I’m reporting live from the Libertarian Party of Arkansas 2015 convention. First up is a speech from Dr. Marc Feldman, a candidate for the 2016 Libertarian presidential nomination. Convention business is coming up next. The convention schedule:
Saturday 12:30pm – 1:30pm Registration 1:30pm – 3:00pm Business, District Caucuses, Executive Committee Elections 3:15pm – 3:45pm Newly-elected Executive Committee Open Forum 4:00pm – 5:00pm Americans for Prosperity – "Meeting People Where They Are: Bringing Your Message to Tough Audiences" 5:00pm – 6:30pm Pre-dinner social time 6:30pm – 8:00pm Dinner with keynote speaker Nicholas Sarwark, LP Chairiman 8pm-Midnight Cocktail Caucus Social at the hotel's Sports Bar
Further updates will be in the comments.
Not trying to put it all on you. I heard there may be some other people there, including some that may read these comments 🙂
I appreciate whatever you and/or others can do.
That may be worth a separate article if you find time.
I’ll do what I can, Paulie. There are at least three different groups, with whispers and rumors aplenty in all three.
I would be really, really surprised if Takenaga is re-elected. Beyond that, I have no clue what will happen.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dh-U-4l3iMg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMeHrAXAFiA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIlLTpBL1oc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5_aUVf8GEA
That would be great, and perhaps we could find others who can liveblog there and/or maybe livecast, put up youtubes later, take pictures, etc?
California and Nevada will have their one-day conventions a week from today. CA could be quite dramatic, or maybe not, I probably won’t live blog because I’ll be participating in the proceedings, but I’ll report in.
Upcoming coverage: Alabama on June 13. Florida the preceding weeked, and Mississippi the following, only if I have rides to get to them, which probably won’t happen, but could.
Good luck to you, Roger! I hope you can find many pleasant things to do with your extra hours.
Of course the Paxtons had a ball. It was our retirement party!
This is awesome. Great liveblog, guys! I can’t wait to attend the 2015 Libertarian Party of Illinois convention with …a girl. Not going to do this political stuff alone, for real. 🙂 😉
Created a new Facebook by the way, feel free to add me. Krzysztof Lesiak- with Ron Paul sign in back of my profile picture.
Congratulations on a productive convention!
Great photos.
The Paxtons appeared to have a ball!
Andy’s presentation clocked in at 75% the length of Nick Sarwark’s, and 7500% the voice volume.
We are getting the short version. May be done in an hour or two.
LOL.
https://www.youtube.com/user/keeparkansaslegal will have convention videos.
Only 43 minutes!
We are getting the short version. May be done in an hour or two.
Andy wants to make sure that the people at nearby hotels and the guests upstairs can hear him, too.
Andy relating his arrest story in a very loud voice. Trying to tell him he does not need the microphone but he keeps using it even though it is making his voice painfully loud.
Some fireworks at this event:
Americans for Prosperity – “Meeting People Where They Are: Bringing Your Message to Tough Audiences”
Some audience embers accusing AFP of being a Republican front and too conservative-leaning
Q & A now.
Sarwark speaking:
Award winners:
New exec comm:
That’s from CA. Not sure if any speeches here are being taped or not. If anyone knows please post them or a link.
And https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukV53h8avUA
This speech: https://independentpoliticalreport.com/2015/04/nicholas-sarwark-show-up-be-nice-win/
Jessica Paxton introduces Nick Sarwark
Liveblog of last year’s convention https://independentpoliticalreport.com/2014/02/arkansas-lp-convention-today/
Update from Dr. Pakko: about 14,300 signatures in hand
They are looking for help with the various committees e.g. Elections, Mmebership, Newsletter, Activities, Communications, Platform, Bylaws.
Next up is Q & A with the new exec comm.
Awards (phtos by Sarah Stewart)
Sarah’s photos https://www.facebook.com/SaraDaggers/posts/10203712334440447
Sarah Stewart is here taking photos. Hopefully they will be on FB or somewhere online so I can post them here.
Business portion of convention is adjourned.
Chair’s award for extraordinary service – Michael Pakko
Standard bearer of liberty – Rodger Paxton
Volunteer of the year – Debbie Standiford
Outreach award – William Brackeen
Dr. Pakko won an award. I missed what it was called.
Candidate of the year – Frank Gilbert (gov)
https://independentpoliticalreport.com/2015/04/jacob-faught-being-a-libertarian-leo/
Awards are next.
Jacob Faught – officeholder of the year
Kalagias
Districts
1 – Eileen Walton re-elected
2 – Chris Hayes
3 – Michael Kallagias (sp?)
4 – Mike Hood
And together with the photographer, Sarah Stewart
Petitioning at river market this morning…
No, I’ll probably be chatting and drinking. But someone else can if they feel like it.
Dr. Pakko, outgoing treasurer and incoming chair.
They have 4 regions based on congressional seats.
Regional caucuses to pick region reps next.
Last night we had dinner downtown with Nick Sarwark, petitioners and LPA members. Followed by volunteer petitioning downtown.
We’re done with the paid portion of the ballot access drive, but we are sticking around and helping get a few volunteer signatures.
Elected on unanimous voice vote over NOTA.
Debbie Standiford nominated for At Large. No other nominations.
Elected unanimously over NOTA on voice vote.
Stephen Waite (sp)? Nominated for treasurer.
Olson (Lt Gov candidate last year) elected unanimously on voice vote over NOTA.
For secretary, William Brackeen elected unanimously on voice vote over NOTA.
Voting for NOTA in the Chair’s race, Dr. Michael Pakko.
Smart guy. 😉
Nominated for Vice Chair:
Chris Olson
Dr. Pakko elected chair with one vote for NOTA on a voice vote.
Dr. Feldman speaking at the convention.
Chair’s ruling is that no need for secret ballot if NOTA is the only other candidate.
Dr. Michael Pakko, currently treasurer, nominated for chair.
Election of state exec comm coming up. Nick Sarwark brought up to explain why NOTA is an option for all of the races.
“The Libertarian Party of Arkansas’ convention will be held tomorrow, May 16th, in Little Rock.
Upon the adjournment of our convention, I will no longer be the Chairman of the LPAR, as I will not be seeking reelection. After many years of service, Rodger (past Chair, current Secretary) and I will be stepping back to allow ourselves a break from the leadership of the LPAR. We have worked tirelessly over the years to grow the party, and our ranks are now filled with many qualified, eager candidates who will take the reigns and continue to do great things here in Arkansas. I think we have earned a break and are looking forward to spending more time with our kids and stepping back to enjoy the LPAR from a member’s perspective.
I could write for hours, but I will keep this brief. I just wanted to take the time to thank each and every one of you for your help and support over the years. The LPAR wouldn’t be the force we are today if it weren’t for your kindness and encouragement.
I wish you all much luck in your future endeavors and I thank you for everything you do.
Live FREE!
Jessica Paxton
Chairman
Libertarian Party of Arkansas
[email protected]
901-488-0740″
Outgoing chair Jessica Paxton
Photo set from convention set up
https://www.facebook.com/biglibertyLR/photos/a.1724308877795658.1073741830.1442346969325185/1745127719047107/?type=1&theater
LPAR has spent most of its money paying us for signatures. Help them replenish their funds at http://lpar.org/get-involved/donate/
https://www.facebook.com/biglibertyLR
Secretary, Treasurer reports.
23 members present, plus several of us from other states, including three of us who have been petitioning here the last couple of months, Dr. Feldman and Nick Sarwark.
90 days. Passes.
Convention has been called to order. Motion to suspend rules to allow people who have not been state party members for a given length of time vote.