On Contested Races at the Upcoming LP Texas Convention

LPTexasLogoI am thrilled that there are several contested races coming up at the Libertarian Party of Texas Convention which is being held in Fort Worth on June 8 – 10. Like the contest for LNC Chair at the National Convention, I truly believe that these are a sign of health and not of division of the Party.

That said, I am calling on all those who are running either for elected office or for leadership positions in the party to consider the following:

  • Everything is on the table. There are no issues that I see that are off limits to constructive dialogue. Abortion, immigration, borders, liberty, toll roads, taxation, education, and drug laws are but a few of the important issues which need to be talked about in the open. 
  • No ad hominum attacks. The quickest way to lose my vote will be to attack your opponents with what are personal criticisms. This would include charges of violations of personal integrity. If you accuse someone of being dishonest, you better have some video evidence.
  • Provide a clear vision of the future. I am interested in hearing what you have to say about the future of our country, state and party. The more you can illustrate your vision with specifics the more likely you are to win my vote. What is different about a country, state, or party with you at the helm?
  • Exhibit a non-anxious presence. Anxiety and creativity are always inversely proportional to each other. The more anxious you are the less creative you will be. As a candidate for any position, I believe this is what is most needed today. In short, I want to see that you are calm under pressure. I want to see your ability to self-regulate your emotions.
  • Embrace the genius of the AND by rejecting the tyranny of the OR. I want to hear how Libertarians are the future. I want to know how your candidacy will embrace the ideas the Libertarianism is about both debating the finer philosophical points AND can win elections. I reject the notion that they are mutually exclusive.

Now, go, fight hard, and clean and win my vote!

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