearly are seeking alternatives, but do not want to pursue pipe dreams. My political calculus is that my race offers them a safe and primary vehicle to upset the status quo.
My punitive reason for running for a statewide office is to blow a portion of my children’s inheritance. Seriously, I want my grandchildren to have some chance for personal freedom. They will not have any meaningful personal choices if government continues to grow. So I’ll forfeit my genteel lifestyle on my little patch of paradise here in Wood County, my children will relinquish some of their inheritance, and perhaps, just perhaps, my grandkids can harvest some benefits.
My personal justification for this Don Quixote-like foray onto the political battlefield is that I must be crazy. As a crazy person, I’m probably incapable of recognizing my own insanity. Therefore (using progressive logic) if I can’t detect it, it must be so (think of the global warming argument as a parallel). There’s nothing wrong with being crazy. Some of my best friends are crazy. If the sane people have been running the country and the state all these years, and have managed to screw them up so badly, isn’t it time for the crazy people to give it a shot. Vote for me because I must be a raving madman.
I have tried to explain why I have decided to engage in something that may be beyond my grasp. Then again, there’s a little voice that says “we can do this (don’t forget I’m crazy).” If you want to join me on this journey, there is room for you on the bus (I’ll never throw you under it). If you don’t want to join in, then your votes, your cheers, your dollars and your prayers are welcome. Dear reader, regardless of your relationship with my campaign, you’ll always be my friend.
Please comment or email: cnpearl@woh.rr.com
earl4sos@gmail.com
So, why have I chosen to jump back into the election arena after a 26 year sabbatical? After all, it is much easier to sit on the sidelines and lob written spitballs at present-day political goings-on. Running for a statewide office is no picnic…Ohio is roughly 240 miles by 210 miles, and I live in a corner of the state…not the center. There are roughly 11 million people in Ohio, although the real population may be lower because of people relocating after losing their jobs. There are 88 counties, six or seven urban centers (depending on the criteria used), miles of country roads that wind through hills and valleys, and miles of country roads that pierce the prairies of the western portion of the state. There is a very strong (but shrinking) union presence in Ohio and a strong but diminishing corporate/business environment. In many respects our state is a microcosm of the nation.
My reasoning for deciding to pursue the office of Secretary of State for Ohio followed five paths: principle, pragmatism, political, punitive and personal.
My decision to become a Libertarian was based on principles. I had been a conservative Republican for several decades, but had become increasingly frustrated with GOP officeholders as they appeared to be complicit in the massive expansion of government. I had been a significant contributor to the party in years past, but had stopped doing so when the party apparatus (including President W) endorsed (snarlin’) Arlen Spector over Pat Toomey in 2004. The Republican Senatorial Campaign also dedicated significant resources to the election of Lincoln (actually a Yugo) Chaffee. I knew, and every sentient observer knew that both of those endorsed candidates were statist, big government liberals, and yet, the party saw fit to promote them AT THE EXPENSE of solid small government challengers. At that point I began to contribute directly to candidates rather than official party entities. It wasn’t enough, however because when those Republicans that I supported were elected, they were often marginalized by the party leadership …or they became dealmakers and compromisers in order to preserve their political lives. So, I chose to align myself with a group from the Land of Misfit Toys who proclaimed and passionately promoted three basic principles for governing: Smaller government, lower taxes, more (personal) freedom. As someone with a knapsack full of personal biases and preferences, I determined that my failure to join the Libertarians at an earlier stage in my political development was because of my unease with that “personal freedom” thing. I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that there were many Libertarians whose personal preferences were radically different from mine. I finally concluded, however, that “personal” preferences of any sort are meaningless if the power of the state is supreme and restrictive. When the light bulb of understanding flickered in my resistant mind, I realized that we should unite and fight to restore smaller government and lower taxes, and then we can argue about those pesky personal freedom things later. If we don’t have smaller government and lower taxes (taxes fund big government), then personal freedom in all probability becomes a moot issue. The principles of smaller government, lower taxes…and more freedom are driving me to run for statewide office.
The pragmatic basis for my running for Secretary of State is grounded in the duties of the office. As a constitutional position, the Secretary of State is administratively responsible for overseeing elections in Ohio and business registration and licensing. There are other sundry duties and responsibilities, but those two are the big kahuna’s. As a Libertarian, or third-party candidate, I can wield power and influence to assure that our elections in the Buckeye State are free and fair. Because the Libertarian Party, as of now, is small, we do not have the resources to cheat and affect electoral outcomes in various venues throughout the state. The two Old Parties do …and have. Pragmatically speaking, I can force them to obey the law and toe the line. If anyone tries to corrupt the electoral process in Ohio, I will drop the big hammer. For example If ACORN, or any organization similar to them, tries to register the dead or Mickey Mouse, there will be “Crushed Nuts (acorns or whatever) in Ohio.” People who attempt to vote in other states and Ohio will be forced to choose or to be prosecuted. Precincts that have more votes than registered voters will be vigorously investigated and prosecuted. The business registration procedures will be streamlined so that new start-up small business can begin functioning with minimal delay. We need jobs in Ohio.
Politically the Secretary of State slot made the most sense for me. The gubernatorial campaign is going to be a high-visibility, high-dollar affair. Ken Matesz, the Libertarian candidate, has to contend with an incumbent Democrat and a Republican challenger who has very high name identification. Good luck, Ken. Steve Linnabary is the Libertarian candidate for U.S. Senate. That race, also, will be a high-dollar, high-energy bloodbath.
I’m not all that great with spread sheets so Auditor and Treasurer didn’t appeal to me. Having served in the minority in the Legislature a quarter century ago, I recall how frustrating it can be when one battles an entrenched power structure. So, I wanted an under the radar type of office that could favorably impact the citizens of Ohio. The present Secretary of State is running for U.S. Senate. It’s an open seat. Because of the high-level of scrutiny associated with the other statewide races, the SoS contest could present an opportunity for disgruntled citizens to vote for a third party candidate without feeling that they might be risking or wasting their votes. Given the environment generated by the Tea Party/912/Liberty groups, they clearly are seeking alternatives, but do not want to pursue pipe dreams. My political calculus is that my race offers them a safe and primary vehicle to upset the status quo.
My punitive reason for running for a statewide office is to blow a portion of my children’s inheritance. Seriously, I want my grandchildren to have some chance for personal freedom. They will not have any meaningful personal choices if government continues to grow. So I’ll forfeit my genteel lifestyle on my little patch of paradise here in Wood County, my children will relinquish some of their inheritance, and perhaps, just perhaps, my grandkids can harvest some benefits.
My personal justification for this Don Quixote-like foray onto the political battlefield is that I must be crazy. As a crazy person, I’m probably incapable of recognizing my own insanity. Therefore (using progressive logic) if I can’t detect it, it must be so (think of the global warming argument as a parallel). There’s nothing wrong with being crazy. Some of my best friends are crazy. If the sane people have been running the country and the state all these years, and have managed to screw them up so badly, isn’t it time for the crazy people to give it a shot. Vote for me because I must be a raving madman.
I have tried to explain why I have decided to engage in something that may be beyond my grasp. Then again, there’s a little voice that says “we can do this (don’t forget I’m crazy).” If you want to join me on this journey, there is room for you on the bus (I’ll never throw you under it). If you don’t want to join in, then your votes, your cheers, your dollars and your prayers are welcome. Dear reader, regardless of your relationship with my campaign, you’ll always be my friend.
Please comment or email: cnpearl@woh.rr.com
earl4sos@gmail.com
Friday, December 25, 2009
Charlie's littlestuff wish list
Today is Christmas day. For Christians it’s the time to celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Christ. For others who observe this day, it’s a time of fellowship and giving, and for those who don’t observe Christmas, it’s a day off or holiday pay for working. One week from today it will be January 1st, New Years Day. While it may be a time for reflection, it is primarily a day for looking forward with hopeful anticipation, So in the spirit of Christmas and with the hopefulness of the New Year, here is my list of gifts for others.
For the U.S. House, Senate and Administration: I hope they get a clue.
For The Ohio State University football team: A smashing Rose Bowl victory.
For the citizens of the United States: Knowledge and awareness about the true costs of huge government.
For my friends and family: Good health and great joy.
For my readers: May I provide you with better material that makes you think.
For my grandchildren: A nation that cherishes personal freedom and individual opportunity. Plus, may grandpa share that vision with you.
For the Libertarian Party of Ohio: More than 10% of the 2010 vote with some significant victories.
For my wife: a more sane me (extreme longshot).
For me: Increased energy and passion to fight for freedom and follow Him.
For you: Merry Christmas and a blessed 2010.
As always, you can comment or email: cnpearl@woh.rr.com
For the U.S. House, Senate and Administration: I hope they get a clue.
For The Ohio State University football team: A smashing Rose Bowl victory.
For the citizens of the United States: Knowledge and awareness about the true costs of huge government.
For my friends and family: Good health and great joy.
For my readers: May I provide you with better material that makes you think.
For my grandchildren: A nation that cherishes personal freedom and individual opportunity. Plus, may grandpa share that vision with you.
For the Libertarian Party of Ohio: More than 10% of the 2010 vote with some significant victories.
For my wife: a more sane me (extreme longshot).
For me: Increased energy and passion to fight for freedom and follow Him.
For you: Merry Christmas and a blessed 2010.
As always, you can comment or email: cnpearl@woh.rr.com
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