If the US and Indiana Constitutions uphold the right of citizens to defend themselves with firearms, why does Indianapolis and Marion County override these freedoms with ordinances? And, why in City parks?
Libertarian City-County Councilman Ed Coleman sought to restore what he calls ‘basic human rights’ with an ordinance that would [...]

BREAKING NEWS!!

From Eric Dondero:

Embattled Virginia Democrat Congressman Tom Perriello, 20 points behind Republican Bob Hurt in the polls, is making a play for libertarian votes. In an interview with the Charlottesville Libertarian Examiner Perriello told reporter Richard Sincere that he believed that ObamaCare was actually consistent with libertarian values.

From The Examiner "Congressman Tom Perriello explains his appeal to libertarian voters in Virginia’s 5th District" Aug. 11:

Perriello replied that he has “taken a strong position in terms of regulation of farming, and manufacturing, and other issues from a libertarian perspective.”

Referring to his votes to support the comprehensive health-care overhaul bill pushed by President Barack Obama (the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act), Perriello suggested that his vote was motivated, in part, by libertarian concerns.

“Again,” he said, “I think there are ways to understand some things that have been pitched as government takeover as really being about individual rights and libertarian rights,” for example, for “people to not get screwed by your insurance company, the right to not have to pay for other peoples’ illnesses.”

“To me,” Perriello said, these “have a libertarian undercurrent.”

Joe Sciarino, spokesman for the NRCC provided Libertarian Republican with this response:

“Congressman Perriello clearly lives in a fantasyland where, magically, voting for a government-takeover of healthcare somehow doesn’t constitute stripping Americans of an individual right. What’s next, that this bill was deficit neutral and won’t raise costs for consumers? If Perriello thinks the people of Virginia’s Fifth District appreciate his “efforts” on their behalf, we’ll just have to see how they respond in November.”

Story developing... LR will have more on this later today and tomorrow.

Future GOP Leaders: Nikki Haley, Rand Paul, Sharron Angle, & Ken Buck

From Eric Dondero:

In 2007/08 longtime conservative fundraiser Richard Viguerie was disgusted with the Republican Party. He enthusiastically backed Libertarian for President Bob Barr, and urged his followers to go third party. Viguerie was a guest speaker at a number of Libertarian Party conventions. He purchased a top Libertarian political website and helped Barr with fundraising efforts. So much so, in fact, that longtime Libertarians got nervous. Party Founder David Nolan quoted in Reason "The Big Takeover, Yeah Yeah" by Dave Weigel, May 21, 2008:

Clearly, Barr and Viguerie are attempting to gain control of the LP so that Barr can campaign on a conservative/libertarian hybrid platform and Viguerie can extend his fundraising empire into the libertarian quadrant of the political universe. If they succeed, the Libertarian Party will become just one more mouthpiece for malcontent Republicans.

Now Viguerie has returned to the GOP fold and with a vengeance.

From WND Radio, Aug. 11:

"Obama, Pelosi, Reid are frightening Americans... we have the Tea Party movement which didn't even exist two years ago.

And for the first time in my life, I see the possibility, no guarantees, but the possibility that we can turn everything around in America, and go back to the vision of our Founders. God may have given us one last chance to save our country.

On the one hand Obama is terrifying Americans; on the other hand he's the possible source of our ability to save America.

I'm so excited and enthusiastic...

The thing about the Nikki Haleys, and the Rand Pauls and the Sharron Angles and the Ken Bucks, they're unfettered, they don't have these [old establishment]ties... the people who are going to save America are the Boat Rockers; people like Jim DeMint and Tom Coburn, Mike Pence, Michele Bachmann..."

"Inspired by Reagan, endorsed by Jeb Bush"

A fiscal conservative icon, Jeb Bush has officially backed the candidacy of former State Senator Daniel Webster for this central Florida district. Webster is running for the GOP nomination to challenge ultra-liberal incumbent Democrat Cong. Alan Grayson.

Oh, no! 2012 already?

From Eric Dondero:

Florida Senator George Lemieux, appointed by Gov. Charlie Crist, strongly endorsed Marco Rubio over Crist for the Senate seat.

According to NewsMax this morning:

“I’m a friend of the governor and very appreciative of the opportunity he’s given me for public service.” Lemieux also served as Crist’s chief of staff.

But when he left the Republican Party, I could no longer support him, and I think that’s how most Republicans in Florida feel,” Lemieux said.

“Marco is a person of conviction, he’s a man of ideas. I think he’ll do a very fine job in the Senate.”

But in making the announcement, veiled as an un-announcement, LeMieux had a bit of an announcement of his own. Continuing:

Lemieux did nothing to stifle the talk that he will try to return to the Senate himself, challenging Democrat Bill Nelson in 2012. “I have no announcement today. I’m trying to do the best I can as senator from Florida in the time I have,” he said.

“We’ll see what the future holds. I’ll keep my options open. I would hope that I’d have an opportunity for public service again in the future.”

Lemieux, prior to his appointment was considered a moderate-leaning conservative. But he has surprise many. He's turned out to be quite the budget hawk. American Spectator even reports that his views now "resonates with most red-meat Republicans."

In his short time in office, he's racked up an impressive 86% ACU rating, and 100% on Eagle Forum (Phyliss Schaffley) and the American Security Council (National Defense issue). He even drew the visceral wrath of ultra-liberal Michigan Senator Debbie Stabenow on the Senate floor back in June for strongly opposing the imposition of an Estate Tax. (Source: ThinkProgress)

Late Night Breaking News...

From Eric Dondero:

A source has informed Libertarian Republican that former Houston Mayor, and current Democrat nominee for Governor of Texas Bill White, is avoiding Obama's visit to the State. Obama is scheduled to visit Texas on Monday.

According to our source:

He hastily scheduled campaign events all over the state so he could claim he's too busy to meet with the President. And it's no mystery why: Obama is extremely unpopular here, and a photo with the President could sink the White campaign.

Obama's poll numbers nationally are currently in the low 40s. Though, no Texas numbers on Obama have been run in two months, presumably they are much lower in the Lone Star State.

Libertarian Republicans will be joining other GOPers on the steps of the capitol in Austin on Monday to protest ObamaCare and Obama's other socialist agenda items.

From Eric Dondero:

Just wanted to let you all know about a contest my blogging friend (and web design consultant for Libertarian Republican) Wes Messamore is doing right now: he's giving away a one ounce, fine silver coin and trillions of dollars (in real Zimbabwe currency).

Wes is Editor/Publisher of Humble Libertarian, a diehard Rand Paul campaign volunteer and a field coordinator for Young Americans for Liberty.

To enter, all you have to do is sign up for his blog updates- which I highly recommend you do anyways, contest or not! Visit his website here to get your name entered in the drawing.

The deadline is in less than a week so don't hesitate!

From Bryan Preston, Communications Dir. RPT:

President Obama is coming to Texas for stops in Austin and Dallas on Monday, August 9. He is coming to Texas to support Democrats like Bill White, who agree with him and would advance his leftwing agenda in Texas. On Monday, Aug 9 at 5:30, come to Austin to respectfully rally and tell the President and his party to keep their liberal policies out of our state.

Where? steps of the State Capitol

The people of Missouri voted overwhelmingly against Obamacare this week. Texans, this is YOUR chance to speak out against Obamacare, cap n tax, the Obama administration's EPA assault on our economy, the Democrats' runaway debt - all of the issues that have put our nation, or freedom and our future in jeopardy. And it's your chance to speak out against the Texas Democrats like Bill White who actively support those policies.

Follow up-to-the-minute rally news at Hands Off Texas!.

From Cliff Thies:

AP at Yahoo News indicates the rock group Blurred Vision featured two Iranians, got permission for Pink Floyd's founder, and all proceeds go to Amnesty INternational.

NEW YORK – The Pink Floyd rock music classic "Another Brick in the Wall" has been transformed by a Canadian band to reflect dissent young Iranians have for their government.

The song replaces the teacher reference with "Hey, Ayatollah, leave those kids alone!" It's performed by a Toronto-based rock band fronted by two Iranian brothers called Blurred Vision. It's been seen by more than 160,000 viewers on YouTube.

Pink Floyd founder Roger Waters gave Blurred Vision permission to use the song. Proceeds will go to Amnesty International.

DEVELOPING!!!

Pulls support for Johnny Isakson over Obama Birth Certificate issue

"The truth is really quite simple: the man who is in the White House is there illegally"

From Eric Dondero:

Carl Swensson is the Chairman of the Clayton County Republican Party. He gave an interview to Sharon Rondeau. She started the interview:

You have quite an announcement to make today, Carl. What were the events leading up to it?

Partial Text of Swensson's response from Post & Email:

The way this started out, as for many of us, was the battle over eligibility, trying to figure out if the person in the White House is actually legally eligible to be there. We all know that Article II, Section 1, clause 5 clearly states that the president must be a “natural born Citizen.” Now there are plenty of people out there who will try to pervert the meaning of that by citing things within the 14th Amendment, where, by the way, the term “natural born” is not used. “Native born” is. However, we don’t care about “native born.” We’re talking about a president who is not “natural born” by his own admission. He’s already told us in his book that his father was Kenyan, a British subject, when he was born, giving him dual allegiance.

We also know without a doubt that Senate Resolution 511 back in April 2008 was passed in the Senate wherein they acknowledged John McCain as being “natural born,” and they did that based on the fact that both of his parents were U.S. citizens. Then, of course, they went a step farther and claimed that the military base in Panama was American soil, and there are still some serious misgivings about that interpretation.

The more important aspect is that they clearly recognized in a unanimous vote, in which Obama participated, to bestow that “natural born” citizenship upon him, and all communications concerning this, as you have probably read time and time again, indicate that the people who were defining “natural born” at the time had a much clearer understanding of it when they stated that to be “natural born,” both parents have to be U.S. citizens.

Based on that alone, we put forth calls, meaning everybody that I know and knew who has been concerned with this. The calls went out to our congressmen; they went out to senators. I personally served my senators with the citizens’ grand jury presentments, and I clearly included there all of the salient points about Obama’s ineligibility; also included in that were criminal complaints, one from Cmdr. Walter Fitzpatrick. Those complaints were added to those of four other military men who signed their own criminal complaints for treason and fraud.

We have not been able to get anything back from congressmen or senators, specifically on the Republican side. I don’t expect the Democrats to have anything to do with this because it’s not in their best interest as they try to dismantle this country. We know that they’re Marxists; we know that they’re anti-American, so you can expect little else from them. But when it comes to Republicans, there’s a higher bar for them. The bar is that they are going to uphold their oath. It’s really quite simple. They take it, and it’s a contract with America, with their constituents, with the voters who put them in office. Yet we have witnessed time and again that these Republican senators, from Georgia, in particular, have sent me letters and emails concerning Obama’s eligibility, and both of them parroted the same thing that they’ve always said: and that is, “Well, he’s shown his birth certificate, and we believe him to be “natural born,” so we’re dropping it.”

I firmly believe also that these letters are being generated by the interns within their offices and they never see them. However, that does not take them off the hook. It is coming from their offices, and they are responsible for the content of those letters.

So I focused in on one person in particular, and that was Johnny Isakson. He’s coming up for re-election. I would like to say that I’m a part of the Republican Party here in Clayton County, GA. During a meeting on July 7, a motion was put forward to withdraw the support of the Clayton County GOP for Johnny Isakson because of his failure to vet and to stand up for us concerning the eligibility issue of Barack Obama.

Later in the interview:

So Bob [Holtzclaw] came up with the motion to withdraw support for Isakson. Since we had no other candidate running for this Senate seat, we decided to shift our support over to the Libertarian candidate, Chuck Donovan. The meeting went well; the motion was put forth, and it carried. It was passed by a vote of 3-2 with several others abstaining at that point, not knowing which way to go on it. That’s history, true and correct history.

A source has indicated to Libertarian Republican that this may be more of a case of "radical Libertarians" winning over a local Republican group, and asserting themselves into the endorsement process, rather than longstanding Republicans being persuaded to back the Libertarian.

Editor's Note - We have been unable to fully confirm the information in this article. However, our source, says that the endorsement is "highly likely" to be accurate. This, despite the fact that Swensson is of a somewhat questionable character.

Marc Oestreich, Legislative Specialist at the Heartland Institute
Dear Friends:
No doubt you have all heard net neutrality in the news recently. Many have taken to partisan lines and politicized this issue, but regardless of your ideological bent the economic outcomes of such a policy are inarguable.
I am writing to you because I think [...]

From Eric Dondero:

Meet Rita Meyer. She is a Republican candidate for Governor of Wyoming. A recent poll has her pulling ahead of the pack of 5 other GOP primary opponents.
From the Billings Gazzette:

Meyer, the current state auditor, and Mead, a former U.S. attorney, polled 27 percent and 24 percent, respectively, among likely Republican voters. Meyer also led all seven Republican candidates in name recognition (91 percent) and favorability rating (50 percent).

House Speaker Colin Simpson polled 17 percent, while former legislator and state Department of Agriculture Director Ron Micheli followed with 12 percent.

Meyer was one of two to receive a dual-endorsement from the Wyoming Republican Liberty Caucus. (The WY RLC also endorsed her opponent constitutionalist Ron Micheli).

Wrote Michael W. Dean, Coordinator for the Wyoming RLC at Libertarian Punk:

[Rita Meyer at a debate endorsed] calling out the Wyoming National Guard against the federal government... I’m excited about Rita Meyer and Ron Micheil, and the consternation they’re causing the small (but growing) number of liberals in this state. Yay!

She also has the enthusiastic backing of libertarian-leaning Republican Sarah Palin (via Texas4Palin):

I am proud to endorse a straight shooter for Governor of Wyoming. Rita Meyer is ready to put her years of valuable public service to good use in the state’s beautiful capitol.

Before serving Wyoming with distinction as State Auditor, Rita served our nation as a combat veteran of both Desert Storm and Operation Enduring Freedom who achieved the rank of Colonel during her 23 years of service in the Wyoming Air National Guard.

Wyoming is a beautiful, resource-rich, independent state that is ready for Rita. She may not have millions of dollars to campaign with, but she has enough volunteer human resources and is running her campaign the old fashion way – grassroots and gritty! Voters know that Rita has a unique blend of steel magnolia and mama grizzly. Her true grit has not escaped the eye of other Americans who know that at every level of political office we all benefit with commonsense constitutional conservatives in service.

From her website on the 10th Amendment:

Wyoming has a culture of self-reliance, and we are wary of government intrusion, especially from Washington. The Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution clearly states the preeminence of states' rights in the structure of our country. We need to prevent the federal government from over-stepping its bounds and telling us how to run our state.

Political experts in and out of Wyoming generally agree that the winner of the Republican primary will be the next governor, as the Democrats are running only weak candidates in this very GOP state.

Reached for a comment by Libertarian Republican, Rita Meyer said the following:

"I'm always grateful for the endorsement of Republicans who believe firmly in the seriousness of the 10th Amendment. In Wyoming, we value our sovereignty as a state, and we expect the Governor to protect it. The liberty of our citizens and the right of our state to determine its own destiny will guide my decision making as Governor."

RitaMeyer.com

From Eric Dondero:

In June we featured the campaign of libertarian-leaning constitutionalist Conservative time Huelskamp. From LR, "Tim Huelskamp, a Reagan Conservative for Congress" June 29:

There's a hot primary in Kansas to replace Republican Todd Tiahart who is moving up to the Senate. Tim Huelskamp, currently in 3rd in a field of 7, is the Tea Party favorite.

From his website:

Yesterday at massive TEA Parties across Kansas, Senator Tim Huelskamp spoke about the importance of the 10th Amendment. “The 10th Amendment was added to the U.S. Constitution for one purpose – to restrict the power of the federal government. But for years,” noted Huelskamp, “Washington has increasingly ignored any limits on their power – especially with the passage of their most recent stimulus and bailout

Huelskamp was enthusiastically endorsed by Texas Governor and former Agricultural Commissioner Rick Perry.

Now this from The Pratt Tribune, Aug. 4:

Pratt, Kan. — Early results for the First Congressional District race Tuesday showed a race that could have been easily won by three different candidates. But once Senator Tim Huelskamp took the lead, he never looked the back.

The farmer from Fowler, as many have dubbed him, ran on a platform of conservative values and used a conservative voting record in the state Senate to illustrate his ability to vote against tax increases, spending and government growth.

“This was a hard-fought race, and I had some very worthy opponents,” Huelskamp said following the announcement on his win Tuesday. “My focus going forward is going to be advancing the conservative principles that I’ve campaigned on.”

Huelskamp was declared the winner shortly before midnight Tuesday

Editor's Note - this blog piece posted on location in Salina, Kansas. Photo of Tim and his family.

"Sensitive nature of the investigation"

by Clifford F. Thies

Democratic Gov. Manchin - one of those "conservative Democrats" - may have thought he'd be a shoo-in in the special election to complete the late Bobby Byrd's Senate term; but, now comes word of a scandal in the state government under investigation by the Department of Justice that might lead to his office. Whether or not the Governor is a party of interest in the investigation, it's kind of pathetic for the Governor of a state to say, "What scandal? Nobody in this office is connected to the scandal under investigation." Why do the Feds have to come into the state, why isn't the Governor of the state holding the employees of the state government accountable? Maybe it's a Democrat thing. Just a little laissez-faire for those trying to make good at the taxpayer's expense. Don't ask, don't tell. The Chicago Rules. In the meanwhile, the presumptive Republican candidate, wealthy businessman John Reese, is on the air reminding the voters of the state that Manchin would be part of the Obama team in Washington, DC.

From West Virginia Watchdog:

Gov. Joe Manchin‘s office confirmed today that state government officials have been contacted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office this week regarding an ongoing investigation. The target may be Manchin himself, according to a source who asked to remain anonymous.

According to Manchin Spokesman Melvin Smith, federal authorities contacted state officials for information regarding an ongoing investigation. Due to the sensitive nature of the investigation, Smith was unable to say more at the request of attorneys.

“The State is cooperating fully,” said Smith in a phone conversation.

Editor's Note - Senior Editor Cliff Thies lives in western Virginia.

From Eric Dondero:

Supporters of libertarian Republican for US Senate Peter Schiff appear ready to shift to fiscally conservative/socially moderate Linda McMahon for the fall election. Interestingly, they lean significantly more McMahon than supporters of moderate Republican Rob Simmons.

A new poll finds McMahon way out front of the GOP field with 47% to 30% for Simmons, and 14% for Schiff.

Internals from Quinnipiac:

If Linda McMahon wins the Republican primary for United States Senator, how likely are you to support her in the general election in November?

Among Simmons Supporters

•Definitely 26%
•Probably 19%
•Maybe 26%
•Will not support 29%

Among Schiff Supporters

•Definitely 47%
•Probably 13%
•Maybe 18%
•Will not support 21%

The poll also shows McMahon making up significant ground against Democrat Richard Blumenthal. Continuing:

US SENATE – CONNECTICUT (Quinnipiac)
Richard Blumenthal (D) 50%
Linda McMahon (R) 40%

McMahon had been behind by as much as 20%.

From Eric Dondero:

Democrat Senator Claire McCaskill issued a confused reaction to the overwhelming victory of Proposition C voted in by Missourians on Tuesday. The final vote was 71% in favor of allowing Missouri residents to opt out of ObamaCare.

Responded McCaskill, from Missourinet:

“This vote very closely reflected the number of people who voted in the Republican primary versus the Democratic primary. But nonetheless, message received. I appreciate the fact that voters are sending a message. It doesn’t really, I don’t think, have any impact on the law itself; but it is a message,” McCaskill said.

“Doing the right thing on health care is a work in progress. I certainly appreciate that people have expressed their opinion. That’s appropriate and I think I need to listen and pay attention. If some of the ‘sky is falling’ actually begins to occur and there are huge problems then, obviously, I’d be part of a team of people that would want to fix them.”

California Congressman shows contempt for US Constitution

Asks "How can legislation like this be Constitutional, when it seems to be in direct conflict with the 13th Amendment which abolished Slavery?"

Bill Woolsey, a Professor of Economics who studied under James Buchanan at George Mason University, has been elected Mayor of James Island, South Carolina.

Woolsey has served on the City Council since 2002, and before that served on the Charleston Planning Board.

He won the election against 4 other opponents with 40%, including the incumbent Mayor Mary Clarke.

From the Charleston Daily-Courrier:

Fresh off his victory Tuesday, Mayor-elect Bill Woolsey said he'd like to see the town of James Island be known for more than the community that feuds with Charleston...

Clark remained mostly silent after finishing in a distant second place.

Woolsey says he'll serve as a part-time mayor, reducing the position's annual salary from $35,000 a year down to $15,000.

Woolsey has taught economics at The Citadel since 1986. He teaches Principles of Macroeconomics and Money and Banking.

Woolsey is a former member of the Libertarian Party, and served as State Coordinator for Ron Paul, Libertarian for President in 1988.

He is a member of Kiwanis, a Boy Scout leader, and Sunday School Director at his local church. He and his wife Kathy have been married for 29 years. They have two sons, one of whom is a Cadet at The Citadel.

From Corporate Titan to Escort Service Madame

Just released video, including new revelations about the Elliot Spitzer affair.

"He set a precedent that these career politicians can commit a crime and go unpunished"

Davis needs 15,000 signatures to qualify for the ballot. Make a contribution - http://www.fundraisingbynet.net

Human Events just released an extensive interview with radio and cable TV host Glenn Beck. He made some dire predictions. From the description of the video:

In the first part of his exclusive interview with HUMAN EVENTS, media personality Glenn Beck predicted that America will be fundamentally different over the next decade, for better or for worse. “Ten years from now, this country will not look anything like it is now,” he said. To Beck, “we will either be a Third World country that looks more like Latin America or we will have totally reinvented ourselves” into a “smaller, faster, more mobile” country. “We’ll just be a tighter, libertarian kind of community,” Beck assessed, or “we will be Third World.”