The Virginia LP is having their annual convention today in the Richmond area and the Nevada LP is having their convention in Las Vegas. I am at the Virginia convention and will provide some live coverage in the comments. If anyone in Nevada is able to provide live updates please do so in the comments here as well. Please also post links to any twitter feeds, livestreams, blogging elsewhere, etc in the comments. At this time I am not aware of any for either state, but there may be some. Live updates from anyone at either convention are welcome and encouraged in the comments as well. In the event that it becomes confusing I can break them out into separate threads, but for the time being they will be one thread unless and until it becomes an issue.
Thanks David.
That is all the photos, videos and blogs/articles I have found so far on either/both conventions. If anyone has more please post.
The photos I posted were taken by me.
Brett Pojunis via FB: We have spent the last few months getting organized and building a strong foundation. Check out http://www.lpnevada.org which we just launched. We are going to start registration drives and we just started identifying Precinct Captains.
Are you interested in helping out? If so please go to http://www.lpnevada.org/help find something that interests you and fill out the application!
The VA videos are from http://www.youtube.com/user/BruceMajors/videos ; the NV photos were posted by several people, but mostly David Colborne. Not sure if he took them as well. VA photos are from various sources.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9ZVicWETqQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkeRm5buab8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=riXIV7Zv08Q
Nevada:
Richard Charles, the Libertarian Party nominee for Congressional District 1. — at 2014 Libertarian Party of Nevada State Convention & 1st 2014 Clark County Sheriff Debate.
Randy Kimmick, the official Libertarian Party nominee for Congressional District 2.
Lou Pombo, running for State Assembly 37.
Adam Sanacore, running for State Assembly District 21.
Sheriff’s debate
Roberto Juarez, running for State Assembly District 15.
Steve Brown, the official Libertarian Party nominee for Congressional District 4.
Jason Weinman, running for State Assembly 8. — at 2014 Libertarian Party of Nevada State Convention & 1st 2014 Clark County Sheriff Debate.
Doug Johnson, running for Clark County Recorder. — at 2014 Libertarian Party of Nevada State Convention & 1st 2014 Clark County Sheriff Debate.
Errid Ali, running for State Assembly District 12. — at 2014 Libertarian Party of Nevada State Convention & 1st 2014 Clark County Sheriff Debate.
Jason Smith, running for Clark County Commission District F. — at 2014 Libertarian Party of Nevada State Convention & 1st 2014 Clark County Sheriff Debate.
Nevada Sheriff’s debate at LPNV convention
Sheriff candidate Gordon Martines, Martines supporter AJ Waller Maimbourg and moderator Richard Mack @ sheriffs debate, LPNV convention.
Via FB
Jill Pyeatt Brett, is there anything you would like to share from the tribute of Mr. Burns?
Brett H. Pojunis Hi Jill, sure, we had about 4 or 5 members speak about Jim Burns, and we shared stories, went over his history in the LP and discussed some of his accomplishments! I think it was very nice! I appreciate David Colborne, Harry Friend, Jd Smith, Jim Duensing, and a few others for their kind words.
Jill Pyeatt I found David’s and wrote an article about it just now.
Brett H. Pojunis I am disappointed that we did not record it, the person we had arranged to film the event unfortunately was not able to make it, neither was our “Plan B”. I think some members may have captured a portion of it on their phone.
Jill Pyeatt Would you like to write a summation of the convention, or ask someone to please do it for me (or suggest someone for me to ask)?
Brett H. Pojunis Thank you so much for writing about him Jill! He will be missed! Honestly, we didnt even hear the bad news until around the first week in February. Most members found out at the Convention and were absolutely shocked. We were working on a few things together, notably, re-affiliating Nye County. He will be very missed! I always liked Jim, we might not have agreed on everything, but we had a mutual respect for each other and talked through ALL issues! I enjoyed working with him
Brett H. Pojunis As for the Convention, yes, we are meeting in the morning to type up a summary from the Clark County Sheriff Debate as well as the convention… What I will tell you is that we finished WAY AHEAD of schedule in the morning and the afternoon. Additionally, the membership didn’t disagree on ANYTHING! It is so nice to have everyone working together, I Love LPNevada!
Jill Pyeatt I have to ask: did Silvestri show up?
Brett H. Pojunis He did.. He also showed up at our Clark county affiliation convention.. He wouldn’t shake my hand
Jill Pyeatt Well, congratulations that things are going so well, although that’s what I expected with the new leadership!
Angy Mckinster not everyone likes to shake hands Brett
Brett H. Pojunis THanks Angy Mckinster! lol
Adam Sanacore Actually, a person who screwed an entire political party and tried to make us look like fools won’t shake hands with an individual giving his entire life to make change in the world. Brett H. Pojunis
Sean Gruber I don’t usually get into the personal stuff (though I’m not perfect) but Joe should hang his head in shame.
Adam Sanacore I don’t even understand why he’s showing up to these events. What is he trying to prove? Does he think he’ll watch us fail and gain some sort of fodder that he can use against us?
http://www.8newsnow.com/category/28259/8-news-now-video?clipId=9820898&autostart=true
The coverage by Channel 8 for the Sheriff’s debate held at the LPNV convention
http://virginiaconservative.net/?p=4701
The 2014 Libertarian Convention
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5TnDTqcuSg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEUEXGAaeUw
Not really related to this thread, but I’d like to compliment Marc Montoni on an excellent article. Talking about a “good” or “just” war is as stupid as talking about a “good” or “just” rape.
Unfortunately, a lot of “libertarians” love to talk about “just wars”, “war heroes”, andother such nonsense. It gives the rest of us a bad name.
‘”Marc Montoni February 9, 2014 at 11:44 pmElectoral Watch’ is obviously anti-LP Kevin Rollins.'”
I don’t know who this Kevin Rollins guy is, but now I’m wondering if he could be the IPR Troll, or perhaps one of the IPR Trolls.
“Marc Montoni February 9, 2014 at 8:08 am
Andy,
I have made no secret of the problems I saw in last year’s campaign, and I summarized them in my remarks yesterday.”
I was not at the LP of VA Convention, and I’m not aware of a video posted online of the event, and I’m also not aware of all of your criticisms of the Sarvis campaign, beyond the few general points that Paul summarized from what you said above, so for those of us who are not familiar with your points of contention with the Sarvis campaign, would you care to elaborate further?
“Besides, I have a long tradition of speaking in favor of NOTA in all internal elections (and if I am running for something, I speak for NOTA even in my own race). I do it mainly to remind the crowd that they have that option. Yesterday I did not feel like speaking for NOTA in the officers races, but Chuck reminded everyone anyway.”
I agree that None Of The Above should be an option in every election, but having said this, it seems to me that as an outsider looking in to the Virginia Governor’s race last year, and the upcoming US Senate race in Virginia this year, that the Sarvis campaign was a net positive for the LP of VA last year, and that having him as a candidate for US Senate this year is better than not running anyone for the office.
The most up-to-date version is “Can War *Ever* Be Justifiable?” and it’s on my blog:
http://freevirginia.blogspot.com/2011/01/slavery-not-such-simple-issue.html
I guess it’s more important that we ‘libertarians’ call for mass murder for “just” reasons, carbon taxes, and new sales taxes.
“Electoral Watch” is obviously anti-LP Kevin Rollins.
That was in response to Electoral Watch
Marc’s old essay about the issue which was posted on the LPVA site for years stirred up some fresh controversy recently. I think it was also taken off the site.
Here’s a copy: https://web.archive.org/web/20130405075029/http://lpva.com/Archives/Editorial/Montoni/20110105.php
I join in the Congrats and thanks for reading!
Agreed!
Marc Montoni said: “I see the pro-war and civilian murder crowd has infested this thread”.
Huh?
Congrats to all in Virginia and thanks once again to Paulie for his up to date reporting.
Hope Sarvis breaks 10% and continues to stick his finger in the eye of the oppressor; he’s a terrific candidate.
I see the pro-war and civilian murder crowd has infested this thread.
Andy,
I have made no secret of the problems I saw in last year’s campaign, and I summarized them in my remarks yesterday.
Besides, I have a long tradition of speaking in favor of NOTA in all internal elections (and if I am running for something, I speak for NOTA even in my own race). I do it mainly to remind the crowd that they have that option. Yesterday I did not feel like speaking for NOTA in the officers races, but Chuck reminded everyone anyway.
“paulie Post authorFebruary 8, 2014 at 11:18 am
Montoni: Sarvis wanders too much in interviews, makes it sounds like he is for big government on some issues, and actually is in favor of big government on some issues. Doesn’t stick to small set of talking points. Dynamics of Gov race that put 10% within sight unlikely to be repeated.”
I’d be curious to see Marc Montoni elaborate on these points if he is here reading this.
It seems to me that the LP of VA is better of for having Sarvis as a candidate for US Senate than the party would be if they did not have a candidate for US Senate.
One interesting thing came out of the State Central Committee meeting after the convention – the LPVA will create a platform. The committee tasked with making this happen is filled by me, Bill Redpath, Marc Montoni, Bob Lynch, and someone else that I cannot remember right now.
I think the total attendance, including press, was 90ish,. Jim Lark said that it was the highest attended LPVA convention since at least 2004. It certainly is the best attended of the 3 I’ve been to, by far.
Did the Virginia convention vote on the slavery question?
Announcements of district conventions (for nominating US House candidates and maybe other stuff) and a few other announcements. Now break.
Moulton mentions that out of district VA residents can run for Congress (paulie: true in every state). Prefer in district people but will take out of district if that is the only way to get a full slate.
Panel done.
Bill Redpath recognizes Dr. Lark. Montoni recognizes John Buckley for signing up a member of hotel staff while we were here.
Who’s Driving game with Carla Howell at 4 PM, then State Central Committee meeting.
Recovering from big lunch after no breakfast, boozing last night and at least two nights of very little sleep (can’t remember before that). I’m not going to be any good for trying to liveblog the speeches/panels, so if anyone else here wants to do it and can, some additional details on the speeches and panels beyond who they are and the general topics from someone other than myself would be good.
The VA convention is bigger. I don’t know how many people but I am guesstimating very roughly maybe a hundred? Of course VA is a higher population state by far than NV.
Slightly expanded comment from Colborne on different FB group
David Colborne
Convention is going great so far – we’re actually ahead of schedule. Brett H. Pojunis is providing a quick overview of our two year plan and operational structure. Earlier we had a very touching memorial for Jim Burns. — at 2014 Libertarian Party of Nevada State Convention & 1st 2014 Clark County Sheriff Debate.
Tim Hagan from NV via FB
Tim Hagan Twenty-seven delegates. Adopted convention rules and heard officer reports. Four people gave memorial speeches honoring Jim Burns. Introduced the new officers of the LP of Clark County.
From Nevada via FB
David Colborne 1:33pm Feb 8
State convention is moving along nicely. No bylaws amendments, decent crowd, and we’re ahead of schedule. – at 2014 Libertarian Party of Nevada State Convention & 1st 2014 Clark County Sheriff Debate.
Apparently contrary to what I thought earlier US House candidates will not be nominated today, they will be nominated by their districts and still have time to do it. Not sure the deadline.
Currently mentioning and introducing US House candidates. Quite a few, no sure if it will be a full slate but there will be a good number running is what it looks like. Candidates panel on lessons learned from Delegate races last year is next after a short break.
Sarvis mentioned that his brother-in-law was convicted of a strike 3 marijuana possession resulting in a years long prison sentence, which will cause him to redouble his efforts to legalize marijuana and make it a central point of his U.S. Senate campaign
Back from lunch. Sarvis is speaking.
Unrelated to my convention coverage, Bob Johnston is here and has informed that Hawaii LP ballot access is a done deal, period of objection has now passed with no objection and we are officially back on Hawaii ballot. I will post a separate post about that later if no one beats me to it.
Official convention business is done. Speakers in the afternoon. James Curtis fills me in: Ian Luria amendment on dues failed, but the more complicated motion James introduced regarding membership in dollar terms versus as defined by ____________ bylaws section passed. Several others were skipped:
*Motion from James Curtis to define student for purpose of bylaws dues discount as enrolled in degree seeking program at least half time. skipped due to time.
*Motion from Curtis to change student rate from $5 to $10 skipped due to time.
*Matt Cholko language regarding membership levels skipped due to time. The language was not spelled out on the sheet I was given.
Motion by James Curtis to replace language that defines membership in dollar terms to one that allows for adjustments e.g. if UMP passes nationally. Somewhat complicated, the VA folks can explain this better later if they feel like it.
Dr. Lark recognizes Chuck Moulton for his service as State Chair last term.
James Curtis moves to resolve that LPVA encourages national LP to reinstate Unified Mmbership Plan (UMP), direct Dr. Lark as LNC region rep to advise LNC of this resolution and fo the chair of the national convention dlegation to introduce similar motion at national convention.
Passes.
Back to motions. We seem to have skipped several on the sheet in front of me, or I missed what happened or earlier, or the order has been rearranged.
Thanks Mike.
Delegates and alternates to national convention selected.
Thank you for the updating coverage.
Ian Luria is a long term Northern Virginia activist and was on the LP NOVA board at least for one term.
Donna Grebas is a long term Richmond based activist who helped organize some conventions and runs the Patrick Henry Supper Club.
Sarvis nominated by strong majority but with a vocal NOTA minority. Sarvis accepts. Lark points of personal privelege to recognize Astrid Sarvis, Bob Johnston and Bruce Majors.
Secret ballot fails.
Now being debated. Idea of making the vote on the secret ballot also a secret ballot was mentioned but not taken seriously. Point of order was whether this is subject to a vote or a right to request a secret ballot. Moulton says it can be voted on.
Objection to moving forward to a vote?
Yes. Q: Will it drain LPVA resources away from other races?
Moulton: We did not contribute to Gov campaign, don’t know if we will contribute to Senate or House campaign this year. Candidates help other candidates get media etc.
Question whether it will be a secret written or open voice ballot. Moulton says voice vote is default. Motion for secret ballot made and seconded.
Opportunity for Sarvis to respond. He says there is nothing to respond to.
Montoni: Sarvis wanders too much in interviews, makes it sounds like he is for big government on some issues, and actually is in favor of big government on some issues. Doesn’t stick to small set of talking points. Dynamics of Gov race that put 10% within sight unlikely to be repeated.
Out of time for Sarvis. Montoni speaking in favor of NOTA.
A: We have not yet put together a full team and will strategize more after we put team together. Seeking experienced fundraisers..
Q: How much will you raise
A: As much as I can
Q: Which issues will you emphasize
A: Most of the same ones as last time, freedom in general, non-intervention, lower spending, end drug war, anti-spying etc.
Q: I missed this question
A: I’m trying to recruit slate of US House candidates and will try to mention them in media interviews more (than mentioned delegate candidates in Gov run), joint fundraising and campaigning, etc.
Q: Measureable goals? More emphasis on a smaller set of issues?
First “question” was an attempt to make a motion to donate the entire LPVA treasury to Sarvis. Moulton ruled it out of order at this time.
Opportunity for Q & A
I thought it was supposed to be several people, but it was just one guy (Josh, I knew his last name but spaced it) and then Sarvis with a very short speech himself.
Nomination of candidates is next. Sarvis nomination speeches right now.
Montoni also re-elected as Secretary with no opposition. However two or three people were nominated but declined. Juanita Billings (sp?) was the only name I recognized , I think Donna (I missed last name) was another and maybe Matt Cholko again, I’m not sure. Anyway they all declined and Montoni was elected by virtual acclaim (NOTA is always an option, but I did not hear it get any votes for any of the officers).
Officers – Chair, Vice Chair and Treasurer uncontroversial. Redpath replaces Chuck Moulton, who did not seek another term. Jim Lark and James Curtis re-elected as Vice Chair and Treasurer respectively with no opposition. Matt Cholko nominated for each office but declined each time.
I missed what happened with the amendment or the other amendments (there are several more on the page in front of me). I think it ran out of time. Not sure if the last amendment being discussed was voted on first?
Next amendment – Ian Luria (I believe from Tidewater area) – amendment to remove mandatory state dues. The arguments have been that they are too high at 25/year. Someone just noticed that the amendment as written would get rid of state dues completely.
Motion passed. Dasbach tried to amend it to not include the 2014 convention. I think that amendment to the amendment was defeated but I’m not sure.
Third amendment from Montoni – Qualification for national convention delegates. National convention delegates elected at a state convention must be and remain 1) sustaining or above members of national LP 2) current dues paid members of LPVA from the time of the end gavel of the state convention through at least the closing gavel of the immediate following national convention.
Second Amendment from Montoni passed, unlike the first one it seemed uncontroversial. Add authority to state central committee to approve convention minutes.
First bylaw is from Marc Montoni regarding creating a $60/year unified membership for national, state and local for local LPs that want to participate only. Passed with an amendment to the amendment (additional details later).
VA: Currently discussing bylaws amendments. I have a copy and can type them in later or, if anyone already has them in electronic form please post them here. Earlier there were various announcements, people introducing themselves and discussions of the agenda.
I’ll repeat the article text here since some people only read the comments 🙂
The Virginia LP is having their annual convention today in the Richmond area and the Nevada LP is having their convention in Las Vegas. I am at the Virginia convention and will provide some live coverage in the comments. If anyone in Nevada is able to provide live updates please do so in the comments here as well. Please also post links to any twitter feeds, livestreams, blogging elsewhere, etc in the comments. At this time I am not aware of any for either state, but there may be some. Live updates from anyone at either convention are welcome and encouraged in the comments as well. In the event that it becomes confusing I can break them out into separate threads, but for the time being they will be one thread unless and until it becomes an issue.