Arkansas LP is having their convention in Little Rock. I am at the Arkansas convention and will provide some live coverage in the comments (how live will depend on internet connection speed). If anyone in AR is able to provide live updates please do so in the comments here as well. Please also post links to any twitter feeds, photos, videos, livestreams, blogging or news coverage elsewhere, etc., in the comments. Some information about the convention can be found at http://lpar.org/news-events/the-lpar-convention/, Big Liberty, Little Rock event page and Big Liberty LR page on facebook.
92 registered as of yesterday not including those registering at the door. Evan McMahon speaking first: Brief introduction to libertarianism. More in the comments.
LPAR 2014 Post-Convention Press Release
February 24, 2014
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The Libertarian Party of Arkansas nominated 26 candidates, the largest number in its history, for the 2014 election ballot at its state convention, held this weekend in Little Rock.
Heading the state Libertarian ticket is Frank Gilbert, running for Governor of Arkansas. Gilbert currently serves as constable of Dekalb Township in Grant County, attending to the rural areas of northwest Grant County. Gilbert also served as mayor of Tull, Arkansas, for eight years, coroner of Grant County for two years, and is a former president of the Bauxite Education Association.
“I am excited by the opportunity, as the Libertarian Party’s nominee for Governor, to carry the message that free men and women have an absolute right to conduct their lives in any way they choose, so long as they don’t infringe on the equal rights of others,” Gilbert said, “as well as our absolute responsibility to bear the result of our actions. The Libertarian Party is the only political entity that has that message for the voters of Arkansas. I believe it will be a refreshing change from the politics-as-usual of the old parties. I intend to campaign vigorously throughout the state.”
If the Libertarian Party candidate for Governor receives at least 3% of the vote, the party will be automatically certified to run candidates in the next election cycle, without having to petition for a spot on the ballot.
Libertarian candidates nominated for other statewide races are Nathan LaFrance, U.S. Senate; Christopher Olson, Lt. Governor; Jacob Holloway, Secretary of State; Brian Leach, Auditor; Chris Hayes, Treasurer; and Elvis D. Presley, Land Commissioner.
Libertarian candidates for US Congressional seats are Brian Willhite, 1st district; Debbie Standiford, 2nd district; Grant Brand, 3rd district; and Ken Hamilton, 4th district.
Candidates for Arkansas House include Wayne Willems, District 15; Marc Rosson, District 20; Greg Deckleman, District 31; Rodger Paxton, District 51; Taylor Watkins, District 80; Eddie Moser, District 95; Michael Kalagias, District 96.
Candidates nominated for other Arkansas races include Valerie Emmons, Pulaski Co. Justice of the Peace, District 2; William Brackeen, Pulaski Co. Justice of the Peace, District 13; Christian Parks, Lonoke Co. Justice of the Peace, Ward District 2; W. Whitfield Hyman, Springdale Constable; Jacob Faught, Gentry Constable; Glen Schwarz, Pulaski Co. Judge; and Shawn Hipskind, Saline County Judge.
The Libertarian Party is the third largest party in Arkansas. The Libertarian Party of Arkansas formally submitted more than 16,000 signatures to the Arkansas Secretary of State’s office last October in order to run candidates on the 2014 ballot.
“paulie Post authorFebruary 25, 2014 at 7:35 am
Long time IPR readers are not confused, but for any casual readers, Billy Roper has nothing to do with the LP. The BTP was a tiny LP-esque splinter party that was on the ballot for 3 states for president in 2008. Roper *unsuccessfully* sought the BTP presidential nomination in 2012, had all of one supporter as far as I know, and the party go on zero ballots and folded that year. None of which has anything at all to do with the amazing growing success of the Arkansas LP. That one is what you call a big reach even by troll ‘logic’ standards.”
This is what I’d call a guilt by association smear, and it was a very loose association at best. This sounds like a COINTELPRO tactic.
Long time IPR readers are not confused, but for any casual readers, Billy Roper has nothing to do with the LP. The BTP was a tiny LP-esque splinter party that was on the ballot for 3 states for president in 2008. Roper *unsuccessfully* sought the BTP presidential nomination in 2012, had all of one supporter as far as I know, and the party got on zero ballots and folded that year. None of which has anything at all to do with the amazing growing success of the Arkansas LP. That one is what you call a big reach even by troll “logic” standards.
“Vernon February 24, 2014 at 7:26 pm
BILLY ROPER of the activist group White Revolution, based in Russellville, Arkansas sought the Presidential nomination of the libertarian Boston Tea Party.”
Hi “Spence.”
BILLY ROPER of the activist group White Revolution, based in Russellville, Arkansas sought the Presidential nomination of the libertarian Boston Tea Party.
Thanks so much to Paulie for coming to Little Rock to join us. We owe many, many people thanks for their support and involvement in our success, but I hope the LPAR’s revitalization will help encourage and rejuvenate others across the country.
I look forward to seeing you all in Columbus. Live Free!
Frank Gilbert preparing for debate
First radio interview as nominee for governor of Arkansas Libertarian Party. #arpx
https://www.facebook.com/gilbertforgovernor?hc_location=stream
“Words fail in trying to express the mixture of pride and humility that I feel at being allowed to run for Governor of Arkansas as a Libertarian. I will work hard to to be the best candidate possible. I know that I will fail if you and hundreds of others don’t hold me up in so many ways. Anything you do for the campaign will be appreciated and put to good use. Thank you LPAR! Let’s have some fun and make a difference.” – Frank Gilbert
https://secure.piryx.com/donate/W7BnZr5Q/Frank-Gilbert-for-Governor/
Frank Gilbert at Big Liberty Little Rock
Evan McMahon speaking at Big Liberty Little Rock
The Federal Reserve Explained in 3 Minutes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iP9H5fADC0E
Governor – Frank Gilbert
Lt. Governor – Chris Olson
Secretary of State – Jacob Holloway
Auditor – Brian Leach
Attorney General – Aaron Cash
Treasurer – Chris Hayes
Land Commissioner – Elvis D. Presley
US Senate – Nathan LaFrance
US Congress 1 – Brian Willhite
US Congress 2 – Debbie Standiford
US Congress 3 – Grant Brand
US Congress 4 – Ken Hamilton
Arkansas House 4 – Cynthia Sullenger
Arkansas House 15 – Wayne Willems
Arkansas House 20 – Marc Rosson
Arkansas House 24 – Jamie Koonce
Arkansas House 31 – Greg Deckleman
Arkansas House 51 – Rodger Paxton
Arkansas House 80 – Taylor Watkins
Arkansas House 95 – Eddie Moser
Arkansas House 96 – Michael Kalagias
Justice of the Peace District 2 Pulaski County – Valerie Emmons
Justice of the Peace District 2 Ward County – Christopher Parks
Justice of the Peace District 13 Pulaski County – William Brackeen
Constable Springdale – Whit Hyman
Constable Gentry – Jacob Faught
Pulaski County Judge – Glen Schwarz
Saline County Judge – Shawn Hipskind
From Rodger Paxton on FB
Rodger Paxton
10 hours ago
After our three days annual state Arkansas Libertarian Party convention, Big Liberty, Little Rock, I am more excited than ever about the prospects of bringing true liberty to this state! We had 100 people in attendance and nominated 26 candidates. EVERY single Arkansan will have a minimum of 9 Libertarian Candidates on their ballot in 2014! This is a massive success for this party and this state.
Ladies and gentlemen, THIS is true success and momentum. The Rs and Ds had better watch out. The LPAR is here, hungry, growing, and on the prowl for liberty.
Thank you to all of you who came out, donated time and money, and worked hard. Thank you to all of our candidates for stepping up at this crucial time. Thank you to every Libertarian in this state who has worked to help propel this party this far. Thank you to every Libertarian around the country who has helped Arkansas with advice, help, donations, etc. None of this would be possible without all of you.
Most of all, I would like to thank my wife, Jessica Bearden Paxton. Her tireless efforts, hard work and hundreds of volunteer hours over the last several months have made a huge difference in this state and party. She is already a better chair than I ever was and I am so damn proud of her.
Last presentation will be Evan on county affiliate support, then the exec comm meeting and done.
Pojunis on organization structure. Exec comm meeting switched to the end.
Pojunis now speaking on communicating libertarianism to non-libertarians.
Evan McMahon has started the media training portion as we are eating lunch (breakfast for me).
In addition to Judge Gray, Frank Gilbert, Brett Pojunis and Geoff Neale also spoke last night. Judge Gray also performed his own birthday song for Geoff Neale, who turned 59 yesterday. The headline speakers and party business are done, but a party training seminar with Brett and Evan and a state executive committee meeting will be from 11 am to 3 PM today. The topics covered today will be communication, social media, county organizing, organizational structure and job description.
made the local tv news
http://www.thv11.com/news/article/298918/2/Libertarian-Party-holds-annual-state-convention-
Paulie,
Sam is hosting a BBQ Saturday night May 3, I think we could find someone local to give you a place to crash from before to after . . . Hope you can make it/cover it.
If not, I’ll do my best to update IPR, or get someone else online to do that then/there.
Kudos to the Paxtons for doing such a superb job of revitalizing LPAR and building it into such an active affiliate.
And thanks as always to the intrepid Paulie Frankel, IPR’s man on the spot for his up to the second reporting.
Many thanks to the Paxtons for taking good care of me this weekend.
If anyone would like to help with travel costs please let me know.
Business session finished. Dinner with Judge Gray in 45 min.
Awards: Rodger Paxton, Michael Pakko, Debbie Standiford, Michael Harrison, Frank Gilbert
Thanks for reading. I’ll try to cover several others. Not sure if I will be able to make all these but here are the ones I would like to try to make:
Bylaws and LNC, Alexandria VA, Feb 28-Mar 2
Oklahoma March 8 (Georgia is closer, but OK is in my region)
Tennessee March 15
Mississippi April 4-6
Texas April 11-13
NY April 26 is a “reach” goal
You just reminded me about Indianapolis
Alabama May 10
Florida May 16
National in Columbus, June 26-29
Thanks Paulie.
Hope IPR can do more of this kind of thing at other party state conventions and significant committee meetings. Any chance you’ll make Indianapolis May 3-4?
Also a raffle.
National delegate selection, call for volunteers, awards, etc.
That’s it for candidates. 15 minute break.
Shawn Hipskind – Saline County Judge – nominated
Cynthia Sullenger – AR House 4 – not here – nominated
AR House 24 – Jamie Koonce – not here – nominated
Pulaski County Distict 13 Justice of the Peace – William Brackeen – nominated
Glen Schwarz nominated for Pulaski County Judge. This will be an open seat race.
Jacob Faught – Gentry Constable – nominated
Whit Hyman – nominated for Springfield Constable.
Ward/ Lonoke Justice of the Peace District 2 – Christopher Parks nominated
Kalagias beats Hardin 19-14
It’s actually Kalagias. Meanwhile Valerie Emmons unanimously nominated for Pulaski Justice of the Peace District 2 while votes tabulated.
Grant Hardin – AR House 96
Michael Palagios (sp?) same district – secret ballot
Eddie Moser – AR House 95 – nominated
Rodger Paxton – Arkansas 51 (these are state house) – nominated
Taylor Watkins – Arkansas 80 – nominated
Arkansas 31 – Greg Deckelman – nominated.
Wayne Willems – Arkansas 15 – nominated
Marc Rosson – Arkansas 20 – nominated
Presley ran as write-in for Governor. Not very familiar with office of Land Commissioner but wants to run. Elvis Presley nominated with some NOTA voice votes.
Elvis Presley nominated for Land Commissioner. Speaks to his candidacy.
Nominated unanimously.
Treasurer – Chris Hayes. Nominated unanimously.
Attorney General – Aaron Cash, also not here, nominated by his law partner. Pakko clarifies that absent candidates will also have to pay fee and notarize statement of candidacy, etc or will not be candidates despite being nominated.
Unanimous. Auditor – Brian Leach for Audot. Not here; past Arkansas LP candidate and officer. Rodger speaks on his behalf. Also unanimous.
Lt Gov Schwarz 10, Olson 29; next Secretary of State – Jacob Hallaway speaks.
Several out of staters in attendance: myself, Evan McMahon, Brett Pojunis, Geoff Neale, ND chair Roland Riemers, MS chair Danny Bedwell and his wife Sherri, Judge Gray. There may be others but those are all I know of.
Wants to run against the prohibitionist Republican for Lt Gov. Shawn Hipskind nominated but declines.
Schwarz says as parliamentarian of Pulaski County LP he has qualification to serve as head of Senate as Lt Gov.
Gov 2 votes for Schwarz, 10 votes for Hispskind, 32 for Gilbert – Schwarz now nominated for Lt Gov and speaks.
While votes for Governor tabulated will do Lt Gov.
Christopher Olson speks to his candidacy.
Hamilton unamimous. The three candidates who debated nominated for Governor. This will be by secret ballot.
Ken Hamilton for US 4; unanimous. Elvis D. Presley was also running but I guess he dropped out. Presley is an Elvis impersanator who legally changed his name.
Nominated unanimously. US-3 Grant Brand unanimous.
Nominated unanimously. Debbie Standiford for US-2.
Nominated unanimously.. US Congress next Brian Willhite for US-1 is first.
Passes unanimoulsly. First up US Senate – Nathan LaFrance
Moving to candidate nominations. Pakko motion on procedures for nomination.
Now 45.
37 voting delegates present. Pakko motion to suspened the rules and allow all party members present to be delegates. Passes almsot unanimously. This will allow those who have been members for less than 3 months to be voting delegates. 43 voting delegates as a result.
Business session getting started.
They are all broke and all-volunteer at this point.
“paulie Post authorFebruary 22, 2014 at 4:00 pm
Two groups. They are both here getting signatures along with a marriage equality group.”
I don’t think that any of those groups have much in the realm of money.
Two groups. They are both here getting signatures along with a marriage equality group.
“Marijuana legalization, or in particular, medical marijuana, is a hot issue in Arkansas right now. There was a Medical Marijuana initiative on the ballot in Arkansas that got 48% of the vote.”
Note that the above happened in 2012. There is a group in Arkansas that is trying to get this on the ballot for 2014, but they have yet to raise enough money to really make much progress.
“Schwarz: Legalizing hemp will get us more freedom.”
Marijuana legalization, or in particular, medical marijuana, is a hot issue in Arkansas right now. There was a Medical Marijuana initiative on the ballot in Arkansas that got 48% of the vote. I think that it could have won if the campaign in favor of it had been better organized. I was in Arkansas last year and there was a lot of buzz in favor of getting medical marijuana passed, and many people of these people would favor legalizing it for recreational purposes like what happened in Colorado and Washington in 2012.
The Libertarian Party of Arkansas should not only embrace this issue, but should actively work on helping it get on the ballot and pass. This is a great issue for whoever the Libertarian Party of Arkansas nominates for Governor to get behind.
Remaining today; 2:45pm – 5:30pm Convention Business (Candidate selection, national delegate selection, awards)
6:30pm Dinner – Keynote Speaker, Judge Jim Gray, 2012 LP Vice-Presidential candidate
Hipskind wants to get rid of war lobbyists. Debate over; 15 min break.
Closing statements:
Schwarz: Same opening as closing. Proud perennial candidate.
Gilbert: Intends to run to win. 3% as a fallback, since it saves from having to petition. Name checks Sarvis. Believes he has the best shot at 3% due to experience.
Hipskind: Running against lobbyists and large crony corporatism.
Last question:
Specific ways to provide smaller government and lower taxes.
Hipskind: Lower taxes since if government gets money it will spend the money. Cut non-essential services.
Schwarz: Legalizing hemp will get us more freedom.
Gilbert: Health and safety only; cut everything else.
Gilbert mentions he was a business owner also. Don’t want a government run like a business because they have different models to do different things. Hipskind disagrees.
What differentiates you from oter two candidates
Gilbert: I am better looking (laugh line) – minor policy differences. Big difference is he has held 3 offices.
Hispkind: Get away from politicians; business owner experience (like his) is important.
Schwarz: More environmentalist; believes in some role for government.
How to reduce federal mandate requirements.
Schwarz: Federal spending is the problem. Will use office as bully pulpit to call for balanced budget and paying down debt.
Gilbert: 65% of Arkansas state spending is federal pass through funds. Need to educate voters about this.
Hipskind: Strong 10th amendment movement needed among governors to take money/power out of federal hands. Big applause line.
Which state agencies would you eliminate.
Hipskind: ADEQ (environmental), wishes he could eliminate federal agencies. Some applause lines.
Schwarz: Passes on the question
Gilbert: Arkansas Dept of Education; local school boards can do better job. Works for government school and sees waste but especially bad from state and federal level.
Gilbert mentions we need Libertarian legislators. Hipskind agrees with pardons.
What sort of bills will you veto
Gilbert: Legislature can override with simple majority, but veto can still be used to make a point. Applause line against Obamacare. Republicans lied to take over legislature.
Hipskind: Anything that grows government will get vetoed. Name checks Gary Johnson.
Schwarz: Get government out of health care. Will veto drug task forces and various drug war related spending. Power of pardon is more important than veto power in Arkansas.
Hipskind got applause that time.
Schwarz: Supports public schools. Gilbert replies that practice of government schools is bad even if intent is good. Gilbert gets the applause.
Top 3 issues
Schwarz: Release marijuana prisoners, legalize hemp, legalize nudist colonies, eliminate state income tax due to savings from legalizing pot.
Gilbert: Change marijuana laws and drug war, marriage equality (big applause line) 3rd close between income tax and education. Gilbert getting the applause lines. School choice as a first step to separation of school and state.
Hipskind: Campaign finance reform, drug war (applause about its costs), school choice.
Gun rights question.
Hipskind: 2nd amendment; carry anywhere anytime per 2nd Amendment rights.
Schwarz: defends right to have a rifle but types of guns and who gets them should be controlled. Not a staunch libertarian on this issue.
Gilbert: US and Arkansas constitutions allow absolute right to bear arms. It can only be done by constitutional amendment. Big applause line. First disagreement of the debate.
Essentials of libertarian economic policy.
Gilbert: continues answer about non-aggression, applies it to econmic issues.
Hipskind: Government should not tell us what to pay people or how to run a business.
Schwarz: Would like to be a champion of middle/working class. Government growth enslaves the working class.
What does nonaggression principle mean.
Schwarz: nobody is more acquainted with government aggression than someone who has been busted for pot. Only crimes of violence or property crimes should be illegal.
Gilbert: basic explanation of non-aggression.
Hipskind: A different version of same. I can’t type fast enough to convey their answers but they are being recorded.
Schwarz has been a Democrat, Republican, Libertarian when he found out Harry Browne was for legalization, was Green for a while and is now back in LP. Agrees about 80% of LP issues.
Gilbert: Ed Clark TV ads on TV in 1980. Voted for Reagan but felt Reagan sold out, joined LP in 1983 and went to national conventions that nominated Bergland and Paul.
Question on discovering LP and becoming a member.
Hipskind is former conservative who became libertarian thanks to Ron Paul and has become more socially liberal.
Schwarz is last. Will run for something, anything. Writer/publisher of small independent free newspaper. Touts he can get publicity that way. Head of Arkansas NORML for many years. Will release pot prisoners and legalize hemp. Taxing pot can raise money to get rid of state income tax. Tenth run for office. Environmentalist, former Green Party member.
Hipskind second. Small business owner, running zero dollar campaign to protest influence of money in politics.
Opening statements. Frank Gilbert is first. Has been elected Mayor, coroner, currently constable.
Gov debate starting. Geoff Neale moderating. First ever Arkansas LP Gov candidate debate.
Candidates: Frank Gilbert, Shawn Hipskind, Glen Schwarz
Running a little late, people are still eating. I could not do lunch, my stomach is tore up.
There will be a lunch and then a Gubernatorial candidate debate at 1: 30
Brett is repeating the fundraising presentation, I believe Evan has activism training in the other room.
“paulie Post authorFebruary 22, 2014 at 12:30 pm
LPAR
New website and back end,
in past year: doubled fundraising and membership,
doubled convention attendance, doubled number of candidates (maybe tripled?)
Would like to get executive director hired ”
Wow, the Libertarian Party of Arkansas is really on the move. Everyone needs to keep in mind that prior to 2011, the Libertarian Party of Arkansas was practically a dormant group. The Libertarian Party of Arkansas has gone from being one of the least active state Libertarian Party affiliates to one of the most active Libertarian Party state affiliates. I hope that Libertarians in other states will follow their example.
“Contest between the two groups (main hall and breakout session) who raises more money today and more volunteer time pledges today.”
Great idea.
How about this for a contest? Libertarian Party State Affiliate of the year, or for a two year period. The award could be given out at the Libertarian Party National Conventions. Maybe it could be called the Most Active Libertarian Party State Affiliate Award, or something like that. There could also be two or three awards given, like Most Successful Libertarian Party State Affiliate, Most Active Libertarian Party State Affiliate, and/or Most Improved Libertarian Party State Affiliate. The award winner(s) would be announced by the National Chairman in front of the full delegation at the LP National Conventions, and the winner(s) would get to go up on the stage and shake the hand of the National Chairman and receive a plaque, or perhaps a trophy, and they get their picture taken and posted along with an article about why they won the award on the front of the http://www.LP.org website and in LP News. If enough funding is available, maybe they could receive a cash donation as an award.
Contests are good, because they get people motivated to do things, and they also reward people for their hard work.
LPAR
New website and back end,
in past year: doubled fundraising and membership,
doubled convention attendance, doubled number of candidates (maybe tripled?)
Would like to get executive director hired
Contest between the two groups (main hall and breakout session) who raises more money today
and more volunteer time pledges today
“92 registered as of yesterday not including those registering at the door. ”
It sounds like the Libertarian Party of Arkansas is going to have over 100 people at their State Convention. This is very good turn out for a state the size of Arkansas as compared to the convention turn out for some other Libertarian Party state affiliates.
Geoff Neale joining Pojunis towards end of presentation on fundraising.
For those who don’t read the body of the post I will repeat it here.
Arkansas LP is having their convention in Little Rock. I am at the Arkansas convention and will provide some live coverage in the comments (how live will depend on internet connection speed). If anyone in AR is able to provide live updates please do so in the comments here as well. Please also post links to any twitter feeds, photos, videos, livestreams, blogging or news coverage elsewhere, etc., in the comments. Some information about the convention can be found at http://lpar.org/news-events/the-lpar-convention/, Big Liberty, Little Rock event page and Big Liberty LR page on facebook.
92 registered as of yesterday not including those registering at the door. Evan McMahon speaking first: Brief introduction to libertarianism. More in the comments.
From Rodger Paxton via email
We can’t wait to see you at Big Liberty, Little Rock!
All convention events will take place at the Comfort Inn and Suites (707 Interstate 30) Little Rock. Parking is free.
I’ve had a few questions about the dress code. While there is no required attire, most attendees wear business or business casual.
Be sure to review your potential candidates’ survey prior to nominations tomorrow. These surveys will answer many of your questions, allowing our nomination process to run smoothly and quickly on Saturday. Find the survey HERE and click “View Candidates”. http://sapientech.net/lpar/
If you would like to review the LPAR’s bylaws or print your own copy to have on-hand, those can be found HERE. http://lpar.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Libertarian-Party-Of-Arkansas-Bylawas.pdf
The full convention schedule can be found HERE. The festivities begin this evening [yesterday -p] with our Cocktail Caucus social from 6-10pm. Registration will also begin tonight (Friday) evening at 6:00pm and will begin again at 8:30am Saturday morning. http://lpar.org/convention
We will see you soon!
Brett Pojunis is up next with fundraising training. Evan McMahon is doing candidate training in a separate breakout room.