Just Breaking...

From Eric Dondero:

Libertarian Republican has just learned that GOP officials believe that as many as 50 to 70 elected officials on the county level throughout Texas could be switching from Democrat to Republican by the filing date for the 2010 elections. The news comes to us from Bryan Preston, Communications Director for the Republican Party of Texas out of Austin. Preston hosted an exclusive conference call for Right bloggers earlier this afternoon, including LR, and libertarian Republican Stacy McCain of The Other McCain.

The special guest for the conference call was newly appointed RPT Chair Cathie Adams. Ms. Adams made the official announcement.

Details are still not available at this time. They should be released later this evening and into tomorrow.

What we do know is that the Party Switchers appear to be mainly within 4 Counties: Palo Pinto, McColloch, Hardin, and another yet to be named. Hardin has 8 expected Party Switchers. A Judge has already switched in Palo Pinto and another 3 or 4 are expected within the coming days. By the end of the week said Preston, there could be as many as 10 County elected officials who have switched parties from these 4 Counties.

Commented Preston on the main reason for the Switching: Today's election results with Republicans on the verge of a blow-out and the fact that "Obama's name is becomming poison here in Texas."

UPDATE

The RPT has just released preliminary information on a press release at RPT.org

From Eric Dondero:

Last night, Dave Nalle, National Chairman of the Republican Liberty Caucus joined myself and fellow RLCer Dan Sheill of Michigan, on a special election edition of "Libertarian Politics Live." For a good 50 minutes we looked at all the various races around the US from a libertarian perspective. You can listen to the show on the side right bar at the Blog Talk Radio button.

To recap:

Bob McDonnell and Chris Christie are of course, in the two most important races in the Nation. While both men are solid conservatives, McDonnell has a pro-growth/pro-jobs libertarian streak on economics. Christie has tapped a "fiscally conservative/socially tolerant" running mate in Kim Guadagno.

For Attorney General in Virginia, Ken Cuccinelli comes from the social conservative side of the spectrum. However, Cuccinelli has called himself a "libertarian" on occasion, and was slammed by the Democrats and the liberal media in Virginia for having once supporte a "Cato Institute" inspired plan to privatize Social Security.

Note - Both states also have races for state legislature to watch.

For New York City Mayor a colorful and flamboyant Libertarian Party member Joseph Dobrian, is the "real Republican," in the race against liberal nanny-stater Michael Bloomberg on the Republican line. Dobrian is in favor of repealing Bloomberg's city-wide smoking ban on bars and restaurants, and promises to "make NYC fun again."

Also, Republican Liberty Caucus State Coordinator Dan Halloran is running for City Council in Queens, and is given at least even odds of winning in this heavily Democrat City.

Of course, the most talked about New York race around the country is Doug Hoffman for US Congress CD 23. While not a libertarian, Hoffman is a fan of Glenn Beck and is the "Tea Party" candidate.

In southern Michigan, Greg Merle is running in a special election for State Senate. Merle is running on the Libertarian line, though, he's a former, and maybe even future Republican. He says no matter the outcome of the election, he plans to run for Congress in 2010 as a Republican in the GOP primaries.

Also in Michigan, Mike Byrne, Libertarian City Councilman in Port Huron, is running for reelection. Mike recently received the endorsement of the local paper in town.

Libertarian Matt Drew is the underdog in the race for Mayor of Durham, NC against an ultra-liberal establishment Democrat Howard Clement. There is no Republican on the ballot. Regardless of the final outcome, Drew may have already won in many respects. He made it to the run-off in a 5-person field; a first for a Libertarian Party candidate in North Carolina.

Other races include: Mayor of Atlanta where Mary Norwood is the "fiscally conservative," choice; King County Executive (Seattle) where Susan Hutchison is the budget hawk anti-establishment candidate.

Two ballot initiatives of great interest to libertarians include the TABOR (Taxpayer Bill of Rights) in both Maine and Washington State. Both are expected to pass.

For a full list of 2009 endorsed candidates by the Republican Liberty Caucus go to rlc.org

From Eric Dondero:

On this election day here in the United States, where we celebrate freedom, democracy and human rights, there's some very sad news to report. On Sunday Libertarian Republican headlined a story by our own Denise Clark, "Abuse of Young Girls by Radical Muslims now at alarming levels in US: Politicians, Big Media and Law Enforcement side with Political Correctness." The article focused on the case of Rifqa Bary forced to return to Ohio from Florida, after having fled her Muslim father who threatened violence against her for converting to Christianity. Denise also reported on a case from Arizona:

Just last week, an Arizona man of Muslim belief tried to kill his daughter (photo right) by running her over with his SUV... Faleh Hassan Almaleki, 48, was reportedly angry at his daughter, Noor Faleh Almaleki, for becoming ‘too westernized’ and not living according to their traditional Iraqi values.

This morning, it's being reported that young Ms. Almaleki has died of her injuries. She was being treated for severe trauma to the spine.

The father was caught fleeing at the London airport and returned to the United States.

From AFP:

Noor Almaleki of Surprise, Arizona, died Monday from injuries sustained after her father hit her and her boyfriend's mother in a parking lot on October 20...

Prosecutors have called the incident an "honor killing".

In some cases of such killings, relatives convene a so-called family council and task a clan member to murder a female relative accused of staining their honor, usually by having an affair outside marriage.

"By his own admission, this was an intentional act and the reason was that his daughter had brought shame on him and his family," county prosecutor Stephanie Low told a Maricopa County judge over the weekend.

Biden one of only 5 Senators to vote against the Alaska Pipeline back in '73

Vice-President Joseph Biden was up in upstate New York campaigning for Democrat for Congress Bill Owens on Monday, against Sarah Palin-endorsed Doug Hoffman. He had some choice words for his former rival, accusing her of knowing only the simple phrase "Drill Baby, Drill," when it comes to energy policy.

Palin's response was swift and severe.

From her Facebook Page posted late last night:

The vice president’s extreme opposition to domestic energy development goes all the way back to 1973 when he opposed the Alaska pipeline bill. As Ann Coulter pointed out, “Biden cast one of only five votes against the pipeline that has produced more than 15 billion barrels of oil, supplied nearly 20 percent of this nation’s oil, created tens of thousands of jobs, added hundreds of billions of dollars to the U.S. economy and reduced money transfers to the nation’s enemies by about the same amount.”

This nonsensical opposition to American domestic energy development continues to this day. Apparently the Obama-Biden administration only approves of offshore drilling in Brazil, where it will provide security and jobs for Brazilians. This election is about American security and American jobs.

Libertarian Republican is the VERY FIRST Political Blog in the Nation to be running this exclusive Photo of Jason Shih of Paramus, New Jersey. Permission was obtained from the Editors of The Leader serving East Rutherford, Rutherford, the Meadowlands, Lyndhurst and Woodbridge. The Leader released the photo 4 hours ago.

Writes Alexis Tarrazi at The Leader:

EAST RUTHERFORD (Nov. 2, 2009, 12:45 p.m.) — A Paramus man who claimed to be the assistant deputy director of Gov. Jon S. Corzine’s re-election campaign was arrested by East Rutherford police Friday, Oct. 30 for possession of Ecstasy.

Jason Shih, 25, was arrested and charged at 11:28 p.m. with possession of Ecstasy, possession of drugs with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school, possession of drugs with the intent to distribute, talking on a cell phone while driving and possession of drugs in a car.

East Rutherford Police Officer Mark Mehegan, who was on patrol, stopped Shih after observing him talking on his cell phone while driving on Route 17 South near Riggin Memorial Field. Mehegan described Shih as extremely nervous and reported his hands were trembling as he reached into the glove box for his information.

During the motor vehicle stop, Mehegan said he observed 19 Ecstasy pills in the center console cup and $661 in cash folded up in the ashtray. Police also reported locating several hundred clear plastic bags commonly used to package drugs.

Throughout the course of the investigation, Shih said he was the assistant deputy director for Corzine and that the campaign rented the 2008 Toyota he was driving.

East Rutherford Police Lt. Paul Cece also responded to the scene and located several tickets for the Sunday, Nov. 1 event where President Barack Obama and Corzine were to appear.

Shih also reportedly had 10 paychecks from the Middlesex County Democratic Committee in his possession. One paycheck for $1,500 was payable to Shih from the MCDC, according to reports.

“Mr. Shih stated the vehicle he was operating was rented for him by the ‘Corzine for Governor’ camp to distribute tickets and paychecks for the Middlesex County Democratic Committee,” stated Cece.

Judge George Savino set bail at $15,000 with a 10-percent option. Shih posted $1,500 and was released on summonses.

Calls to Corzine’s campaign office and MCDC were not returned as of press time.

Note - numerous other sources have confirmed that Shih has worked in the past as a field coordinator for the Democrat Party. He was paid $470.00 in 2006 according to financial records, by the Democrat Party of New Jersey.

Source: OpenSecrets.org from the Center for Responsive Politics.

LINKS

Since we first broke this story at approx. 6 pm cst this evening, it has been linked and featured by RS McCain, Memeorandum, RedState.com, Moe Lane's Blog, and American Power. The latter had this to say:

Big Hat Tip: Robert Stacy McCain, who's drafting off of the classic investigative blogging of the Libertarian Republican. Check also Moe Lane at Red State while you're at it, "Jason Shih, Jon Corzine, Ecstasy, and Middlesex County Democratic Committee Paychecks."

PPP: Christie now leads Corzine 47 - 41

From Eric Dondero:

Even a jaded political observer such as myself has to admit that Obama skates on a Virginia loss. He threw Creigh Deeds to the side. He avoided last minute campaigning in Virginia. He sent signals out, along with other top Democrats that Deed was toast.

But not New Jersey. A Garden State loss is an Obama loss. Obama spent the entire weekend criss-crossing the State for Corzine. The DNC has pumped in millions in last minute dollars. TV ads are running with a warm Corzine/Obama embrace.

And now we learn this morning it looks like Republicans may be poised for a knock-out Victory.

From Public Policy Polling (PPP):

Chris Christie leads Jon Corzine 47-41 in PPP's final poll of the New Jersey Governor's race, with Chris Daggett at 11%.

Corzine had pulled to within a point of Christie on our poll three weeks ago after trailing by as many as 14 points over the summer, but his momentum has stalled since then and Christie's built his lead back up to 4 points last week and now 6.

Christie's advantage is due largely to his support from independents and because he has Republicans more unified around him than the Democrats are around Corzine.

Note - PPP is regarded as a Left-leaning Pro-Democrat polling firm. Also note, a 6 point lead is outside of the margin of Democrat voter fraud, particularly important for any New Jersey race.

Virginia's loss for the 'D's will be largely ignored and explained away tomorrow night. A New Jersey loss, will send shockwaves through the entire political community throughout the Nation, and will be an outstanding portend for Republicans 2010.

by Eric Dondero

The city of Atlanta has never had a Republican Mayor. That could change on Tuesday with the election of Mary Norwood. She is currently leading two other candidates in the polls, and the very latest poll numbers suggest she's expanding that lead. Norwood is at 45%, and her nearest rival at 25%.

Norwood, a "fiscally conservative white City Councilwoman" as described by the local government-run NPR, is challenging two Democrat opponents; Sen. Kasim Reed and Atlanta City Council President Lisa Borders. The State Democrat Party is worried that they're splitting the vote. They've opened up the attacks on her for her Republican ties, and background, even claiming she's a "Reaganite."

From Narbosa.com, Nov. 1:

"As far as we’re concerned, Mary Norwood’s a Republican. She’s been trying to dodge the issue of her partisan allegiance," Kidd said. "We’re concerned that she’s not being truthful about her party affiliation. We think that she should be called out on that."

Meanwhile, the Reed campaign is slamming Norwood for her Republican values.

And the State Democrat Party just sent out a citywide flyer linking Norwood to libertarian-leaning Republican Sarah Palin. See a copy of the flyer at AJC.

Norwood for her part, claims to be completely affiliated as an Independent. And offers that she voted for Ross Perot in 1992. Though, records show she's voted in the GOP primaries, more so than in Democrat elections. In fairness, when asked by a TV interviewer if she "ever voted for Reagan," she avoided giving a straight answer, pivoting to another subject.

From CBS Atlanta:

Since 1990, Norwood has chosen the Republican ballot in primaries 12 times. She’s chosen the Democratic ballot just six times, mostly in recent years.

She also lives in the only Republican section of town - Buckhead. She admits to having attended Republican conventions in the past. And she has received support from prominent Republicans in the business community.

Atlanta pundits view the "Republican" label as the kiss of death in citywide elections.

The Democrats could turn things around if they keep Norwood under the critical 50% mark, which would cause an automatic run-off.

Countering the Democrat attacks, Norwood just received a huge endorsement: Dominic Wilkins of the Atlanta Hawks. Over the weekend Robo calls from Wilkins hit households all over Atlanta.

by Steve Beren

Perhaps I am a little biased, but as a resident of King County, I am very encouraged by the possibility about this race. Ostensibly, this is a non-partisan race, pitting King County Councilmember Dow Constantine (a far left liberal associated with failed county economic and budgetary policies) against conservative-leaning former TV anchor Susan Hutchison.

In 2008, King County went for Obama over McCain by a margin of 70% to 28%. At this time, the race looks close, and Hutchison has been leading in the polls (though not by much). Constantine has waged a very aggressive, negative, and divisive campaign, and has made a strong point of emphasizing his support for President Obama, unrestricted abortion, and so-called "environmentalism."

A victory for Susan Hutchison would open up an important opportunity for political change in one of the most liberal Democratic-leaning counties in the nation.

Editor's Note - Steve Beren is a two-time former Republican candidate for US Congress in Seattle, against Democrat Jim McDermott. He's a strident Anti-Tax/Pro-Defense Republican.

Practical Proposals helping local constituents

The Libertarian Party has over 400 elected and appointed officials serving in public office nationwide. In addition to city council seats in Indianapolis and Springfield, MO, the Party has held a seat on the Port Huron Council for 4 years. The city's population is roughly 40,000. It is located in the "thumb" of Michigan. It's economy is mostly old Rust Belt industrial-based.

Now Councilman Byrne is up for reelection. And he seems to have impressed the editors of the hometown newspaper for his new, innovative ideas.

From the Port Huron Times-Herald, Oct. 30:

Port Huron is weathering what many regard as the nation's worst recession since the Great Depression. It is not enough only to survive. Port Huron needs leaders to guide it toward prosperity.

Tuesday's election offers voters the chance to assess the City Council's quality of leadership in the past two years and to improve it.

Mark Bryne: A Libertarian, Byrne has introduced common-sense ideas. The two-meter system he proposed allows customers to install second meters to track water that doesn't go to the sewer system. The potential savings could encourage Port Huron businesses to remain in the city.

The state legislators property tax solution may be starting to take affect. You may recall the push for a Constitutional amendment to cap property taxes at 1% of the assessed value for residential properties, 2% for agricultural properties, and 3% for business properties.

A lot of Democrats worried that it would limit the government's ability to collect enough money to fund everything they wanted to fund. A lot of Republicans claimed it was the only way to protect property owners. A lot of people, (Libertarians mostly, I think) worried that if the caps took effect, and even if the sales tax was raised 16%, the assessed value could change enough to negate any savings the property owners might temporarily receive.

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Editor's Note: Former LPIN Executive Director Brad Klopfenstein is putting together a project to fight for a responsible energy policy, along with an easy way to write Evan Bayh opposing Obamacare. He can be reached via email at klop@att.net if you are interested in participating.

Hi Friends,

I'm working on a project with the Hoosier Energy Forum to compile a list of Hoosiers that are concerned about achieving energy security, and are opposed to new taxes on oil and natural gas.

My goal is to get 100 names, address, and email address. Right now, I'm just collecting the information, but at some point in the future, you may receive an email from the Hoosier Energy Forum, or myself, asking you to send an email to our U.S. Senators Bayh & Lugar. If you have any friends that may be interested, please forward this message on!

Also, I'm organizing a letter writing campaign to Senator Bayh opposing the Health Care Bill currently in Congress. I have several sample letters ready to go! I'll put your name on one, send it to you for approval, and then I will submit a letter on your behalf. Even if you've written one yourself, I will take care of delivering that to Evan Bayh as well! Please email me at klop@att.net.

If you would like more information on either of these, please let me know and I can send some more in-depth talking points.

Thanks for your help!

Brad Klopfenstein
klop@att.net

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For Immediate Release:

Libertarian Party Reaction to Voters Defeating the RTD

On November 3, 2009, the voters of Porter and St. Joseph counties voted against the creation of a Regional Transit Authority, and against increasing taxes.

“I am glad that the citizens of these two counties voted against this referendum,” said Ron Cenkush, St. Joseph County resident and an organizer of the effort to stop this tax increase. Cenkush is also seeking the Libertarian Party nomination for House District 5.

Cenkush continued, “This was a convoluted plan to continually raise taxes for a public transportation system that would have been sparsely used. If Northern Indiana residents want a public transportation system, it should use a series of tax incentives for entrepreneurship, not income tax increases. Increasing the cost of living in a region that has been hit hard by the shrinking economy is wrong headed. It’s time for new leadership both here, and in Indianapolis.”

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If you are in Porter and St. Joseph County, don't forget to vote today:

Many did not expect to go to the polls on November 3, 2009. In most Indiana counties, they won't... But to be sure that you don't miss a vote, contact your county election board. They can tell you a polling location if an election is being held. The General Assembly has approved some school systems and other ballot questions for tomorrow. The LPIN questions the need for these questions to be held in an off-election year, causing county tax payers an expense that has not been budgeted for...

In Porter and St. Joseph County, residents will consider whether or not to increase the County Option Income Tax for the creation of a Regional Transit Authority. Both Lake and LaPorte County will consider this question in 2010 during a scheduled election. The Libertarian County Parties in this region all oppose the question. Find out why at LPIN.org or at http://www.no-rta.com/.

In Marion County, The Health and Hospital Corporation of Marion County and Wishard Hospital will ask taxpayers to act as collateral for a new hospital. Here is press release from the hospital: Wishard to seek $703 million in bonding to replace deteriorating facilities.

If Lucas Oil Stadium, The Central Library, the Simon Building project, and the IPS School System have Marion County Chairman Tim Maguire questioning the leaders of Indianapolis' newest project, no one should be surprised. Maguire lays out the opposition to Wishard Hospital here.

Several school systems will ask taxpayers to approve either property tax increases, or a raise in the tax levy (which means you get less money back.)

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By Timothy Maguire, Libertarian Party of Marion County Chairman

Does Wishard need a new hospital? Is their old one deteriorating? Can Indianapolis survive if Wishard fades away? Will this new referendum increase my taxes?

All good questions. But Libertarians have good cause to mistrust the government’s claims: Its’s needed now, and it won’t cost you anything. Remember the library? The last couple of stadiums built? Bailouts?

I would urge everyone to tell the government “STOP!” this Tuesday, and let’s look at more solutions before we give approval to this new hospital, a building that we haven’t been told how it WILL be paid for.

Wishard’s side of this arguement has been circulated far and wide by the media and the marketing efforts of Wishard themselves. (They’re putting a lot of effort behind it, and they have a lot of money to gain from this referendum).

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There's something to said for brevity. The Ten Commandments contain 297 words. The Bill of Rights contains 463 words. Lincoln's Gettysburg Address contains 266 words.

A federal directive written to regulate the price of cabbage contains 26,911 words.

Sometimes governments verbosity is just annoying. Sometimes it's expensive.

The House version of the national health care bill contains 1990 pages, and 400,000 words. With a 10 year cost of $894 billion, that figures out to about $2.24 million per word.

Who ever said that talk was cheap?

Rex Bell is a Wayne County Libertarian that writes a monthly column on events that shape our lives from a libertarian point of view. If you have a comment or question on a particular subject, you can e-mail him at lpwc@msn.com or snail-mail him at 17059 State Road 38, Hagerstown.

By Neal McCluskey of the Cato Institute.

Yesterday, I offered the Fordham Foundation’s Andy Smarick an answer to a burning question: What is the proper federal role in education? It was a question prompted by repeatedly mixed signals coming from U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan about whether Washington will be a tough guy, coddler, or something in between when it comes to dealing with states and school districts. And what was my answer? The proper federal role is no role, because the Constitution gives the feds no authority over American education.

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From James Majdak, the LPMC Treasurer:

Dear Libertarians,

In the spirit of voluntary charity, the Libertarian Party of Marion County is now collecting nonperishable food for our November food drive and new or gently used clothing for our December clothing drive. Additionally, we will also accept monetary donations this year.

This year’s beneficiary is Second Helpings. Second Helpings not only distributes food and clothing, they also provide job training opportunities. Their website is http://www.secondhelpings.org/.

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RUSH COUNTY, IN -- Paul Morrell has been fed up with the status quo for many years. After patiently waiting for change within the Republican Party, he decided to take a bold action for the Constitution and for liberty. Morrell has decided to actively organize Rush County for the Libertarian Party of Indiana.

Join Morrell and other Libertarian Party members on November 3rd!

Date: Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: Posey Township Fire Department
Street: 7260 West U.S. 52 Arlington, IN

You can also RSVP on Facebook. Also, be sure to join the Libertarian Party of Rush County Facebook Group.