Libertarian Party of Texas Rejects Support for Candidates Backed by AIPAC, Foreign-Connected Political Organizations

The Libertarian Party of Texas has approved a resolution rejecting party support for candidates who accept political support from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee or any other “foreign-connected political organization.”

The party announced the resolution on June 12, saying its Executive Committee formally approved the measure just two days earlier. Details on the party’s internal business forum show the motion passed 13-1, with no abstentions.

The full resolution states that elected officials “should answer to voters, not foreign interests, billionaire-funded PACs, or lobbying organizations.” It calls on AIPAC to register under the Foreign Agents Registration Act when legally required and says the party opposes “any PAC, Super PAC, or political organization that acts on behalf of, is directed by, or primarily advances the interests of a foreign government.”

“American elections should be decided by Americans,” the resolution states. “No candidate, officeholder, or political party should rely on foreign-connected money or influence to gain or keep power.”

AIPAC, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, states on its website that it works with both Democrats and Republicans to advance the relationship between the United States and Israel while opposing those candidates it deems “detractors” to that relationship. The organization says it “lobbies Congress to pass annual U.S. security assistance to Israel, support lifesaving missile defense cooperation, and fund joint programs that help protect our troops and our homeland.”

In the announcement, Paul Darr, vice chair of the Libertarian Party of Texas and former vice chair of the Libertarian National Committee, said the resolution sets a clear standard for candidates seeking the organization’s backing.

“American elections should be decided by Americans,” Darr said. “This resolution affirms that principle and sets a clear standard for what LPTexas expects from the candidates it supports.”

Ted Brown, the Libertarian nominee for U.S. Senate in Texas, also backed the resolution, saying he is not beholden to special interest groups. “I oppose U.S. military and economic aid to Israel, just as I oppose such aid to any other country,” he added.

The resolution further states that the Texas affiliate will “neither accept nor support candidates” who accept political support from AIPAC or any foreign-connected political organization, including funding and independent expenditures. The party added that it supports “full transparency in political spending, an end to foreign influence in our elections, and a foreign policy that puts peace, liberty, and the interests of the American people first.”