On Thursday night, Libertarian Party of New Hampshire Chair Conrad Nelson, speaking on behalf of the LPNH Executive Committee, announced over social media that the New Hampshire state affiliate would host a business convention wholely focused on electing a new party chair.
“At my urging, the executive committee of LPNH has approved a motion to hold a business convention for the purpose of holding a vote for the position of Chair of the Libertarian Party of New Hampshire,” the statement shared by Nelson on behalf of LPNH read.
“It is my belief that being the only candidate running for chair at this year’s convention was a disservice to the membership of this party, he continued. “While I believe that many voted for me because they believed in the vision I laid out during my run and at convention, I also believe that many more voted for me because there was no other option (besides NOTA) and they do not feel that their preference for the direction of the party is being fulfilled.”
The statement, however, contrasts with the minutes of the most recent Libertarian Party of New Hampshire state convention held this past January. While Nelson was the choice of a supermajority of delegates in attendance, he wasn’t the only candidate to initially declare for the chair position. Former Libertarian National Committee Chair Nicholas Sarwark, also at the convention, was additionally nominated for chair; however, the convention body did not accept his nomination.
According to the official tally in the meeting minutes, Conrad Nelson received 49 votes, while Nicholas Sarwark and NOTA received a single vote each.
Nelson also welcomed any individuals interested in running for LPNH Chair to put their names forward as candidates and promised that all would have an opportunity to be heard by party members. “In the coming weeks, I will ensure that we broadcast your message to our LPNH mailing list so that all members have a chance to hear from you,” he added. “Additionally, we will set aside time at the convention for any nominees who wish to speak to the delegates prior to the vote.”
The special convention will occur on April 8th in Weare, New Hampshire, giving candidates three weeks to mobilize. The meeting will be explicitly in-person with “no provisions for remote attendance.” Per the initial statement, there will also be no other business on the agenda.
Hi, Jim! I appreciate your interest in the story. I’m actively working on a follow-up article, as you’re correct that a lot seemingly changed over this past weekend alone.
https://mailchi.mp/8048bbbbc631/convention-cancelled?fbclid=IwAR3KQ3lZcaCvzsBmC9RfGnfJ-P7vKrs6hXEt2vJWGW8VkzJ71FbC3PxtV94
Seems they’ve already cancelled it. Does anybody have any context on what’s going on? Is this about the drama between LPNH and the national Mises Caucus? The nominal rationale offered makes no sense. There’s nothing unusual about a state chair being elected unopposed or nearly unopposed.
Note that “There is no other business on the agenda.” is not the same as saying that there will be no other business on the agenda.
The full announcement as emailed to members reads
Dear fellow members of the Libertarian Party of New Hampshire,
At my urging, the executive committee of LPNH has approved a motion to hold a business convention for the purpose of holding a vote for the position of Chair of the Libertarian Party of New Hampshire. Additionally, the executive committee has approved a motion establishing the time and place of the convention. This email serves as notice of the convention as required by our bylaws.
It is my belief that being the only candidate running for chair at this year’s convention was a disservice to the membership of this party. While I believe that many voted for me because they believed in the vision I laid out during my run and at convention, I also believe that many more voted for me because there was no other option (besides NOTA) and they do not feel that their preference for the direction of the party is being fulfilled.
To rectify this, I encourage anyone who would like to see the party go in a different direction this year to put their name forward as a candidate for Chair of LPNH. If you would like to run at the upcoming convention, please email me at chair@lpnh.org along with any statement you wish to make to the members explaining your vision for the party. In the coming weeks, I will ensure that we broadcast your message to our LPNH mailing list so that all members have a chance to hear from you. Additionally, we will set aside time at the convention for any nominees who wish to speak to the delegates prior to the vote.
The convention will be held on Saturday, April 8th, 2023, from 1pm to 4pm, at the following location:
The Wearehouse
445 S Stark Hwy, Weare, NH 03281
This will be an in-person meeting only, with no provisions for remote attendance. There is no other business on the agenda. All dues-paid members who have been in good standing for at least 35 days at time of convention, and have been an inhabitant of New Hampshire for at least the same period of time, are eligible to vote at the convention.
In Liberty,
Conrad Nelson, on behalf of the Executive Committee of the Libertarian Party of New Hampshire:
Conrad Nelson, Chair
Robley Hall, Vice-Chair
Ryan Hebert, Treasurer
Alex Lemp, Secretary
Ben Weir, At-Large
Derek Proulx, At-Large
Readers will note that the Convention may plausibly claim that it is the supreme authority within LPNH and choose to modify its agenda to conduct other business.
With respect to notice, LPNH announced: “an email went out early this morning [Ed: Meaning March 17] to our distribution list of all members, former members, or people who have signed up for email communications.”