Mr. Chairman and fellow LNC members, I intend to bring or support a motion for the NLP/LNC to donate funds to Mark Miller's campaign for Railroad Commissioner in Texas. What's at stake is ballot access in Texas. If they do not have a statewide candidate achieve 5% in this election, they lose their current ballot access and with the size of Texas, it will likely cost us multiple 6 figures getting it back. At present Dr. Miller's campaign is the only one that could be considered more than a paper candidacy. As we had been having discussions about which campaigns should the LNC be donating to, it crossed my mind that Mark Miller's was exactly the sort we should be lending assistance to. It also occurred to me that we might be hearing a little less about it than we might because his campaign manager is also our Special Projects Director, Lauren Daugherty and I know she works very hard to try and keep those roles separated. Mark Miller is an exceptional candidate. He’s highly qualified for the position he’s seeking and more qualified (by far) than his 3 opponents. If he was elected, he would be well prepared to serve. He’s been a Libertarian since the 1970s and is well versed on Libertarianism and able to communicate Libertarian ideas well. And, he’s also a solid leader. He’s well liked, kind, and personable. Rarely do we find candidates of any party that are so well rounded. Mark’s race is the top of the ticket in Texas this cycle. The Texas Railroad Commission is one of the most powerful agencies in Texas. It regulates oil and gas and has nothing to do with railroads. In Texas, oil & gas often trump property rights. It’s messy and outrageous and will make any normal human being hopping mad if they look into it. Mark is outspoken about protecting property rights. Mark has a PhD from Stanford in petroleum engineering and has spent over 40 years in the industry. In contrast, none of his opponents have worked one day in oil & gas. For the Libertarian Party of Texas to retain ballot access for 2018, we need one statewide candidate to achieve 5% of the vote. This cycle, the only statewide candidates on ballots in Texas are Railroad Commission (Mark’s race) and judicial races. Almost all of our judicial candidates this year are “paper candidates”. Mark is running the most active campaign, by far. We started this campaign 1 and a half years ago, when I left employment with LPTexas. We’ve raised over $70k so far and received 2 of the biggest media endorsements in Libertarian history. I expect that we’ll break $100k within the next 2 weeks. Mark is a full-time candidate. We anticipate that he’ll very likely get more media endorsements over the coming weeks. He’s talking with reporters almost daily and traveling extensively. We’ve just started robo calls to strategic areas and will have mailers promoting our endorsements starting in the next few days. We are planning a major radio buy that will flood the talk radio airwaves across Texas with Mark’s name and info on his endorsements and the LP for 2 weeks before early voting begins. This will cost $50k and we think this is critical to achieving the 5% needed to ensure ballot access. We’ve raised approximately $30k towards this so far and we expect to receive the final funding on that within the next week. If we are unable to achieve the 5% needed to secure ballot access, it will take approximately 80,000 verified signatures to regain ballot access. I’m told we’d need to shoot for approximately 125,000 signatures or more to make sure we have enough “good” signatures. In Texas, if someone votes in a primary, they are not eligible to sign a ballot access petition and this makes it more difficult. The signatures would have to be gathered within a 75 day window. Experts tell me that this would likely cost between $250,000 and $500,000. In my opinion, it is far better to spend money now, promoting an exceptional candidate, rather than having to scramble to raise even more money to regain ballot access in 2018 or 2020. I know the fundraising situation in Texas better than anyone. If we lose ballot access, it will likely be 2020 before we can afford to regain it. Mark is a candidate that makes us all extra proud to be Libertarians. He’s highly qualified, and skilled communicator, and represents us very well. He can walk into a room of people who are skeptical or even of the Libertarian Party and when he walks out, they respect us and many support us. If the LNC donates to Mark’s campaign, we’d use the money on radio buys, and/or carefully targeted robo calls, and/or large postcard to strategic areas, educating voters about the endorsements, Mark’s credentials, and the LP. I think the max that the LNC could give Mark’s campaign directly, by law, is $5k. My understanding, based on what Bob Johnston has told me, is that if the LNC wanted to give more, they could donate it to LPTexas (which is currently an FEC filing entity) with the understanding that LPTexas would then donate the funds to the campaign. LPTexas receives directed donations regularly and I don’t foresee any problem with working with them in this way. One SLEC member said in the SLEC meeting yesterday that “Mark is our shining star”. SLEC, the officers, and key players, all agree and I think they’d be delighted to help in this way. Folks can read more about Mark here: miller4tx.com" "Thank you for considering supporting his campaign. If anyone would like to talk with me directly, they can call/text me at 931 249 9924 or email me at lau...@miller4tx.com" Daniel Hayes
We have been asked to make donations recently to certain campaigns. Despite having more money to do so than in the past, we clearly don't have the means, time or frankly, even the desire to donate to every person's campaign that is running as a Libertarian. We need to develop some criteria to apply to the process to make it as fair and efficient as we possibly can. I think that there should be implications of the campaign beyond just electing that one person to office.
Making it brief, Mark Miller has raised significant money already, his campaign stands to benefit the whole TX Affiliate and save it and the NLP a LOT of money, he is highly qualified for the job, he has gotten major endorsements.
With that in mind I reached out to Lauren yesterday. Apparently, some other people were having some of the same thoughts at the same time.
Here is Lauren's response to my inquiry.
"
Here are our goals for Mark’s campaign: 1) achieve 5% (or far more!) of the vote in order to retain ballot access for 2018; 2) grow the Libertarian Party. Mark’s a team player. We are promoting Libertarians up and down the ballot whenever we can."
"
"
Here are some links she sent to me also:
LNC At Large Member
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[Message clipped]
Subject: [Lnc-business] LP Donation to Mark Miller Campaign
To: "lnc-business" <lnc-bu...@lp.org>
Date: Monday, September 19, 2016, 10:11 AM
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-----Inline Attachment Follows-----
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http://hq.lp.org/mailman/listinfo/lnc-business_hq.lp.org
_______________________________________________
Lnc-votes mailing list
Lnc-...@hq.lp.org
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Daniel,I would co-sponsor a motion for a LNC contribution to Mark Miller's campaign and/or a targeted contribution to the LPTX inhis behalf based on the information provided above.However, you better write the motion and get it submitted for an email ballot very quickly as time is running out on thiselection year.Live Free,
Sam GoldsteinLibertarian National CommitteeMember at Large8925 N Meridian St, Ste 101Indianapolis IN 46260317-850-0726 Phone317-582-1773 Fax
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Lnc-bu...@hq.lp.org
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Daniel,This is excellent and well thought-out. I am eager to support a proposal moving in this direction.--In Liberty,Caryn Ann HarlosRegion 1 Representative, Libertarian National Committee (Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Kansas, Montana, Utah, Wyoming, Washington) - Caryn.Ann. Har...@LP.orgCommunications Director, Libertarian Party of ColoradoColorado State Coordinator, Libertarian Party Radical Caucus
On Mon, Sep 19, 2016 at 8:51 AM, Whitney Bilyeu <whitn...@gmail.com> wrote:
Daniel, this is a welcomed, and unexpected, gesture. As I disclosed to this body in June, I have been serving as Mark Miller's Gulf Coast Regional Coordinator since 2015. I don't just want Mark to secure 5% of the vote for ballot access - I want Mark to win. We all stand to benefit from the momentum Mark's campaign has right now. Expanding Mark's reach will have a major positive impact on future politics/policies across Texas, where so much is at stake.Whitney BilyeuRegion 7 Representative
[Message clipped]
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Lnc-bu...@hq.lp.org
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_______________________________________________
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Lnc-bu...@hq.lp.org
http://hq.lp.org/mailman/listinfo/lnc-business_hq.lp.org
--In Liberty,Caryn Ann HarlosRegion 1 Representative, Libertarian National Committee (Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Kansas, Montana, Utah, Wyoming, Washington) - Caryn.Ann. Har...@LP.orgCommunications Director, Libertarian Party of ColoradoColorado State Coordinator, Libertarian Party Radical Caucus
May we first have an opinion from legal counsel stating that we can direct funds this way to a candidate in Texas and what are the additional campaign finance reporting requirements (if any)?
How do we intelligently gauge the likelihood that spending only this much money in the manner suggested will move the needle in a state the size of Texas? Are we trying to dilute a dirty lake with a glass of clean water?
From: Lnc-business [mailto:lnc-busine...@hq.lp.org] On Behalf Of Daniel Hayes
Sent: Monday, September 19, 2016 7:11 AM
To: lnc-business
Subject: [Lnc-business] LP Donation to Mark Miller Campaign
Mr. Chairman and fellow LNC members,
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Daniel,
I need to research how much the LNC can donate to a non-federal candidate, and get back to you.
My original thought was to donate the funds directly to the LPTX, which is a federal filing party, and have them funnel the funds to the Miller campaign.
Bob
From: Daniel Hayes [mailto:daniel...@icloud.com]
Sent: Monday, September 19, 2016 11:30 AM
To: lnc-bu...@hq.lp.org
Cc: bob.jo...@lp.org
Subject: Re: [Lnc-business] LP Donation to Mark Miller Campaign
Sam,
I agree about the time. I wanted to hit send on what I had written already this morning before the hygienist started the cleaning.
I started writing this current email in the dentist chair, when he came up and saw my Louisiana Libertarian shirt he said he liked it. He's currently independent but is going to be ReRegistering along with his wife. She apparently is former military and has been donating to the Johnson campaign.
But back on topic, before we put a motion out there, how much should we commit?
Should we do two separate motions? One to Mark's campaign and one to TX LP with the understanding they donate to his campaign?
I have CCed Bob Johnston on here since apparently he and I are psychically linked and both wrote Lauren at almost the same time and he seems to have a better understanding of what we can do in TX than I do.
Bob what are the limits that the NLP/LNC could donate to the Mark Miller campaign?
Daniel Hayes
LNC At Large Member
Sent from my iPhone
On Sep 19, 2016, at 9:43 AM, Sam Goldstein <goldstei...@gmail.com> wrote:
Daniel,
I would co-sponsor a motion for a LNC contribution to Mark Miller's campaign and/or a targeted contribution to the LPTX in
his behalf based on the information provided above.
However, you better write the motion and get it submitted for an email ballot very quickly as time is running out on this
election year.
Live Free,
Sam Goldstein
Libertarian National Committee
Member at Large
8925 N Meridian St, Ste 101
Indianapolis IN 46260
317-850-0726 Phone
317-582-1773 Fax
_______________________________________________
Lnc-business mailing list
Lnc-bu...@hq.lp.org
http://hq.lp.org/mailman/listinfo/lnc-business_hq.lp.org
May we first have an opinion from legal counsel stating that we can direct funds this way to a candidate in Texas and what are the additional campaign finance reporting requirements (if any)?
How do we intelligently gauge the likelihood that spending only this much money in the manner suggested will move the needle in a state the size of Texas? Are we trying to dilute a dirty lake with a glass of clean water?
From: Lnc-business [mailto:lnc-business-bounces@hq.lp.org] On Behalf Of Daniel Hayes
Sent: Monday, September 19, 2016 7:11 AM
To: lnc-business
Bob, if you're researching this, also be sure to check on any
timing issues, in other words are there restrictions or deadlines
on when a committee has to tell the Texas Ethics Commission they
plan to spend money on a candidate for the November 8, 2016
elections. It could vary whether it's the state party or directly
to the candidate, so that might affect whether giving through
LPTexas versus directly to the candidate.
Wes Benedict, Executive Director Libertarian National Committee, Inc. 1444 Duke St., Alexandria, VA 22314 (202) 333-0008 ext. 232, wes.be...@lp.org facebook.com/libertarians @LPNational Join the Libertarian Party at: http://lp.org/membership
Bob,
Research fast please. It would be good to get this up today.
Daniel HayesLNC At Large Member
Sent from my iPhone
Daniel,
I need to research how much the LNC can donate to a non-federal candidate, and get back to you.
My original thought was to donate the funds directly to the LPTX, which is a federal filing party, and have them funnel the funds to the Miller campaign.
Bob
From: Daniel Hayes [mailto:daniel...@icloud.com]
Sent: Monday, September 19, 2016 11:30 AM
To: lnc-bu...@hq.lp.org
Cc: bob.jo...@lp.org
Subject: Re: [Lnc-business] LP Donation to Mark Miller Campaign
Sam,
I agree about the time. I wanted to hit send on what I had written already this morning before the hygienist started the cleaning.
I started writing this current email in the dentist chair, when he came up and saw my Louisiana Libertarian shirt he said he liked it. He's currently independent but is going to be ReRegistering along with his wife. She apparently is former military and has been donating to the Johnson campaign.
But back on topic, before we put a motion out there, how much should we commit?
Should we do two separate motions? One to Mark's campaign and one to TX LP with the understanding they donate to his campaign?
I have CCed Bob Johnston on here since apparently he and I are psychically linked and both wrote Lauren at almost the same time and he seems to have a better understanding of what we can do in TX than I do.
Bob what are the limits that the NLP/LNC could donate to the Mark Miller campaign?
Daniel Hayes
LNC At Large Member
Sent from my iPhone
On Sep 19, 2016, at 9:43 AM, Sam Goldstein <goldstei...@gmail.com> wrote:
Daniel,
I would co-sponsor a motion for a LNC contribution to Mark Miller's campaign and/or a targeted contribution to the LPTX in
his behalf based on the information provided above.
However, you better write the motion and get it submitted for an email ballot very quickly as time is running out on this
election year.
Live Free,
Sam Goldstein
Libertarian National Committee
Member at Large
8925 N Meridian St, Ste 101
Indianapolis IN 46260
317-850-0726 Phone
317-582-1773 Fax
On Mon, Sep 19, 2016 at 10:11 AM, Daniel Hayes <daniel...@icloud.com> wrote:
Mr. Chairman and fellow LNC members,
We have been asked to make donations recently to certain campaigns. Despite having more money to do so than in the past, we clearly don't have the means, time or frankly, even the desire to donate to every person's campaign that is running as a Libertarian. We need to develop some criteria to apply to the process to make it as fair and efficient as we possibly can. I think that there should be implications of the campaign beyond just electing that one person to office.
I intend to bring or support a motion for the NLP/LNC to donate funds to Mark Miller's campaign for Railroad Commissioner in Texas. What's at stake is ballot access in Texas. If they do not have a statewide candidate achieve 5% in this election, they lose their current ballot access and with the size of Texas, it will likely cost us multiple 6 figures getting it back. At present Dr. Miller's campaign is the only one that could be considered more than a paper candidacy. As we had been having discussions about which campaigns should the LNC be donating to, it crossed my mind that Mark Miller's was exactly the sort we should be lending assistance to. It also occurred to me that we might be hearing a little less about it than we might because his campaign manager is also our Special Projects Director, Lauren Daugherty and I know she works very hard to try and keep those roles separated.
Making it brief, Mark Miller has raised significant money already, his campaign stands to benefit the whole TX Affiliate and save it and the NLP a LOT of money, he is highly qualified for the job, he has gotten major endorsements.
With that in mind I reached out to Lauren yesterday. Apparently, some other people were having some of the same thoughts at the same time.
Here is Lauren's response to my inquiry.
"Mark Miller is an exceptional candidate. He’s highly qualified for the position he’s seeking and more qualified (by far) than his 3 opponents. If he was elected, he would be well prepared to serve. He’s been a Libertarian since the 1970s and is well versed on Libertarianism and able to communicate Libertarian ideas well. And, he’s also a solid leader. He’s well liked, kind, and personable. Rarely do we find candidates of any party that are so well rounded.
Mark’s race is the top of the ticket in Texas this cycle. The Texas Railroad Commission is one of the most powerful agencies in Texas. It regulates oil and gas and has nothing to do with railroads. In Texas, oil & gas often trump property rights. It’s messy and outrageous and will make any normal human being hopping mad if they look into it. Mark is outspoken about protecting property rights.
Mark has a PhD from Stanford in petroleum engineering and has spent over 40 years in the industry. In contrast, none of his opponents have worked one day in oil & gas.
For the Libertarian Party of Texas to retain ballot access for 2018, we need one statewide candidate to achieve 5% of the vote. This cycle, the only statewide candidates on ballots in Texas are Railroad Commission (Mark’s race) and judicial races. Almost all of our judicial candidates this year are “paper candidates”. Mark is running the most active campaign, by far.
We started this campaign 1 and a half years ago, when I left employment with LPTexas. We’ve raised over $70k so far and received 2 of the biggest media endorsements in Libertarian history. I expect that we’ll break $100k within the next 2 weeks. Mark is a full-time candidate. We anticipate that he’ll very likely get more media endorsements over the coming weeks. He’s talking with reporters almost daily and traveling extensively.
We’ve just started robo calls to strategic areas and will have mailers promoting our endorsements starting in the next few days. We are planning a major radio buy that will flood the talk radio airwaves across Texas with Mark’s name and info on his endorsements and the LP for 2 weeks before early voting begins. This will cost $50k and we think this is critical to achieving the 5% needed to ensure ballot access. We’ve raised approximately $30k towards this so far and we expect to receive the final funding on that within the next week.
If we are unable to achieve the 5% needed to secure ballot access, it will take approximately 80,000 verified signatures to regain ballot access. I’m told we’d need to shoot for approximately 125,000 signatures or more to make sure we have enough “good” signatures. In Texas, if someone votes in a primary, they are not eligible to sign a ballot access petition and this makes it more difficult. The signatures would have to be gathered within a 75 day window. Experts tell me that this would likely cost between $250,000 and $500,000.
In my opinion, it is far better to spend money now, promoting an exceptional candidate, rather than having to scramble to raise even more money to regain ballot access in 2018 or 2020. I know the fundraising situation in Texas better than anyone. If we lose ballot access, it will likely be 2020 before we can afford to regain it.
Mark is a candidate that makes us all extra proud to be Libertarians. He’s highly qualified, and skilled communicator, and represents us very well. He can walk into a room of people who are skeptical or even of the Libertarian Party and when he walks out, they respect us and many support us.
Here are our goals for Mark’s campaign: 1) achieve 5% (or far more!) of the vote in order to retain ballot access for 2018; 2) grow the Libertarian Party. Mark’s a team player. We are promoting Libertarians up and down the ballot whenever we can."
"If the LNC donates to Mark’s campaign, we’d use the money on radio buys, and/or carefully targeted robo calls, and/or large postcard to strategic areas, educating voters about the endorsements, Mark’s credentials, and the LP.
I think the max that the LNC could give Mark’s campaign directly, by law, is $5k. My understanding, based on what Bob Johnston has told me, is that if the LNC wanted to give more, they could donate it to LPTexas (which is currently an FEC filing entity) with the understanding that LPTexas would then donate the funds to the campaign. LPTexas receives directed donations regularly and I don’t foresee any problem with working with them in this way. One SLEC member said in the SLEC meeting yesterday that “Mark is our shining star”. SLEC, the officers, and key players, all agree and I think they’d be delighted to help in this way.
Folks can read more about Mark here: miller4tx.com"
"
"Thank you for considering supporting his campaign. If anyone would like to talk with me directly, they can call/text me at 931 249 9924 or email me at lau...@miller4tx.com"
Here are some links she sent to me also:
Daniel Hayes
LNC At Large Member
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
_______________________________________________
Lnc-business mailing list
Lnc-bu...@hq.lp.org
http://hq.lp.org/mailman/listinfo/lnc-business_hq.lp.org
_______________________________________________
Lnc-business mailing list
Lnc-bu...@hq.lp.org
http://hq.lp.org/mailman/listinfo/lnc-business_hq.lp.org
Bob, if you're researching this, also be sure to check on any timing issues, in other words are there restrictions or deadlines on when a committee has to tell the Texas Ethics Commission they plan to spend money on a candidate for the November 8, 2016 elections. It could vary whether it's the state party or directly to the candidate, so that might affect whether giving through LPTexas versus directly to the candidate.
Wes Benedict, Executive Director Libertarian National Committee, Inc. 1444 Duke St., Alexandria, VA 22314 (202) 333-0008 ext. 232, wes.be...@lp.org facebook.com/libertarians @LPNational Join the Libertarian Party at: http://lp.org/membershipOn 9/19/2016 11:40 AM, Daniel Hayes wrote:
Bob,
Research fast please. It would be good to get this up today.
Daniel HayesLNC At Large Member
Sent from my iPhone
Daniel,
I need to research how much the LNC can donate to a non-federal candidate, and get back to you.
My original thought was to donate the funds directly to the LPTX, which is a federal filing party, and have them funnel the funds to the Miller campaign.
Bob
Perhaps Aaron Starr remembers, but I'm thinking the issue was
that the LNC would have had to file some campaign finance reports
with the state of Indiana, and you all decided that Aaron Starr
and the LNCC would be willing to handle the burden of that extra
campaign finance reporting. I don't think it was an issue of
prohibitions on giving directly to Ed Coleman--rather reporting
hassles, but again, that's off the top of my head and is about
something from over 5 years ago.
Wes Benedict, Executive Director Libertarian National Committee, Inc. 1444 Duke St., Alexandria, VA 22314 (202) 333-0008 ext. 232, wes.be...@lp.org facebook.com/libertarians @LPNational Join the Libertarian Party at: http://lp.org/membership
Richard Winger answered the signature requirement question.
Wes Benedict, Executive Director Libertarian National Committee, Inc. 1444 Duke St., Alexandria, VA 22314 (202) 333-0008 ext. 232, wes.be...@lp.org facebook.com/libertarians @LPNational Join the Libertarian Party at: http://lp.org/membership
Subject: | Re: Fwd: [Lnc-business] LP Donation to Mark Miller Campaign |
---|---|
Date: | Mon, 19 Sep 2016 15:57:48 +0000 (UTC) |
From: | Richard Winger <richar...@yahoo.com> |
Reply-To: | Richard Winger <richar...@yahoo.com> |
To: | Wes Benedict <wes.be...@lp.org> |
Wes Benedict, Executive Director Libertarian National Committee, Inc. 1444 Duke St., Alexandria, VA 22314 (202) 333-0008 ext. 232, wes.be...@lp.org facebook.com/libertarians @LPNational Join the Libertarian Party at: http://lp.org/membership
Subject: | [Lnc-business] LP Donation to Mark Miller Campaign |
---|
Date: | Mon, 19 Sep 2016 14:11:09 +0000 (GMT) |
---|---|
From: | Daniel Hayes <daniel...@icloud.com> |
Reply-To: | lnc-bu...@hq.lp.org |
To: | lnc-business <lnc-bu...@lp.org> |
Ken C. Moellman, Jr.
LNC Region 3 Alternate Representative
LPKY Judicial Committee
On 2016-09-19 11:50, Wes Benedict wrote:
I'm not certain on this and obviously we should make certain on the facts.
But, I'm thinking there is no limit on how much the LNC can contribute directly to the Miller campaign in Texas.
Also, I'm thinking it took 47,086 valid signatures to get full statewide party ballot access in Texas this year, so I want to see why it's 80,000 (verified) in two years.
Wes Benedict, Executive Director Libertarian National Committee, Inc. 1444 Duke St., Alexandria, VA 22314
(202) 333-0008 ext. 232, wes.be...@lp.org facebook.com/libertarians @LPNational Join the Libertarian Party at: http://lp.org/membership
_______________________________________________ Lnc-business mailing list Lnc-bu...@hq.lp.org http://hq.lp.org/mailman/listinfo/lnc-business_hq.lp.org
Ken C. Moellman, Jr.
LNC Region 3 Alternate Representative
LPKY Judicial Committee
On 2016-09-19 12:16, Wes Benedict wrote:
Perhaps Aaron Starr remembers, but I'm thinking the issue was that the LNC would have had to file some campaign finance reports with the state of Indiana, and you all decided that Aaron Starr and the LNCC would be willing to handle the burden of that extra campaign finance reporting. I don't think it was an issue of prohibitions on giving directly to Ed Coleman--rather reporting hassles, but again, that's off the top of my head and is about something from over 5 years ago.
Wes Benedict, Executive Director Libertarian National Committee, Inc. 1444 Duke St., Alexandria, VA 22314
(202) 333-0008 ext. 232, wes.be...@lp.org facebook.com/libertarians @LPNational Join the Libertarian Party at: http://lp.org/membership
On 9/19/2016 12:03 PM, Sam Goldstein wrote:
If memory serves, when the LNC contributed money to Ed Coleman's campaign for Indianapolis City-County Council, the money had to flow through the LNCC since Ed want not a federal candidate. I don't think the LNC can give any money directly to the Miller campaign but it would be a good question to pose to Paula Edwards.Sam
Sam GoldsteinLibertarian National CommitteeMember at Large8925 N Meridian St, Ste 101Indianapolis IN 46260317-850-0726 Phone317-582-1773 Fax
On Mon, Sep 19, 2016 at 11:59 AM, Wes Benedict <wes.be...@lp.org> wrote:
Bob, if you're researching this, also be sure to check on any timing issues, in other words are there restrictions or deadlines on when a committee has to tell the Texas Ethics Commission they plan to spend money on a candidate for the November 8, 2016 elections. It could vary whether it's the state party or directly to the candidate, so that might affect whether giving through LPTexas versus directly to the candidate.
Wes Benedict, Executive Director Libertarian National Committee, Inc. 1444 Duke St., Alexandria, VA 22314
(202) 333-0008 ext. 232, wes.be...@lp.org facebook.com/libertarians @LPNational Join the Libertarian Party at: http://lp.org/membership
On 9/19/2016 11:40 AM, Daniel Hayes wrote:
Bob,Research fast please. It would be good to get this up today.
Daniel HayesLNC At Large Member
Sent from my iPhone
Daniel,
I need to research how much the LNC can donate to a non-federal candidate, and get back to you.
My original thought was to donate the funds directly to the LPTX, which is a federal filing party, and have them funnel the funds to the Miller campaign.
Bob
From: Daniel Hayes [mailto:danielehayes@icloud.com]
Sent: Monday, September 19, 2016 11:30 AM
To: lnc-bu...@hq.lp.org
Cc: bob.jo...@lp.org
Subject: Re: [Lnc-business] LP Donation to Mark Miller Campaign
Sam,
I agree about the time. I wanted to hit send on what I had written already this morning before the hygienist started the cleaning.
I started writing this current email in the dentist chair, when he came up and saw my Louisiana Libertarian shirt he said he liked it. He's currently independent but is going to be ReRegistering along with his wife. She apparently is former military and has been donating to the Johnson campaign.
But back on topic, before we put a motion out there, how much should we commit?
Should we do two separate motions? One to Mark's campaign and one to TX LP with the understanding they donate to his campaign?
I have CCed Bob Johnston on here since apparently he and I are psychically linked and both wrote Lauren at almost the same time and he seems to have a better understanding of what we can do in TX than I do.
Bob what are the limits that the NLP/LNC could donate to the Mark Miller campaign?
Daniel Hayes
LNC At Large Member
Sent from my iPhone
On Sep 19, 2016, at 9:43 AM, Sam Goldstein <goldstei...@gmail.com> wrote:
Daniel,
I would co-sponsor a motion for a LNC contribution to Mark Miller's campaign and/or a targeted contribution to the LPTX in
his behalf based on the information provided above.
However, you better write the motion and get it submitted for an email ballot very quickly as time is running out on this
election year.
Live Free,
Sam Goldstein
Libertarian National Committee
Member at Large
8925 N Meridian St, Ste 101
Indianapolis IN 46260
317-850-0726 Phone
317-582-1773 Fax
Robert says my recollection is 100% correct -- so now I'm 66.7%
certain I remember correctly : ). Aaron Starr's confirmation would
make it 100%.
Wes Benedict, Executive Director Libertarian National Committee, Inc. 1444 Duke St., Alexandria, VA 22314 (202) 333-0008 ext. 232, wes.be...@lp.org facebook.com/libertarians @LPNational Join the Libertarian Party at: http://lp.org/membership
Subject: | RE: [Lnc-business] LP Donation to Mark Miller Campaign |
---|
Date: | Mon, 19 Sep 2016 12:38:28 -0400 |
---|---|
From: | Robert Kraus <robert...@lp.org> |
To: | 'Wes Benedict' <wes.be...@lp.org>, 'Bob Johnston' <bob.jo...@lp.org> |
Your recollection is 100% correct.
Live Free!
Robert
Robert
S. Kraus - Dir of Operations
Opera...@LP.org
Libertarian National Committee
Ph:
202.333.0008 x 231
Join today: https://www.lp.org/membership
LP FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/libertarians
DanieL You beat me to the punch by one hour. I will co-sponsor such a motion. Yes, I would like to win this election, as well, but do be advised that Texas has a straight ticket voting device that, according to Richard Winger, about half of Texas voters employ (of course, some of them pull the Libertarian lever on this). Thanks, Bill Redpath
--------------------------------------------
On Mon, 9/19/16, Daniel Hayes <daniel...@icloud.com> wrote:
Subject: [Lnc-business] LP Donation to Mark Miller Campaign
To: "lnc-business" <lnc-bu...@lp.org>
Date: Monday, September 19, 2016, 10:11 AM
....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
-----Inline Attachment Follows-----
Daniel Hayes
LNC At Large Member
Sent from my iPhone
On Sep 19, 2016, at 10:35 AM, Bob Johnston <bob.jo...@lp.org> wrote:
Daniel,
I need to research how much the LNC can donate to a non-federal candidate, and get back to you.
My original thought was to donate the funds directly to the LPTX, which is a federal filing party, and have them funnel the funds to the Miller campaign.
Bob
From: Daniel Hayes [mailto:danielehayes@icloud.com]
Sent: Monday, September 19, 2016 11:30 AM
To: lnc-bu...@hq.lp.org
Cc: bob.jo...@lp.org
Subject: Re: [Lnc-business] LP Donation to Mark Miller Campaign
Sam,
I agree about the time. I wanted to hit send on what I had written already this morning before the hygienist started the cleaning.
I started writing this current email in the dentist chair, when he came up and saw my Louisiana Libertarian shirt he said he liked it. He's currently independent but is going to be ReRegistering along with his wife. She apparently is former military and has been donating to the Johnson campaign.
But back on topic, before we put a motion out there, how much should we commit?
Should we do two separate motions? One to Mark's campaign and one to TX LP with the understanding they donate to his campaign?
I have CCed Bob Johnston on here since apparently he and I are psychically linked and both wrote Lauren at almost the same time and he seems to have a better understanding of what we can do in TX than I do.
Bob what are the limits that the NLP/LNC could donate to the Mark Miller campaign?
Daniel Hayes
LNC At Large Member
Sent from my iPhone
On Sep 19, 2016, at 9:43 AM, Sam Goldstein <goldstei...@gmail.com> wrote:
Daniel,
I would co-sponsor a motion for a LNC contribution to Mark Miller's campaign and/or a targeted contribution to the LPTX in
his behalf based on the information provided above.
However, you better write the motion and get it submitted for an email ballot very quickly as time is running out on this
election year.
Live Free,
Sam Goldstein
Libertarian National Committee
Member at Large
8925 N Meridian St, Ste 101
Indianapolis IN 46260
317-850-0726 Phone
317-582-1773 Fax
_______________________________________________
Lnc-business mailing list
Lnc-bu...@hq.lp.org
http://hq.lp.org/mailman/listinfo/lnc-business_hq.lp.org
_______________________________________________
Lnc-business mailing list
Lnc-bu...@hq.lp.org
http://hq.lp.org/mailman/listinfo/lnc-business_hq.lp.org
_______________________________________________
Lnc-business mailing list
Lnc-bu...@hq.lp.org
http://hq.lp.org/mailman/listinfo/lnc-business_hq.lp.org
_______________________________________________ Lnc-business mailing list Lnc-bu...@hq.lp.org http://hq.lp.org/mailman/listinfo/lnc-business_hq.lp.org
_______________________________________________
Lnc-business mailing list
Lnc-bu...@hq.lp.org
http://hq.lp.org/mailman/listinfo/lnc-business_hq.lp.org
Mark Miller has been endorsed by TWO of the largest newspapers in Texas, so far...Houston Chronicle and Dallas Morning News. Links to those were included in Daniel's original e-mail, I believe.
[Message clipped]
"How do we intelligently gauge the likelihood that spending only this much money in the manner suggested will move the needle in a state the size of Texas? Are we trying to dilute a dirty lake with a glass of clean water?"
Aaron Starr
Wes Benedict, Executive Director
Libertarian National Committee, Inc.
1444 Duke St. , Alexandria , VA 22314
(202) 333-0008 ext. 232, wes.be...@lp.org
facebook.com/libertarians @LPNational
Join the Libertarian Party at: http://lp.org/membership
If memory serves, when the LNC contributed money to Ed Coleman's campaign for Indianapolis City-County Council, the money had to flow through the LNCC since Ed want not a federal candidate. I don't think the LNC can give any money directly to the Miller campaign but it would be a good question to pose to Paula Edwards.Sam
Sam GoldsteinLibertarian National CommitteeMember at Large8925 N Meridian St, Ste 101Indianapolis IN 46260317-850-0726 Phone317-582-1773 Fax
On Mon, Sep 19, 2016 at 11:59 AM, Wes Benedict <wes.be...@lp.org> wrote:
Bob, if you're researching this, also be sure to check on any timing issues, in other words are there restrictions or deadlines on when a committee has to tell the Texas Ethics Commission they plan to spend money on a candidate for the November 8, 2016 elections. It could vary whether it's the state party or directly to the candidate, so that might affect whether giving through LPTexas versus directly to the candidate.Wes Benedict, Executive Director
Libertarian National Committee, Inc.
1444 Duke St. , Alexandria , VA 22314
(202) 333-0008 ext. 232, wes.be...@lp.org
facebook.com/libertarians @LPNational
Join the Libertarian Party at: http://lp.org/membership
On 9/19/2016 11:40 AM, Daniel Hayes wrote:
Bob,Research fast please. It would be good to get this up today.Daniel HayesLNC At Large Member
Sent from my iPhoneOn Sep 19, 2016, at 10:35 AM, Bob Johnston <bob.jo...@lp.org> wrote:
Daniel,I need to research how much the LNC can donate to a non-federal candidate, and get back to you.My original thought was to donate the funds directly to the LPTX, which is a federal filing party, and have them funnel the funds to the Miller campaign.Bob
From: Daniel Hayes [mailto:danielehayes@icloud. com]
I intend to bring or support a motion for the NLP/LNC to donate funds to Mark Miller's campaign for Railroad Commissioner in Texas . What's at stake is ballot access in Texas . If they do not have a statewide candidate achieve 5% in this election, they lose their current ballot access and with the size of Texas , it will likely cost us multiple 6 figures getting it back. At present Dr. Miller's campaign is the only one that could be considered more than a paper candidacy. As we had been having discussions about which campaigns should the LNC be donating to, it crossed my mind that Mark Miller's was exactly the sort we should be lending assistance to. It also occurred to me that we might be hearing a little less about it than we might because his campaign manager is also our Special Projects Director, Lauren Daugherty and I know she works very hard to try and keep those roles separated.
Making it brief, Mark Miller has raised significant money already, his campaign stands to benefit the whole TX Affiliate and save it and the NLP a LOT of money, he is highly qualified for the job, he has gotten major endorsements.
With that in mind I reached out to Lauren yesterday. Apparently, some other people were having some of the same thoughts at the same time.
Here is Lauren's response to my inquiry.
"
Mark Miller is an exceptional candidate. He’s highly qualified for the position he’s seeking and more qualified (by far) than his 3 opponents. If he was elected, he would be well prepared to serve. He’s been a Libertarian since the 1970s and is well versed on Libertarianism and able to communicate Libertarian ideas well. And, he’s also a solid leader. He’s well liked, kind, and personable. Rarely do we find candidates of any party that are so well rounded.
Mark’s race is the top of the ticket in Texas this cycle. The Texas Railroad Commission is one of the most powerful agencies in Texas . It regulates oil and gas and has nothing to do with railroads. In Texas , oil & gas often trump property rights. It’s messy and outrageous and will make any normal human being hopping mad if they look into it. Mark is outspoken about protecting property rights.
Mark has a PhD from Stanford in petroleum engineering and has spent over 40 years in the industry. In contrast, none of his opponents have worked one day in oil & gas.For the Libertarian Party of Texas to retain ballot access for 2018, we need one statewide candidate to achieve 5% of the vote. This cycle, the only statewide candidates on ballots in Texas are Railroad Commission (Mark’s race) and judicial races. Almost all of our judicial candidates this year are “paper candidates”. Mark is running the most active campaign, by far.We started this campaign 1 and a half years ago, when I left employment with LPTexas. We’ve raised over $70k so far and received 2 of the biggest media endorsements in Libertarian history. I expect that we’ll break $100k within the next 2 weeks. Mark is a full-time candidate. We anticipate that he’ll very likely get more media endorsements over the coming weeks. He’s talking with reporters almost daily and traveling extensively.We’ve just started robo calls to strategic areas and will have mailers promoting our endorsements starting in the next few days. We are planning a major radio buy that will flood the talk radio airwaves across Texas with Mark’s name and info on his endorsements and the LP for 2 weeks before early voting begins. This will cost $50k and we think this is critical to achieving the 5% needed to ensure ballot access. We’ve raised approximately $30k towards this so far and we expect to receive the final funding on that within the next week.
If we are unable to achieve the 5% needed to secure ballot access, it will take approximately 80,000 verified signatures to regain ballot access. I’m told we’d need to shoot for approximately 125,000 signatures or more to make sure we have enough “good” signatures. In Texas , if someone votes in a primary, they are not eligible to sign a ballot access petition and this makes it more difficult. The signatures would have to be gathered within a 75 day window. Experts tell me that this would likely cost between $250,000 and $500,000.
In my opinion, it is far better to spend money now, promoting an exceptional candidate, rather than having to scramble to raise even more money to regain ballot access in 2018 or 2020. I know the fundraising situation in Texas better than anyone. If we lose ballot access, it will likely be 2020 before we can afford to regain it.Mark is a candidate that makes us all extra proud to be Libertarians. He’s highly qualified, and skilled communicator, and represents us very well. He can walk into a room of people who are skeptical or even of the Libertarian Party and when he walks out, they respect us and many support us.
Here are our goals for Mark’s campaign: 1) achieve 5% (or far more!) of the vote in order to retain ballot access for 2018; 2) grow the Libertarian Party. Mark’s a team player. We are promoting Libertarians up and down the ballot whenever we can."
"If the LNC donates to Mark’s campaign, we’d use the money on radio buys, and/or carefully targeted robo calls, and/or large postcard to strategic areas, educating voters about the endorsements, Mark’s credentials, and the LP.I think the max that the LNC could give Mark’s campaign directly, by law, is $5k. My understanding, based on what Bob Johnston has told me, is that if the LNC wanted to give more, they could donate it to LPTexas (which is currently an FEC filing entity) with the understanding that LPTexas would then donate the funds to the campaign. LPTexas receives directed donations regularly and I don’t foresee any problem with working with them in this way. One SLEC member said in the SLEC meeting yesterday that “Mark is our shining star”. SLEC, the officers, and key players, all agree and I think they’d be delighted to help in this way.Folks can read more about Mark here: miller4tx.com"
""Thank you for considering supporting his campaign. If anyone would like to talk with me directly, they can call/text me at 931 249 9924 or email me at lau...@miller4tx.com"
Here are some links she sent to me also:
Daniel Hayes
LNC At Large Member
.............................. .............................. .............................. .............................. .............................. .............................. .............................. .............................. .............................. .............................. .............................. .............................. .............................. .............................. .............................. .............................. .............................. .............................. .............................. .............................. .............................. .............................. .............................. ..................
______________________________ _________________
Lnc-business mailing list
Lnc-bu...@hq.lp.org
http://hq.lp.org/mailman/listi nfo/lnc-business_hq.lp.org
______________________________ _________________
Lnc-business mailing list
Lnc-bu...@hq.lp.org
http://hq.lp.org/mailman/ listinfo/lnc-business_hq.lp. org
______________________________ _________________
Lnc-business mailing list
Lnc-bu...@hq.lp.org
http://hq.lp.org/mailman/ listinfo/lnc-business_hq.lp. org
______________________________ _________________ Lnc-business mailing list Lnc-bu...@hq.lp.org http://hq.lp.org/mailman/ listinfo/lnc-business_hq.lp. org
_______________________________________________
Lnc-business mailing list
Lnc-bu...@hq.lp.org
http://hq.lp.org/mailman/listinfo/lnc-business_hq.lp.org
_______________________________________________
Lnc-business mailing list
Lnc-bu...@hq.lp.org
http://hq.lp.org/mailman/listinfo/lnc-business_hq.lp.org
Mark has now received endorsements from the Dallas Morning News, Houston Chronicle, San Antonio Express, and the Corpus Christi Caller-Times.
Mark Miller has been endorsed by TWO of the largest newspapers in Texas, so far...Houston Chronicle and Dallas Morning News. Links to those were included in Daniel's original e-mail, I believe.
From: Lnc-business [mailto:lnc-business-bounces@hq.lp.org] On Behalf Of Wes Benedict
Sent: Monday, September 19, 2016 12:16 PM
To: lnc-bu...@hq.lp.org
Cc: Bob Johnston
Subject: Re: [Lnc-business] LP Donation to Mark Miller Campaign
Perhaps Aaron Starr remembers, but I'm thinking the issue was that the LNC would have had to file some campaign finance reports with the state of Indiana, and you all decided that Aaron Starr and the LNCC would be willing to handle the burden of that extra campaign finance reporting. I don't think it was an issue of prohibitions on giving directly to Ed Coleman--rather reporting hassles, but again, that's off the top of my head and is about something from over 5 years ago.
Wes Benedict, Executive Director
Libertarian National Committee, Inc.
1444 Duke St., Alexandria, VA 22314
(202) 333-0008 ext. 232, wes.be...@lp.org
facebook.com/libertarians @LPNational
Join the Libertarian Party at: http://lp.org/membership
On 9/19/2016 12:03 PM, Sam Goldstein wrote:
If memory serves, when the LNC contributed money to Ed Coleman's campaign for Indianapolis City-County Council, the money had to flow through the LNCC since Ed want not a federal candidate. I don't think the LNC can give any money directly to the Miller campaign but it would be a good question to pose to Paula Edwards.
Sam
Sam Goldstein
Libertarian National Committee
Member at Large
8925 N Meridian St, Ste 101
Indianapolis IN 46260
317-850-0726 Phone
317-582-1773 Fax
On Mon, Sep 19, 2016 at 11:59 AM, Wes Benedict <wes.be...@lp.org> wrote:
Bob, if you're researching this, also be sure to check on any timing issues, in other words are there restrictions or deadlines on when a committee has to tell the Texas Ethics Commission they plan to spend money on a candidate for the November 8, 2016 elections. It could vary whether it's the state party or directly to the candidate, so that might affect whether giving through LPTexas versus directly to the candidate.
Wes Benedict, Executive Director
Libertarian National Committee, Inc.
1444 Duke St., Alexandria, VA 22314
(202) 333-0008 ext. 232, wes.be...@lp.org
facebook.com/libertarians @LPNational
Join the Libertarian Party at: http://lp.org/membership
On 9/19/2016 11:40 AM, Daniel Hayes wrote:
I intend to bring or support a motion for the NLP/LNC to donate funds to Mark Miller's campaign for Railroad Commissioner in Texas. What's at stake is ballot access in Texas. If they do not have a statewide candidate achieve 5% in this election, they lose their current ballot access and with the size of Texas, it will likely cost us multiple 6 figures getting it back. At present Dr. Miller's campaign is the only one that could be considered more than a paper candidacy. As we had been having discussions about which campaigns should the LNC be donating to, it crossed my mind that Mark Miller's was exactly the sort we should be lending assistance to. It also occurred to me that we might be hearing a little less about it than we might because his campaign manager is also our Special Projects Director, Lauren Daugherty and I know she works very hard to try and keep those roles separated.
Making it brief, Mark Miller has raised significant money already, his campaign stands to benefit the whole TX Affiliate and save it and the NLP a LOT of money, he is highly qualified for the job, he has gotten major endorsements.
With that in mind I reached out to Lauren yesterday. Apparently, some other people were having some of the same thoughts at the same time.
Here is Lauren's response to my inquiry.
"
Mark Miller is an exceptional candidate. He’s highly qualified for the position he’s seeking and more qualified (by far) than his 3 opponents. If he was elected, he would be well prepared to serve. He’s been a Libertarian since the 1970s and is well versed on Libertarianism and able to communicate Libertarian ideas well. And, he’s also a solid leader. He’s well liked, kind, and personable. Rarely do we find candidates of any party that are so well rounded.
Mark’s race is the top of the ticket in Texas this cycle. The Texas Railroad Commission is one of the most powerful agencies in Texas. It regulates oil and gas and has nothing to do with railroads. In Texas, oil & gas often trump property rights. It’s messy and outrageous and will make any normal human being hopping mad if they look into it. Mark is outspoken about protecting property rights.
Mark has a PhD from Stanford in petroleum engineering and has spent over 40 years in the industry. In contrast, none of his opponents have worked one day in oil & gas.
For the Libertarian Party of Texas to retain ballot access for 2018, we need one statewide candidate to achieve 5% of the vote. This cycle, the only statewide candidates on ballots in Texas are Railroad Commission (Mark’s race) and judicial races. Almost all of our judicial candidates this year are “paper candidates”. Mark is running the most active campaign, by far.
We started this campaign 1 and a half years ago, when I left employment with LPTexas. We’ve raised over $70k so far and received 2 of the biggest media endorsements in Libertarian history. I expect that we’ll break $100k within the next 2 weeks. Mark is a full-time candidate. We anticipate that he’ll very likely get more media endorsements over the coming weeks. He’s talking with reporters almost daily and traveling extensively.
We’ve just started robo calls to strategic areas and will have mailers promoting our endorsements starting in the next few days. We are planning a major radio buy that will flood the talk radio airwaves across Texas with Mark’s name and info on his endorsements and the LP for 2 weeks before early voting begins. This will cost $50k and we think this is critical to achieving the 5% needed to ensure ballot access. We’ve raised approximately $30k towards this so far and we expect to receive the final funding on that within the next week.
If we are unable to achieve the 5% needed to secure ballot access, it will take approximately 80,000 verified signatures to regain ballot access. I’m told we’d need to shoot for approximately 125,000 signatures or more to make sure we have enough “good” signatures. In Texas, if someone votes in a primary, they are not eligible to sign a ballot access petition and this makes it more difficult. The signatures would have to be gathered within a 75 day window. Experts tell me that this would likely cost between $250,000 and $500,000.
In my opinion, it is far better to spend money now, promoting an exceptional candidate, rather than having to scramble to raise even more money to regain ballot access in 2018 or 2020. I know the fundraising situation in Texas better than anyone. If we lose ballot access, it will likely be 2020 before we can afford to regain it.
Mark is a candidate that makes us all extra proud to be Libertarians. He’s highly qualified, and skilled communicator, and represents us very well. He can walk into a room of people who are skeptical or even of the Libertarian Party and when he walks out, they respect us and many support us.
Here are our goals for Mark’s campaign: 1) achieve 5% (or far more!) of the vote in order to retain ballot access for 2018; 2) grow the Libertarian Party. Mark’s a team player. We are promoting Libertarians up and down the ballot whenever we can."
"If the LNC donates to Mark’s campaign, we’d use the money on radio buys, and/or carefully targeted robo calls, and/or large postcard to strategic areas, educating voters about the endorsements, Mark’s credentials, and the LP.
I think the max that the LNC could give Mark’s campaign directly, by law, is $5k. My understanding, based on what Bob Johnston has told me, is that if the LNC wanted to give more, they could donate it to LPTexas (which is currently an FEC filing entity) with the understanding that LPTexas would then donate the funds to the campaign. LPTexas receives directed donations regularly and I don’t foresee any problem with working with them in this way. One SLEC member said in the SLEC meeting yesterday that “Mark is our shining star”. SLEC, the officers, and key players, all agree and I think they’d be delighted to help in this way.
Folks can read more about Mark here: miller4tx.com"
"
"Thank you for considering supporting his campaign. If anyone would like to talk with me directly, they can call/text me at 931 249 9924 or email me at lau...@miller4tx.com"
Here are some links she sent to me also:
...Daniel Hayes
LNC At Large Member