Spokane area readers take note: This is the last issue of WL that will be mailed to former subscribers of the New Liberal Review. With this issue, NLr is no more. To continue receiving the newsletter, you must subscribe ($12 per year) or join the LPWS ($15 per year, subscription included). See the masthead on page 11 for details.

Vote totals for Libertarian candidates in Washington State were disappointing: although Harry Browne received 1% of the vote—-about twice the national average—Ralph Nader received 3%. Art Rathjen received 2% in his race for Lt. Governor, and Rich Shepherd slightly less than 3% in the Attorney General contest. Shepherd's total was especially disappointing: after receiving 4% in the primary, many hoped Rich would break the magic 5% barrier in the general election, thus propelling the LPWS to "major party" status. But t'was not to be . . .

State Executive Committee meets next on January 18. Main item of business: professionalizing LPWS operations. "It is becoming more and more difficult to get the things we need to do done by relying solely on volunteers," says State Chair Jim Campton. "Anybody who has any ideas on the subject is invited and encouraged to come to the Burien Library on Saturday, January 18, starting at 1:00 P.M." The SEC is also seeking a replacement for State Secretary Michael Fleiss, who has resigned due to business pressures, although he will remain in the post until a successor is appointed. If you're interested, contact Jim.

"Junk Science" loses a round in court: A federal judge in Portland hearing one of the numerous class action lawsuits involving silicone breast implants has ruled that "expert" witnesses scheduled to testify that implants caused the plaintiffs' various health problems would not be allowed to appear before the jury. Their opinions are mere "guesswork," said the judge, supported by no scientific evidence.