From Eric Dondero:

Formerly Self-proclaimed "NeoConservative" turned diehard Progressive Michael Lind has a hit piece on libertarians at the NeoLiberal Salon, "Bring it on Ayn Rand Geeks: Why the emergence of the libertarian right is good news for progressives" March 15.

Lind makes the case that the Right will suffer from the stridently anti-Government "libertarian" wing of the GOP. He acknowledges with the decline of the religious right, and NeoCons, the libertarians or Ayn Randians are emerging as the leading intellectual force among Republicans, led by Glenn Beck, the Cato Institute, Congressman Ron Paul and fiscal conservative Cong. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin.

Read the full article here.

But a few paragraphs down, Lind makes a major blunder, which highlights his unfamiliarity with the libertarian movement.

It is hardly surprising, then, that libertarianism is the beneficiary by default of the relative decline of its rivals on the right, neoconservatism and the religious right... Now two of the stars of the emergent right, Ron Paul and Paul Ryan, are professed disciples of the Mary Baker Eddy of egotism...

"The reason I got involved in public service, by and large, if I had to credit one thinker, one person, it would be Ayn Rand," Ryan told a convention of Randians in 2005. Ron Paul named his son Rand Paul.(Emphasis mine)

I worked for Ron Paul, on and off, in various capacities for 15 years, from 1987 to 2003. This included the 1988 Libertarian Presidential campaign as his Travel Aide. Rand, or as we knew him then, "Randy" was involved in his father's presidential effort, particularly the last few months of 1988.

I was there when he formally announced to everyone that he wanted us all to refer to him as "Rand." His motivation was two-fold; his admiration for Ayn Rand, and the distinction of Rand as unique and more formal sounding.

Ron Paul's reaction at first was a bit negative, beliving his son's name change decision to be a little silly. But he soon got used to it.

I believe Rand did eventually go to the courthouse here in Brazoria County, Texas and officially get it changed.

But there's no doubt Rand made the change entirely on his own. It is entirely incorrect for Lind to assert that it was Ron Paul (and presumably Carol Paul) who named his son "Rand."

Hedgehog has new polling data for two races of libertarian-leaning Republicans running for US Senate.

In Pennsylvania, Toomey continues to lead, as he has done since last summer, in all but one or two polls which showed him slightly behind.

US SENATE – PENNSYLVANIA (Rasmussen)
Pat Toomey (R) 49%
Arlen Specter (D-inc) 40%

Out West, libertarian Republicans are pulling for libertarian-conservative military veteran and state assemblyman Chuck DeVore. A few others are supportive of Carly Fiorina.

US SENATE – CALIFORNIA (Rasmussen)
Barbara Boxer (D-inc) 43%
Tom Campbell (R) 41%

Barbara Boxer (D-inc) 46%
Chuck DeVore (R) 40%

Barbara Boxer (D-inc) 46%
Carly Fiorina (R) 40%

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie held a press conference on Tuesday to announce his appointment of a five member Privatization Task Force. The members include Chairman, Dick Zimmer, Todd Caliguire, Kathleen Davis, John Galandak and Dr. P. Kelly Hatfield.

Christie elaborated on the purpose of the Task Force. From The Gov Monitor:

"Delivering programs and services to our citizens is government’s primary job, but I have asked the Task Force to look for places where we can do this in a more efficient, cost-effective way by having the private sector do it,” Governor Christie added. “This full review will allow the Lt. Governor and me to make carefully informed decisions on where and how to do this as we continue to responsibly manage state government. It will also make recommendations for how privatization could improve operations and reduce costs for municipalities, school districts and counties."

Dick Zimmer is a former 4-term Congressman. During the 1990s he served on the Republican Liberty Caucus advisory board. Galandak is the former President of the Foundation for Free Enterprise.

Galandak in particular is receiving a ringing endorsement from one of the States' top Libertarians, not too mention some advice.

From Dr. Murray Sabrin NewJerseyNewsroom.com:

I have known John for 25 years, and we worked together for more than 20 years delivering the World of Free Enterprise program to public school children, primarily in Bergen County. John has the unique perspective of a business association trade leader who understands completely the strengths of the free enterprise system and how taxes, government spending and regulations undermine prosperity and job creation.

John should not be shy in advocating a massive downsizing of state government, and in keeping with sound free market principles, steep cuts in taxes and an overhaul of the regulatory climate in the Garden State.

In addition, John should also advocate for free enterprise education. He should call for teachers, principals, administrators, parents and other stakeholders to run local public schools. That means schools becoming nonprofit institutions, relying on tuition, fees, grants and other non-tax means to pay for all school costs.

Sabrin, an economist at Ramapo college, is a two-time Libertarian candidate for US Senate. He's also a former National Vice-Chairman of the Republican Liberty Caucus.