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2010 Indiana Libertarian Convention largest in the country
Contact Information:
Kayla Sims
303-915-0298
kd_...@yahoo.com
Immediate release 4/26/2010
Over 100 registered Libertarian members attended the 2010 Indiana State Convention on April 24th making it the largest Libertarian convention in the country. Each year the Libertarian party hosts a convention to discuss party data, hold quality workshops, and nominate candidates.
This year’s convention was held at the Drury Inn Suites in Indianapolis. The opening statement was a reading of the Declaration of Independence to remind every attendee the purpose of the congregation, to defend equal rights before formal motion initiated the convention proceedings.
A short business meeting was held explaining monthly finances: donations, fundraiser earnings, member dues, and party expenses. Libertarian members are active on a voluntary basis. Indiana is only the second state to be able to provide for at least one paid employee. Executive Director Chris Spangle appreciated the Libertarians of Indiana for currently contributing enough money toward the party for him to be granted a paid salary.
Four workshops were hosted by quality guest speakers.
First Jeff Stanger, Development Director of the Salvation Army International, provided vital fundraising tips. Speaking on internet tools, campaign strategy, and success in raising financial support. ”When asking for campaign support,” Jeff encourages, “be credible with your beliefs; we don’t want a think tank, we want a political party.” Jeff Stanger recommend author Seth Godin for all business owners and political candidates, specifically two recommendations, Tribes an explanation of how the internet has eliminated barriers and created new leadership opportunities for communities, and Purple Cow which determines that the key to success is to stand out.
Mark Rutherford, an Indiana attorney and Libertarian lectured on Indiana Campaign Finance Laws. These regulations can be easily accessed by anyone at www.campaignfinance.in.gov but he reminded that it is a 134 page document, which he also jokes, “to a lawyer that is just bathroom reading material.” Rutherford touched on traps and word misinterpretations that could lead to fines and missed deadlines for candidates.
Mark Rutheford’s closing was a testimonial for Jamie Goldstein, recently deceased. Jamie Goldstein was an active member of the Libertarian party and also the wife of Sam Goldstein, Indiana’s State Chairman of the Libertarian party.
Robert Enlow, President and CEO of the Education Choice Foundation encouraged the Libertarian Party to be more active in promoting fair education. Robert Enlow expressed his belief that the Libertarian Party’s mission to promote free choice coincides with the need to advocate more learning choices for the students of America. This workshop was gained the most active participation at the convention, as almost every member expressed their concern for our youth’s education, followed by candidates commitment to look for solutions within the community, schools, and parents.
And lecture on Media 101 was given by political commentator Abdul Hakim-Shabazz. He revealed methods and tools that aid in media access; news releases, conferences, editorials. Abdul stressed that the media is not the enemy and provided tips for working with the media.
John Cunningham, former school teacher and long time member of the Libertarian Party Committee, and Libertarian candidate for Congress spoke on “Being a reasonable Libertarian” was the most inspiring speech for the audience. He reviewed the Libertarian party’s birth during the rebellion years of the 1970′s and the progress the party has made over the last thirty years. John reflected on the Muhammad Ali quote, “A man who views the world the same at fifty as he did at twenty has wasted thirty years of his life.” He continued on, “We have spent the last thirty years growing this party, which today is labeled one of the biggest in the country; these have not been years wasted.” John admitted to new members with a laugh, “Libertarians fight for a much more interesting life than we live!” He gained a standing ovation with his closing reminder that the Libertarian Party is working for the
people so that the future may live with liberty.
All members are involved in the making and changing of Libertarian by-laws. The convention was an opportunity to debate and discuss needed changes on specific Libertarian by-laws. During the election process, candidates were nominated and given a brief opportunity make a supporting case. All candidates were elected by secret ballot: U.S House and Senate, State House and Senate, Secretary of State and Town Council. . The election process was performed purely by Libertarian members only. Candidates who were elected will represent the Libertarian Party in the general elections against the Republican and Democrat parties. This year’s convention attendees experienced a political debate as two candidates, Rebecca Sinks-Burris and Tamyra d’Ippolito, were nominated for the U.S Senate Seat. The debate process allowed individuals to ask questions directed to both
candidates. After the debate, candidates were asked to exit the conference and delegates discussed their viewpoints on each candidate. This year’s U.S Senate Libertarian candidate is Rebecca- Sinks Burris.
The Indiana Libertarian Party looks forward to the upcoming general elections. As of 2010 the Indiana Libertarian Party, next to Texas, holds the highest number of candidates up for election against the Democrats and Republicans.
The Libertarian party is currently the first largest political party in the country whose vision is that all individuals can freely exercise the natural right of sole dominion over their lives, liberty, and property. More about the Indiana Libertarian Party can be viewed at www.lpin.org |