According to LP.org, in an entry posted on January 22nd, Mike Fellows became the first Libertarian in U.S. history to crack the 40% barrier in a partisan statewide race. Fellows received 185,419 votes, or about 43%, running against Democratic incumbent Ed Smith. This showing was also the best percentage-wise in the history of Montana’s Libertarian Party.
According to the entry, Fellow’s surprisingly strong showing can be attributed to the fact that there was no Republican in the race, as well as the party’s successful efforts in being able to expose the electorate to libertarian principles and philosophy.
Gee, PTK, how did you know??;)
PTK, yes 🙂
Hey Krzysztof , kind of off topic but do you happen to be Polish?
The Libertarians ought to focus on more races such as this if they want to be successful. Oftentimes, one of the two major parties won’t contest certain elections like this, (or a perennial candidate will get the nomination,) creating a vacuum. With an articulate, qualified candidate, as well as a little bit of money, these types of races are winnable.
The Fellows race was statewide and the Clerk position is open every 6 years. With a little more money and advice that 43% would have been over 45%. #3 is right that the LNC should start looking at some of these legislative races, at least the ones who have a chance of winning. There must be other support we could give to these candidates. I know people were disappointed when the LNC gave 50,000 dollars to a candidate, who couldn’t retain his seat. Montana’s percentages were pretty good last election, but we need wins and better numbers for candidates. By the way, the Republicans haven’t run a candidate for the Clerk’s position since 1988.
Oh, Krzysztof, finish the article and click update.
Flood, read statewide in the descriptor and then check your own definition of state house race.
The BS might be a reference to reading skill set.
So our state house candidate’s 46% last November doesn’t count?
What total BS!
The national party didn’t help. The LNCC told us that a statehouse race in South Carolina was insingificant. Now we get this?
Does the LP even want to have an affiliate party in our state?
Lol, I wasn’t yet done writing the article, but that’s ok 🙂
Mike accomplished that terrific result while simultaneously acting as Montana LP Chair and helping to coordinate the local Gary Johnson/Jim Gray campaign.
Bravo!