Published bimonthly by the Libertarian Party of Washington State

Contents copyright (c) 2000 by Washington Libertarian. Any material may be reproduced with credit to the author and to Washington Libertarian.

For the latest on events, speakers, etc., see the ''Updates'' Calendar on the main LPWS web site, http://LPWS.org/events.htm.

by Kelly Haughton

     1999 was a breakout year for the Libertarian Party of Washington State. In the last several years, we had been running two to four candidates per election cycle. In 1999, twenty-six LPWS members decided to promote libertarian ideals and the Libertarian Party by running for public office! We've started to act like a real political party!

     We sampled many types of races: county council, city councils, school boards, port commission, cemetery board, and water commissions. Some of our candidates were eliminated in the primary. Some made it through to the general election by placing first or second in the primary, others because just one or two people signed up to run. Six, all running unopposed, won elections: a record number of wins in this state. Three people were elected to city councils, two to a cemetery board, and one to a water commission.

     As it turned out, all of our candidates for contested races lost. However, several of them received vote percentages in excess of 40%. One candidate received over 49% of the vote, a heartbreaking loss. Nevertheless, it does show that some of these races are quite winnable for LPWS members.

     Our candidates received over 200,000 votes, easily a record for the 1990s, and we don't have records going back farther than that. Special mention to Pierce County, where LPWS members received over 125,000 votes. We had a huge increase in campaign activity by our candidates. While we have not added all of the numbers up, LPWS candidates around the state spent over $200,000, possibly as much as $250,000. They advertised using TV and radio ads, bus signs, mailers, and lots of yard signs.

     Let's make 2000 and 2001 even better. We have started the candidate recruiting process for these two years. We need more and better-prepared candidates. I hope that you will consider running for office in either 2000 or 2001. And when you aren't running for office yourself, please support those brave souls who carry our banner. O

     Several regional events didn't get details to calendar@LPWS.org by print time, so for more info in your region, check with www.LPWS.org, events section, or the local chair (see back page). No need to RSVP unless noted, no need to be a member or resident.

Benton/Franklin Counties

     Business meeting 4th Thursdays, Godfathers Pizza, Richland. 6:30pm social time, 7:00pm meeting. Godfather's Pizza, 1051 George Washington Way, Richland. Directions, 509-943-8488. Questions? contact Dave Carson at 509-627-1303 or benton@LPWS.org.

Clallam County

     LP Clallam County will have an "Operation Politically Homeless" booth at the Home Show in Port Angeles on Feb 26 & 27. Sidra Johansen seeks additional volunteers and can be reached at johansen@olypen.com or 360-683-6921.

Clark County

     Business meetings 3rd Thursdays at the Clark County PUD Operations Center Community room, 8600 NE 117th Ave., Vancouver, 7 to 9pm. Contact Bruce Lytle, brucekey@ix.netcom.com.

Grays Harbor County

     Business meetings, 3rd Saturdays, 1pm. River Haven Restaurant, 120 Lincoln Ave, Hoquiam. Directions, 360-532-0126.

Island County

     Alternate Fridays. Feb 4 Gary Strannigan, Citizens for a Sound Economy and previous state senator. 12 pm, Useless Bay Golf & County Club. RSVP required, lunch $8.50 including bev, tax & tip. Contact Reece Rose at 360-341-1796 or island@LPWS.org.

King County

1. Liberty Supper Club (Seattle) 2nd Thursdays. Feb. 10: Mary Novella, Reno, NV, member of the Alliance for Separation of School and State, will speak on her book, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Father of Government Schools. Mar. 9: Doreen Kimura, Professor of Psychology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, B.C., author of Sex and Cognition will speak on "The Chilly Climate of Academic Freedom in North America." Apr 13: Paul Heyne, Professor of Economics, UW, will speak on "Sound Transit: If We Build It, They Won't Come." Dinner at 6:30 and speaker at 7:45pm. Business meeting after the speaker. New location: Olympia Pizza, 4501 Interlake, in Wallingford. Directions, 206-633-3655. Further info: Lauren Bain, lbain@evergo.net or Jessica Nall, 206-768-3156.
2. Liberty Forum: (Bellevue) 3rd Wednesdays Bellevue Las Margaritas, 437 108th NE. Dinner at 6:30, program starts at 7:30, agenda ends at 9 pm. Bring a friend! Directions, 425-453-0535. For more info, contact Doug Witt at 425-888-2266 or eastking@LPWS.org.
3. Liberty Forum: (Covington) 4th Tuesdays NEW LOCATION: Spring City Chinese Cuisine, 17615 SE 272nd St, Covington. 6:30 pm - No host dinner and informal conversation (optional); 7:30pm business meeting; 8pm guest speaker. If you choose to dine, order from menu. Suggested donation $2pp. Directions, 253-630-3638. For more info, contact Steve Phillips at 425-432-4215 or stevephillips@hotmail.com.
4. Liberty Forum: (Issaquah) First Tuesdays. No host dinner 6:30pm, speaker at 7:30pm, $2 donation requested to cover expenses. Location: Mandarin Garden Restaurant, 40 E. Sunset Way, Issaquah. More info, contact Juliana Thompson at 425-557-9423 or juliana@summerwalk.com.
5. Business Meeting, E. King County (organizers of Liberty Forum): 1st Wednesdays, contact Doug Witt as above.
6. Liberty Video Night. Liberty Video is a once-a-month event where a handful (or more) of Libertarians and friends gather together to watch a film of Libertarian interest and enjoy each other's company and discussion. There is also usually beer involved. Feb's film might be "The People vs. Larry Flynt." Third Tuesdays, 7pm for discussion, 7:30 for the movie. At member Brian J's home, contact Chris Wiswell for directions. wizzo1776@yahoo.com or 206-325-5315.

Kitsap County

     2nd Tuesdays at 6:30pm Roundtable Pizza, 3276 NW Plaza Rd. (between Toys R Us and Target) Directions, 360-698-4040. Questions? Harry James, 360-779-3328 or kitsap@LPWS.org.

Pierce County

     Business meeting Thursday, Feb. 17, 7pm. Roundtable Pizza, 7901 S Hosmer Street, Tacoma, in the "community room" or "round table" up front. Directions, 253-988-7031. For more info on Pierce County events, contact Kelly Haughton at pierce@LPWS.org or 253-858-7523.

Snohomish County

1. General Meetings 3rd Saturday of every odd-numbered month. 1:30pm-3:30pm Everett Main Library, corner of Everett & Hoyt in downtown Everett. Directions, 425-513-0474. ANNUAL MEETING: 3rd Saturday in March. Guest speaker Howard Schmidt will talk about transportation. Also this is the time where we update the County Charter, endorse candidates, elect new county officers, and discuss issues for the 2000 election cycle. Contact Jesse Brocksmith, 425-513-0474 or snohomish@LPWS.org.
2. Tax Day Protest, Monday, April 17. To volunteer or get more info: Blythe Brockway, 425-710-1247 or snohoevent@LPWS.org.
3. County Executive Meeting 3rd Saturday of every EVEN numbered month. 9am at the Buzz Inn Steakhouse (for now) on Broadway in Everett. Contact Jesse as above.

South Sound (Thurston, Lewis, Mason)

     First Wednesdays at 6pm, NEW LOCATION (AGAIN), Tumwater Valley Bar & Grill on 4611 Tumwater Valley Drive SE, Olympia. Please contact Erne Lewis at southsound@LPWS.org or call 360-866-7347 to get on the email list or for more info. Please note that business will not be conducted at these meetings.

Spokane County

1. Tues. Feb. 29, 5:30pm at Sharp Shooters Indoor Range and Gun Shop, 1200 N. Freya, a night of recreational shooting. Later, anyone hungry will head across the street for dinner and conversation at Crossroads Restaurant, 3435 E. Trent.
2. Business Meeting, 3rd Mondays, 7pm Northwest Regional Facilitators building, 525 E. Mission, Spokane Feb. 21 - nomination of party officers. Mar. 20 - SCLP convention. Anyone interested in selecting SCLP officers or steering the direction of the SCLP in the year to come is encouraged to attend. Directions, questions, Kristin Holmes, 509-245-3547 or kholmes@ior.com.

Stevens, Ferry, Pend Oreille Cty (NE WA)

1. Libertarian Coffee, Feb 26, Mar 25, April 22 (4th Saturdays) 1pm to ???; Eva Hart's residence - 531 E Birch Ave #3, Colville. This is an informal gathering where libertarians and guests can get together and discuss libertarian ideas and solutions. Cookies and coffee will be served. Question, directions: Eva Hart ehart@theofficenet.com or 509-684-3595. February's Coffee will feature a screening of Thomas Jefferson (portrayed by an actor, of course) debating a Hamiltonian. This is a terrific opportunity to learn more about Jefferson, not to mention quite entertaining and humorous. March's Coffee will feature the second Jefferson tape in the series.
2. Business Meeting, Feb 19, Mar 18 (3rd Saturdays) Cookie's Café in Colville. 1pm to 3pm; Cookie's Cafe - 198 E. Second Ave, Colville. Guests welcome. The beginning of each business meeting is reserved to introduce guests and answer any questions they may have about the Party or Libertarianism in general. Party members are asked to make a voluntary dues payment of $2 at each meeting. Every 3rd Saturday unless otherwise noted here. Questions, directions, Eva Hart, ehart@theofficenet.com or 509-684-3595

LPWS Convention: Apr 28-30. See pages 7-9 for info.

Minor Party Convention Announcements: June 14.

Allowable Days To Hold Minor Party Conventions: June 24 - July 1.

LP National Convention: June 30-July 3. (Fri-Mon) Anaheim, California! Some events will take place BEFORE June 30, probably to include a campaign workshop. Discount rooms available for $104/night at Anaheim Marriott, same location as the convention itself. It will sell out, so reserve soon at 800-228-9290. More info from Balcom Group, 202-234-3880 or LPconv@aol.com.

Primary Election: September 19, 2000.

General Election: November 7, 2000.O

     by Jocelyn Langlois

     One evening a few days before Christmas, I was visiting with my father, and the topic of campaigning came up. I commented that it seemed to me that much had changed in the years since we were running campaigns. Back in the 'olden' days a campaign seemed much more personal. Citizens found candidates that appealed to them, rang door bells, distributed informational brochures, and made lots of phone calls. There were envelope stuffing parties and trucks full of signs with groups of volunteers spread up and down the streets putting them up. The candidates personalized their campaigns, meeting not only all of the volunteers, but also going door to door to meet everyone in their neighborhood and their district. In this way the candidates were real people, someone you had actually met and who had personally asked you to consider him as your representative.

     I know that these things still happen, and that much of my thought was the type of reminiscence common to all of us thinking back to the 'good old days,' but still many things have changed. In my mind the biggest of these is money. Obviously none of the campaigns we ran worked without money, but I sense that campaigning, as much else in society today, has gone over to the philosophy that if you throw enough money at it, everything will work out. Money, and lots of it, will of course make all of the things needed in a campaign easier to obtain. We live in an era of mass media and people with much too little spare time, so radio and television ads play a vital role in a campaign. Printing pamphlets and signs also takes quite a bit of money, but good planning and an early start on the campaign trail can stretch that campaign chest and add the personal touch that the constituents you are trying to reach need to see, to separate you from the pack. So...

     If you have not committed to running a campaign, do it now. It is late, but not too late. Make a plan. A campaign with no plan costs quite a bit more than a campaign with one. Make the plan firm but flexible. Find out what is required of you in filing dates, fees and financial reporting. Get help! A good campaign manager could be the difference between success and melt down (and not just of the campaign: perhaps your sanity as well). You will not run efficiently if you try to do everything yourself. Start gathering a solid core of sincere volunteers. Don't worry about dozens. Start with six or eight, if they believe in and support you with sincerity they will be able to recruit more people by the power of that belief. If you start now, even if you are running for State Senate, you can shake the hand of every person in your district, introduce yourself and your ideas, and ask them personally to consider voting for you on Election Day.

     Do this now, and take it all personally, because this is personal, this is how we will win back Liberty for our country. O

     by Kelly Haughton

     Most current members of the Libertarian Party of Washington State have never had a chance to vote for a partisan Libertarian candidate, except for President. In 2000, we must change that fact.

     The LPWS is recruiting candidates throughout the state for all levels which are being contested in 2000. We are looking for people to run for statewide offices such as Secretary of State, State Treasurer, State Auditor, Attorney General, Commissioner of Public Lands and Insurance Commissioner. These campaigns will lead our ticket in the state, but will not be the focus of our efforts. These campaigns are inexpensive ways to get our issues in the voters' pamphlets throughout the state. These campaigns will increase our name recognition as a party and provide support for more active campaigns in the local regions.

     The LPWS will select which statewide candidates it nominates for the ballot at the convention in April. Plan on coming to the convention and casting your vote.

     We are also looking for candidates for county level positions such as County Commissioner. All regions should be looking to see which county level positions are up for election in 2000. (Please note that King County had its county level races in 1999 and will not be having any in 2000.) Most counties will have a couple of county commissioner seats up in 2000. In many cases,these are our most winnable races. A strong candidate for county commissioner who does well in the September primary is likely to receive financial support from members around the state.

     We are looking for candidates for state legislature. All of the seats in the state House of Representatives (98 of them) are up for election in 2000. Half of the seats in the state Senate (24 or 25 of them) are up in 2000. We would like to have candidates for many of these seats as possible. These will be highly contested, as control of both the House and the Senate could go either for the Democrats or the Republicans. Further, since redistricting will occur during the term of people elected in this election, these races are even more important to the major parties. We already have one officially declared Congressional candidate (John Bennett in the 6th District), and we could use more. These races fill out the ballot for our more winnable races down the ticket and help the National LP with the goal of running enough Congressional candidates to control Congress if they all win.

     If you know anyone who would make a good Libertarian candidate, please contact Rachel Hawkridge (info on back page) so she can have the proper Campaigns Committee member contact the potential candidate to ask for the order. Let's give every LPWS member multiple chances to vote Libertarian in 2000. O

    By Brien Bartels

     A few places to look for help in crafting policies for a free society.

     So now you've gone and done it: got yourself elected to a council or commission. Now, how are you going to get plug into detailed libertarian solutions so you can make a difference?

     Here are some resources that supply data, rationale, and history as you persuade your fellow politicians to stand up to the ever-growing blob of regulations, taxes and apron-string subsidies that threaten to crush local government.

    Local Problems, Libertarian Solutions by William Burt
     An electronic version of an old LP manual for local pols, this is the manual that's not too prissy to delve into solid waste disposal (the vexing issue, that is, not actual solid waste) and seriously debate alternatives to zoning. www.amatecon.com/etext/lpls/lpls.html.

    Transitions
    This is a policy proposal co-authored by environmental economist Randall O'Toole. The subject was creating ecologically sustainable development in an impoverished former logging region in Oregon, without abusing property rights, or rather human rights. Not applicable to many situations, but it can be a great exhibit in proving libertarians do offer alternatives to planning. www.teleport.com/~rot/transits.html.

    Cato Institute
    The grandmother of all freedom think tanks. Most of their several-odd Policy Analyses are available at their web site, as are gifts including Cato Institute ties (!). Most of their literature is aimed at Big Issues of national scope. But they do have a number of helpful books with broader appeal. One that I have reviewed, Water Markets: Priming the Invisible Pump, was a great aid for me to start understanding the issue of water rights in my arid district. www.cato.org, 1000 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington D.C. 20001-5403,(202) 842-0200.

    Cascade Policy Institute
    Sometimes called "our own Cato Institute," this Portland-based think tank concentrates its fire on Oregon's problematic land use and transportation policies. A criticism of zoning is also available.

     Many of their studies and op-eds are available at www.cascadepolicy.org, 813 S.W. Alder, Suite 450, Portland, OR 97205, (503) 242-0900.

     Washington's Evergreen Freedom Foundation is justly famous for jousting with the teachers' unions. But they too have studies of interest to state and local legislators. They also have many succinct observations about the state ferry system. www.effwa.org, P.O. Box 552, Olympia, Washington 98507, 360-956-3482.

    The Washington Institute for Policy Studies
    This group is famous for its association with conservative commentator John Carlson but should be better known for the variety of policy research their analysts do. Among their studies are Private Solutions for Public Service: Opportunities for Privatization in King County, The 1999 King County Budget: Alternatives to Tax Increases, and Saving Our Salmon: Using the Free Market to Protect the Environment. www.wips.org, 4025 Delridge Way SW, Suite 210, Seattle, WA 98106, 1-888-WIF-9797.

     Young libertarians should also check out all of the sites above for internship and even employment opportunities.

     This is but a beginning sample of the information available to local governors. We hope to highlight additional resources in future issues, and perhaps extract individual studies for your convenience.

     If you have any ideas for future installments in this column, please send them to pr@LPWS.org. O

    By Brien Bartels

     Here's a way to increase our visibility and credibility without too much effort on your part. Sound like a winner? It should be as easy as asking a few questions of your city or county clerk and submitting an application form that makes applications at a fast food joint look rigorous and intrusive.

     Appointive offices aren't competitive, some meet infrequently, and belonging to one will allow you to build your political career. Sitting on commissions is sometimes the only way to get the inside scoop on politics in your area, depending on the laziness of reporters at your local paper. In smaller municipalities, some appointive offices have constant openings. Even highly prestigious ones have openings as resignations take their toll. Your city or county clerk can probably provide you with a dossier on the appointive offices in your area. The one I'm looking at now lists the positions vacant, the staff person in charge of shepherding the committee, all the members with contact info, information on the statutory authority of the committee, and the frequency with which the committee meets. Some meet weekly. Some might not be possible because they are in conflict with your more important commitments. But some meet quarterly or only on demand, such as my local Board of Adjustment.

     Some libertarians will object that, besides being dull, these commissions proceedings are only able to rubber stamp government actions. Frequently they impose regulations at the behest of government staff and ordinances, but there is room to accept appeals.

     It's hard to advance liberty directly this way, but it is possible to commiserate with regulatory victims, and get into the loop for activities in your town. You might become identified as the most sympathetic member of your town's design review board, for example. Once that reputation gets out, you will attract the attention of the more forward-looking elements of your town. They're the people who believe that property rights are human rights, and that government regulation is to economic development what condoms are to pregnancy: it can happen, but it's designed to prevent it.

     In short, this is a perfect way to increase the credibility of libertarians as the conscience of government, without dramatically decreasing your own level of sanity. Why not call your town or county clerk today? (Hint: It's in your phone book. The blue pages.) O

     Richard Shepard, Tacoma attorney, has announced he will seek the nomination for state Attorney General this year. There are also more than twenty people exploring races for the legislature and other races. Contact the campaigns committee if you wish to run for office in 2000. The executive director can link you with potential volunteers and campaign staff. Contact info is on back page.

     Robert Hill is starting a group to analyze races around the state in hopes of pinning down winnable partisan elections and establishing criteria for identifying and supporting those races in 2000. Contact him at pierce_rep@LPWS.org for details.

     Try This.

    January is the cruelest month. February and March are considered by some accountants to be the heaviest times for tax forms for Washington's small businesses. Not only do they deal with federal income taxes and withholding, but they have excise, personal property and business & occupation taxes to pay to the state. An interesting experiment might be to see if business owners you know are any more receptive to libertarian ideas during this time of year.

     Although everybody is giddy over motor vehicle tax relief, business owners face higher fees and more excuses for lousy service from local governments. ("We need more staff to process your permits, but we can't afford it! Blame I-695!")

     So talk to your local entrepreneur this month, if you can get his or her attention. O

    Opposition Research

     By Mark Taff

     Welcome to the first installment of Campaigning to Win, a continuing series of articles designed to help you campaign more effectively. Each introductory article will focus on one specific aspect of effective campaigning.

     Thorough opposition research, research that is undertaken to identify your opponents' strengths and weaknesses, is crucial to an effective campaign. Failing to perform adequate research will result in your campaign making poor strategic and tactical decisions, likely costing you the election.

     All contested races call for the same type of information, but the nature of each race will require utilizing various resources. The first item on your list should be your opponents' biographical data. This should include, but definitely not be limited to: date and place of birth, duration of residency, marital status, family members and their backgrounds, criminal records, and civil judgments.

     What are your opponents' political backgrounds and community activities? If any of your opponents have ever held any appointive or elective office, what are their voting records? Who contributed to their past campaigns? Check their bill sponsorship against their contributor lists. For example, did they introduce a bill to revise plumbing codes after receiving a contribution from the pipefitter's union? How much did they raise? How did they spend the campaign's funds? Who are their friends? What about their enemies? Who will work to see them elected? Who will work to see them defeated? What ratings have organizations such as the NRA and ACLU given them? Find out what your opponents' community activities are. Do they belong to any organizations? For how long? Have they held any positions in any organizations? Do they belong to a church?

     Another area to research is your opponents' current campaign. How much money do they have? Who is the manager, and what is his or her experience? Do they have many volunteers? What issues are they campaigning on?

     Do not forget that your opponents will be researching you as well, so I suggest you also research yourself. Knowing what your opponents can find out about you will allow you to insulate yourself against potential negative campaigning.

     Where do I find this information, you ask? Good sources include: the Internet, City Hall, your County Recorder and Auditor, the State Ethics Board, the Public Disclosure Commission, back issues of newspapers and magazines, your County's Annual Financial Report, and your opponents' former and current volunteers and employees.

     When you think you have all the information you can find on your opponents, take a break and then start all over again. You are sure to find more information the second time around.

     Effective research will result in a mountain of information. For example, I did some preliminary research for a Libertarian contemplating a race against incumbent State Representative Cathy McMorris (R). In two days I had collected almost two reams of information on her. Had I completed my research, I would likely have had several reams of data on her.

     When should I begin my research? Ideally you should begin two years before the election, but definitely not later than the day you decide to run for office.

     What if I can't find much information on my opponents? Call me. If you will work around my busy schedule, I will give you some pointers free of charge.

     Thorough opposition research is part of the foundation of a winning campaign. If you don't build a solid foundation, perhaps you are not truly campaigning to win. O

     Mark Taff is Vice-Chair of the Libertarian Party of Washington State and an elected councilmember of the City of Colville. Contact him at 509-684-6240 or vicechair@LPWS.org.

    By Carol Miller, Executive Director

     This year's Libertarian Party Convention of Washington State promises to be even brisker, fresher, bigger and more engaging than ever before. We'll meet amazing luminaries including Dave Nolan, who co-founded the Libertarian Party at his home in 1971, and who created the two-dimensional political spectrum on which the World's Smallest Political Quiz is based. See the next page for more information about speakers, and the www.LPWS.org website has links to speakers' biographies and organizations.

     I have noticed that when people aren't sure whether to participate, they have certain objections. I will respond to the most common ones here:

    "Conventions can be boring!"

     Not this one! Each speaker is given just 20 minutes in the main hall, which includes time for a couple of questions. Have you ever heard the expression, I would have written you a shorter letter if I'd had more time? The short time, while sometimes making it harder to develop complex ideas, challenges our speakers to stay on target and deliver the best part of what would otherwise be one-hour speeches.

     A short break between every speaker gives you the opportunity to move around and select a breakout session rather than the main hall program. In fact, you choose from three concurrent activities all day. See the schedule is on the next page.

     We've even signed up one of the nation's funniest comedians, Tim Slagle, whose content is almost entirely libertarian in nature.

     Last year's convention, which had a similar structure, was a blast. The breakout rooms and sessions allow for lots of interaction. It will also be relatively easy to get one-on-one time with the speakers you like best.

    "It's expensive"

     $99/110 (early/std.) is a true bargain for the deluxe package, which includes activities for three days and three meals. This cost is the same as last year, even though this year will be more complex and entertaining.

     For comparison, the California LP Convention doesn't look like as much fun (though they have a very attractive 6-page brochure) but costs $275/325 for a comparable package.

     Tuition for (taxpayer subsidized) graduate school at the UW comes to about $13/hour. Even you consider the meals free (and TANSTAAFL: there ain't no such thing as a free lunch!), this convention is under $5/hour. Who would you rather learn from, a local professor or the Washington Bureau Chief of Wired News?!

     If you don't want to pay for lodging, see page 9 for information how to get linked up with local Libertarians who will be happy to let you sleep in a guest bedroom.

    "It's just the same old thing, I've been to them in the past"

     The LP has grown here substantially, so our convention has grown, too-I'd say not "grown up" but rather "grown more fun." This event features:

• 20+ displays from liberty-oriented organizations.
• Breakout sessions which give you an opportunity to meet, for example, people who share your enthusiasm to get some local TV ads launched or discuss the environment. There are more than 50 choices for these 4 breakout sessions, so something should catch your interest!
• Q&A/small group sessions immediately following the main hall speeches, so if you want to spend some up-close time with Supreme Court Justice Richard Sanders, for example, you'll have that opportunity. Furthermore, if the small-group session isn't enough, you can invite him to join you for further discussion at one of the small tables in the far foyer.
• Workshops are led by some of the best & brightest in the nation. For example, Alan Gottlieb is often cited as a "direct mail genius" and he's offering his knowledge to us. Another example: Barb Goushaw will lead several campaign workshops-she's the person that our national committee selected to write most of the how-to manual for running campaigns.

     Besides, where else can you get in a room with 200 like-minded people?

     "I'll sign up later"

     No, no no!!! I'm going to be very busy starting very soon-I'm planning to give birth to my son in late Feb. or early March-and would VERY MUCH APPRECIATE you signing up soon soon soon!!!

     If cash flow is an issue, sign up with a credit card now, and we won't run the charge until the last day of the early registration period. You'll be happy because you won't forget or have to spend the extra money for later sign-up. We might even sell out...

     Also, it costs time and money to ask you again-last year I even made lots of phone calls. Your early registration (or regrets statement) means that I'll have more time for other important projects. O

Convention Schedule

Convention Registration Form

    Just about a year ago, my son started telling me about the Libertarian Party. It sounded too good to be true, but the more I learned the more I came to realize that the Libertarian Party held some of the things that were missing from my life. I became a member in February of 1999.

    I was born in Hungary in 1944. To avoid the extinction of our family, we fled to Germany in 1946. In 1952 we were accepted as immigrants into the United States of America. We arrived in New York that March. I was eight years old and didn't know a word of English. That summer, a retired grade school teacher taught me to read and to write. I read about George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. I read about the Bill of Rights and the Constitution. I read about liberty and freedom. I taught my parents.

    Again, it sounded too good to be true, but the more I learned, the more I came to realize that my new country was indeed founded on these principles. I believed.

    I recall how proud I was the first time I voted. I recall how proud I was in our leaders. I recall how proud I was of my country. I recall how proud I was to be a citizen of the United States of America.

    With time I came to realize that my country was no longer being run in accordance with the principles that I had learned so long ago and held in my heart. I wanted to continue to believe. I wanted to continue to be proud. But slowly that flame in my heart grew less, and I gave up.

    I want to thank those who started the Libertarian Party and kept it alive all these years. I want to thank the Libertarians of Washington State for accepting the challenge of making a new map of freedom and liberty for others to follow. I want to thank all those who in this past year have guided, informed, supported and inspired me.

    I especially want to thank my son for carrying the flame in his heart that I allowed to go out in mine.

    Because of all of you, I again believe, I again am proud.

    Thank you. —  Eva Hart

Libertarians in office in Washington State John Bennett, State Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery Rob Chase, Chase Youth Commission Bruce Coe, Kittitas County Planning Commission John Gearhart, City Council, Palouse Mark Hamilton, Chairman Civil Service Commission, Bonney Lake Eva Hart, Colville City Council Gene Hawkridge, Totem Lake Neighborhood Planning Task Force Mike Hihn, King County Water District 125 Frank Jenkins, Pierce County Aging and Long Term Care Advisory Board Walt Kloefkorn, Trustee, Stevens County Rural Library District Ron Lahr, City of Spokane Community Development Board Larey McLaren, Commissioner, Alderwood Water District Mark Taff, Colville City Council Margaret Wiggins, Commissioner, Northshore Utility District = appointed = elected (Excludes LP members elected to partisan office from another party.)

Top