The further decline of the endangered Western Democrat

From Eric Dondero:

On Monday, Libertarian Republican reported on the Democrat Party of South Dakota backing off a challenge to incumbent US Senator John Thune. The article: "Thune, smooth cattle ride to Reelection." The Democrats simply could not find a candidate to run against the popular Republican.

Now, further evidence of the Party's serious decline in the upper Central West.

From the Dickinson Press, Bismark April 10, "ND Dems short of candidates for Legislature":

North Dakota Democrats haven't put up challengers for Republican incumbents in Williston, Devils Lake and Bismarck, and may allow seven incumbent GOP state senators to run unopposed for re-election, candidate filings show.

Democratic slates in 24 legislative districts holding elections this fall had a number of holes Friday as the filing deadline passed for North Dakota's June 8 primary.

Democratic candidates are not running for either the House or Senate in District 1, which includes the city of Williston; District 15, which covers Devils Lake, Ramsey County and part of southern Towner County; or District 47 in north Bismarck, one of the state's strongest GOP areas.

In four other districts, Democrats are fielding only one House candidate to compete with two Republicans for each district's two House seats.

In contrast, Republicans failed to come up with a challenger for only one single Democrat-held seat.

Senate Majority Leader Bob Stenehjem, R-Bismarck noted wryle:

"It doesn't look like it will be a good year to run as a Democrat in North Dakota."

Steele hints at more "libertarian, youth-oriented approach"

by Eric Dondero

We've been saying this since the Fall of 2009 here at Libertarian Republican: Michael Steele represents a new breed of Republican. Perhaps not ideologically down-the-line libertarian, but most certainly attitudinally libertarian.

It's quite unfortunate that many purist libertarians seem to forget that it's not about solely purity in beliefs in judging one's libertarianism that matters. But activism, commitment and a general cultural sense of libertarianism matters too.

This is why we fully supported Steele for the nomination; one of the very first as a matter of act. And this is why we still fully stand by his side.

Now, we're getting vindication from an unlikely source.

Chicago-based nationally syndicated columnist Clarence Page opines, "Steele fights GOP Culture Gap." Page, a consistent liberal, finds the Republican Party's reaction to Steele's recent problems with RNC credit cards used at a "disco-like" nightclub in Los Angeles, to be rather stuffy.
From Page's column:

In fact, it is not Democratic chortles that are causing Steele’s biggest headaches. It is prominent conservatives like Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, a conservative Christian organization. He has urged the group’s supporters to divert their donations to other committees or individual candidates that share their values. That’s their right, but it certainly doesn’t help Republicans or any other party to divide its owns base.

The Voyeur scandal pokes holes in the wrong-headed notion that moral rectitude and patriotism are somehow the property of one party or the other. Michael Steele seemed to be hinting at a more libertarian and youth-oriented approach when he promised to open up the GOP to the “hip-hop generation,” although no one was quite sure of what he meant. His painfully awkward handling of the volatile Voyeur nightclub mini-scandal reveals that he apparently wasn’t very sure of what he meant, either.

The Republican Party needs to get rid of the stuffiness, and the pressed white shirts. Loosen up the tie. Show a little skin.

Sarah Palin gets this. She's a libertarian natural, attitudanally. Palin now shows up to speeches decked out like a Rock Star, short fur skirts, other times tight red skirts with a black leather jacket. A few others get it as well. The New GOP is the Booming New Country of swaggering Texas Governor Rick Perry. It is most assuredly pronounced Hollywood insider Andrew Breitbart and his minion of brash in-your-face reporters like Hannah Giles and James O'Keefe. It's Zo (Alfonzo Rachel), Steven Crowder, and definitely Jason Mattera.

It's not the loveable but self-described "fat redneck" Haley Barbour who is going to win the hearts and minds of younger voters, and African Americans to the GOP.

It's Palin, Perry, Breitbart, with Michael Steele in the lead who understand that the GOP needs to lighten up on the cultural front. And if that angers a few Tony Perkins and Mike Huckabee-like social conservatives here and there, well, they'll just have to get used to it. Cause the libertarian wing of the GOP is here to stay.

An endless struggle with Obama's "Socialist" Agenda

Texas Governor Rick Perry is being praised universally all over the Rightosphere for having delivered the most passionate and inspiring speech of the weekend at SRLC. Some have even suggested he upstaged his close friend and political ally Sarah Palin.

Perry made some news on a possible 2012 presidential run, telling Hotline:

"I'm not running. I'm not in. I don't know how many times I have to tell people that."

The Dallas Morning News describes his speech:

All of the speakers put the pedal-to-the-metal with the anti-Washington message, but Perry's performance was animated and seemed to impress the larger Republican audience.

He exhorted the GOP to be the proud party of "no," especially given Washington's direction. Because Republicans, he said, know what government's role is: "It's as servant, not as master. It is as protector, not as provider."

At one point Perry made a point of referring to Obama's agenda as explicitly Socialist. From the first half of his speech:

"The citizens... they're being told today that Big Daddy government have all the answers... The role of government is as searvant, not as master... there's this endless struggle going on, between the left and the right, the conservatives and the liberals, between socialism and democracy."

One of the biggest news stories to come out of New Orleans and the Southern Republican Leadership Conference over the weekend, was the somewhat odd statements made by Texas Congressman Ron Paul over the definition of Obama's political beliefs.

From the Wall Street Journal Washington Wire blog:

NEW ORLEANS–Republicans and tea party activists are fond of accusing President Barack Obama of being a socialist, but today party gadfly Ron Paul said they had it wrong.

“In the technical sense, in the economic definition, he is not a socialist,” the Texas Republican said to a smattering of applause at the Southern Republican Leadership Conference.

“He’s a corporatist,” Paul quickly added, meaning the president takes “care of corporations and corporations take over and run the country.”

Tim Daniels, top libertarian-conservative blogger of Left Coast Rebel responds:

Of course in the realm of semantics he may be correct. But on the other hand in clear terms Obama is a socialist. Everything that Obama desires and stands for moves towards the ends of taking freedom from the individual American citizen and placing it in the hands of a centralized Federal government, planner, bean counter, bureaucrat, committee, or someone that will deemed to be better at 'guiding' your life than you are. Whether that is G.E. or Uncle Sam matters not. Whether or not corporations play a heavy hand in that (which they do, which is corporatism), does not take away from the fact that it is socialism. The end-result is indentical.

Hundreds rally in Metro-East to voice concern over Big Government in Washington and Springfield

About 400 to 500 Metro-East Illinois and Missouri Tea Party Patriots rallied yesterday in the small town of Collinsville, (near E. St. Louis). Republican Congressman John Shimkus was there. Other elected officials joined in the celebration. The local Republican Party had an information booth.

Six members of the Metro-East Libertarian Party set up a World's Smallest Political Quiz table. 60% of the 50 or so dots ended up in the Libertarian square, the other 40% in the high libertarian-leaning Conservative area. Zero scored Liberal or Authoritarian. Though, many expressed support for the Libertarian Party, a common complaint was the worry of splitting the vote with Republicans heading into November.

Top Consevative Blogs has a brief story:

Hundreds turned out today at the Alton Tea Party Movement’s Pre-Tax Day Rally at Woodland Park in Collinsville, Illinois. The park was so crowded that the local police would not allow patriots into the park before the rally. You had to park in nearby lots and walk over. It was a beautiful day in Collinsville. Mike Flynn from Big Government website was the keynote speaker today. Local patriot Stephanie Rubach spoke about health care and family values. Adam Andrzejewski gave a great speech on accountability in government. Jordan from Big Government, former Illinois Republican gubernatorial candidate Adam Andrzejewski , Mike Flynn.

Rubach gave the biggest crowd pleasing speech. She extolled the crowd to oppose affirmative action, saying she wanted to be judged on her own merit and not because she was Black.

Other speakers of note, Jon David started things off with his rendition of "American Heart." Jim Hoft from St. Louis, and propietor of Gateway Pundit blog also gave a rousing speech.

The mood was not only anti-Washington, and anti-Socialism from the Obama administration. But attendees focused a great deal of their anger towards corruption in Springfield. Encouraged by Andrzejewski they changed Speaker Madigan, "Open up the Books," a reference to Democrats in the State Capitol hiding expenditure reports because of suspected cronyism and illegal political pay-offs.

Bob Dempsey is a longtime incumbent Coroner for San Miguel County in Colorado. And he serves as an elected Libertarian Party member. He is running for reelection for the third time on the Libertarian ticket. The Republican Party has declined to run an opponent against him. He faces only Democrat opposition from a local paramedic.

San Miguel County includes the world famous ski resort - Telluride.

From the Telluride Daily Planet April 6:

The San Miguel County Libertarian Party nominated Bob Dempsey as its county coroner candidate at its assembly late last week — making the 28-year incumbent’s run for re-election official.

This will be his eighth run for the office, and his third time running as a Libertarian...

Dempsey was appointed as the coroner in 1981, and has held the office since. It all started one day when the then-deputy coroner was walking down the street and ran into the commissioners, who corralled him into the position, he said.

“I’ve grown into it and it has become very interesting,” Dempsey said.

Dempsey said that it has taken him some time to learn the ropes, but it’s something that he finds interesting.

“I find it a fascinating job. It’s unusual but fascinating,” Dempsey said.

After a surprising endorsement last week, of libertarian/tea party Republican Marco Rubio for US Senate in Florida, over moderate Charlie Crist, libertarian-leaning GOPer Rudy Giuliani is again making news. On CNN's Wolf Blitzer, Giuliani didn't flinch on a question of continued support for libertarian-leaning RNC Chairman Michael Steele.
From CNN:

WOLF: Some in your Party have said Michael Steele should step down. What does Rudy Giuliani say?

GIULIANI: I believe Michael should remain exactly where he is. You go through skirmishes in politics. Somebody made a very serious mistake. Very embarrassing. A terrible mistake. It's something Michael certainly didn't sanction, something Michael didn't want. It happens in every organizaton. Gosh, it happens in the White House every other day. To this president, the president before, and the one before that.

So, I think Michael has us on a good track. We've won three major elections in a row. I participated in one way or another in all three of them. And I think Michael played a strong role in them. So, I don't see why he should step down.

Giuliani went on to say that his endorsement of Rubio was based on supporting someone who will help put a stop to Obama's march towards a European style socialist state.

Rally for Bachmann's Reelection in Minnesota

Sean Hannity interviewed the pair immediately after the rally. Palin comments on both RNC Chairman Michael Steele, and speculation on a 2012 presidential run. Bachman lends her backing.

Editor's note - pay close attention to the body language. Both Palin and Bachmann seem especially at ease at each other's sides.

"Dazzling on the Stump"

From Eric Dondero:

Liberal media elitist Chris Matthews of MSNBC actually had some kind words for Sarah Palin and Michele Bachmann resulting from their campaign appearance together. And he said it all without his standard snarkeyness or sarcasm.

The segment on Hardball was called, "Palin-Bachmann Overdrive." From the video:

These are very fascinating political figures. They're both very good on the stump. Much more exciting than Mitch McConnell or John Boehner. Here's the new Star Power of the Republican Party.

(brief Video segment of Palin & Bachmann speeches)

They're woman of the West if you will... Alaska, Minnesota. They talk in Pioneer language about fishing and hunting, certainly gun rights. They've got all the themes out there. And they are obviously dazzling on the stump.

Video at C&L.

by Eric Dondero

This is music to the ears of all of us who supported the War in Iraq, even during the dark days of 2005/06/07 before the Surge. Throughout that rough period, there was one US Senator more than any other, who went out of his way to bash George W. Bush, and the War on the whole. That Senator was Russ Feingold of Wisconsin.

A small sampling of Feingold's rabid foaming at the mouth Bush Derangement Syndrome (from FeingoldSenate.gov):

December 18, 2007 - Senator Feingold continues his effort to require the President to end his disastrous Iraq policy and bring our troops out of Iraq. Feingold will be joined by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid in offering an amendment to the omnibus spending bill based on their legislation requiring the redeployment of U.S. troops from Iraq, with a few narrow exceptions, after which funding for military operations in Iraq would end.

October 24, 2007 - Senator Feingold speaks from the Senate floor on the fifth anniversary of the Authorization of the Use Military Force in Iraq. "I will not stand idly by while this mistaken war continues. I will continue working to end this war and bring our troops home, and I will continue looking in the days and weeks ahead for opportunities to debate and vote on ending the war – this year, and, if necessary, next as well."

Call it poetic justice. Perhaps Karma? But Feingold had this coming.

A brand new poll released Wisconsin's St. Norbert College shows Feingold getting creamed by potential Republican candidate and former Bush administration cabinet member Tommy Thompson.

The headline over at Hedgehog says it all - WI: Thompson Would Crush Feingold.

Here are the hard numbers:

US SENATE – WISCONSIN (St.Norbert)
Tommy Thompson (R) 45%
Russ Feingold (D-inc) 33%

Here's the link to the local Fox News 6 story if you'd like to check the internals.

Everyone, even within the Right-o-sphere are focused on new numbers on Harry Reid. He's toast. All three potential GOPers are way ahead, with frontrunner Sue Lowden beating him 54% to 39%. This is understandable. Reid is of course, Senate Majority leader. However, everyone already expects Reid to lose. Wisconsin is a sleeper.

And it's also the final seat that could deliver we Republicans the 51-seat majority. Along with the California - Boxer seat, Illinois Kirk vs. Giannoulias or New York's Gillibrand. Any one of these 4 "safe Dem seats" goes GOP and we get our majority. Right now, it's looking like Wisconsin's the ticket!

And it couldn't have happened to a nicer guy.

"The greatest threat facing gay people worldwide is the spread of radical anti-gay Islam. Unfortunately, Tom Campbell's record makes it clear he either doesn't understand that or is unwilling to confront it." -- Jimmy LaSalvia, Exec. Dir. GOPProud

From Eric Dondero:

We're generally not in the business of endorsements here at Libertarian Republican. That's the job of the Republican Liberty Caucus. And as members of the RLC we back 99% of all the candidates Dave Nalle, and the RLC Board endorse.

Though, no official endorsements have been made, it's safe to say that the vast majority of Libertarian Republicans are backing Chuck DeVore. Honestly Chuck's behind. Tom Campbell of Carly Fiornia? That's a decision for all Libertarian Republicans to make on their own. I would lean strongly towards Fiorna, for the simple fact that's she's female. Plus, she seems to me to be a risk-taker, and most certainly a great promoter of free enterprise.

Our readers should be made aware, that we here at Libertarian Republican have been contacted repeatedly by Campbell supporters (who could be connected officially with his campaign?)trying to convince us that he's a "libertarian." Unfortunately, the communications from their camp has led me to believe they are unaware that Libertarian Republian represents a decidedly Pro-Defense/Anti-Islamist view. In my view, they may have mistaken us for the Ron Paul wing.

The following information should serve to help at least Pro-Defense Libertarians to make a decision. Jimmy LaSalvia is well-trusted. His organization represents a Hard Right version of the Log Cabin Clubs. It's safe to say that we agree with Jimmy and GOPProud on virtually all issues. His view on Campbell expressed in this press release should carry a great deal of weight with readers of this website, and with the overall Libertarian Republican community.

From GOPProud.org:

(Washington, D.C.) - According to press reports, former U.S. Rep. Tom Campbell (R-CA) is courting gay voters in his current run for U.S. Senate. "Gay voters should know where Tom Campbell stands on all the issues," said Jimmy LaSalvia, Executive Director of GOProud - the only national organization representing gay conservatives and their allies. "The greatest threat facing gay people worldwide is the spread of radical anti-gay Islam. Unfortunately, Tom Campbell's record makes it clear he either doesn't understand that or is unwilling to confront it."

Campbell wrote a letter of support for convicted terrorist Sami Al-Arian, who actually raised money for Campbell's failed run for Senate in 2000. Al-Arian was indicted in February 2003 as the North American head of Palestinian Islamic Jihad. In the indictment, it was revealed that in Al-Arian's communications with his colleagues were discussions of terrorist operations. Among the victims of these operations in Israel were several Americans.

"Tom Campbell raised money from and publicly voiced support for a convicted terrorist," continued LaSalvia. "A man who once publicly declared, ‘Jihad is our path. Victory to Islam. Death to Israel. Revolution. Revolution until victory. Rolling to Jerusalem."

In his failed 2000 Senate bid, Campbell called for the creation of an independent Palestinian state with its capital in Jerusalem, argued that Israel received too much U.S. aid, and attacked former President Bill Clinton for being too pro-Israel.

While in Congress, Campbell was one of only a handful of Representatives to vote against both a resolution expressing support for Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and against the unilateral declaration of a Palestinian state.

"Israel is one of the United States most important and loyal allies, and quite frankly Tom Campbell's record and rhetoric look more like Pat Buchanan's then Ronald Reagan's," said LaSalvia. "Israel is a beacon of freedom and tolerance in a sea of radically anti-gay regimes in the Middle East. You simply cannot claim to support equality of opportunity for gays and lesbians while at the same time seeking to undermine the only country in the Middle East that treats gay people with dignity and respect."

In 2000, Campbell supported easing sanctions on the anti-gay regime of Saddam Hussein, and in 2004, Campbell called for the complete withdrawal of American forces from Iraq.

"GOProud is a vocal supporter of Israel, and as an organization, we believe strongly in the need to elect leaders who will stand up for Israel and will fight the spread of radical anti-gay Islam. Sadly, Tom Campbell's rhetoric and record make it clear he is not one of those leaders," concluded LaSalvia.

Final note - This website will back whichever Republican candidate wins the primary. Though, Tom Campbell may have some questionable views on Israel and foreign policy in general, there's no doubt he would be a vast improvement over Barbara Boxer in every regard, should he prevail in the primary.

Ebert Beeman is an elected Libertarian-Republican County Commissioner in Erie, Pennsylvania. As Ballot Access News points out below, Beeman was elected as a Republican, but the local Republicans dislike him, immensley, cause of his maverick explictly name-names reputation on local county contracts. The GOP disowned him. Beeman officially joined the Libertarian Party. But he is still technically a Republican.

Now, the Libertarian Party has nominated him to run for Congress.

From Ballot Access News:

Beeman was elected to the Erie County Council, 6th district, in a partisan election in November 2009, as a Republican. However, he had been a registered Libertarian as recently as May 2009. In the 2009 general election, the Republican Party had opposed Beeman even though he was the Republican nominee. Beeman won anyway, with only 32.14% of the vote. The November 2009 vote was Republican (Beeman) 2,132 votes; Democratic 1,924; write-ins 1,624; independent Steven Porter 773 votes; and Green Party 180 votes. Beeman is an interesting person; see this news story from October 2009 describing him.

Note - similarly, New York City Councilman Dan Halloran (upper Queens), is also an elected Libertarian-Republican, with dual affiliation.

Maybe Steven Covey, the business guru, was talking about Indiana when he said, "The way we see the problem is the problem." The new "Guns at Work" law exemplifies such political myopia in extremis.

The tiny percentage of us who’ve actually read any constitution, federal or state, know very well that all levels of our government operate in violation of these proven, fundamental, once-cherished and now-ignored laws.

So it’s no surprise that most of us sense a problem with the state of our union. It’s similarly predictable that most of us misdiagnose the problem and then promote bad ideas as a cure.

Two Wings of the libertarian movement emerge?

The long anticipated John Stossel special on Fox Business News, "What is a Libertarian?" aired last night. True to form, Judge Andrew Napolitano, a favorite of the Ron Paul crowd took the Radical Libertarian aproach on all matters. While "Mainstream Libertarian," PJ O'Rourke was more cautious.

NAPOLITANO:

I believe that all taxation is theft. Because you have the right to the product of your own labor. If the government can take the fruits of your labor against your will, it can take anything.

STOSSEL: So, we have a voluntary tax system? (Later) No Taxes?

NAPOLITANO: No Taxes!... Who says we have to have an Army and a Navy. And who says it has to be paid for by taxes?

O'ROURKE: Can we keep the Marine Corps? Just in case Canada acts up, ya know...

O'Rourke went on to say, that there's no easy answer on taxes, and that all taxation ends up being "extremely unfair." He went on to advocate a low flat tax of around 15%.

Editor's comment - Fortunately these days, all views on the libertarian spectrum, from hardcore Napolitano-ism to P.J. O'Rourke's cynical, but more mainstream approach, are now fully welcomed within the Republican Party.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

“Government is not reason; it is not eloquent; it is force. Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master.” – George Washington (Header, Gonzalez for Congress website)

Facing what may seem as impossible odds, Edward Gonzalez has decided to take on longtime incumbent and ultra-liberal Democrat Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren in California's CD 16. The District includes San Jose.

Gonzalez is an active Tea Party Patriot who has participated in numerous protests. He is running explicitly as a "Libertarian Republican," moderate on social matters, yet "fiscally conservative, and support for constitutionally limited government." According to his site, "He believes that the only legitimate use of government power is in the protection of people's individual rights."

According to the Economic Policy Journal, he is a devotee of the economics of Ausrtian economist Ludvig von Mises. He also has a great deal of support from Ron Paul activists.

One Libertarian Party website even lists Gonzalez as simply a "Libertarian" candidate. Though, he will be on the GOP ticket.

Background:

Edward Gonzalez received his commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps in 2004 when he graduated from Officer Candidate School in the top 10% of his class. As an infantry officer he served with the 1st Battalion 4th Marines out of Camp Pendleton, California. His first deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom was as a platoon commander as part of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable). His company conducted amphibious security operations on the Iraqi Oil Platforms.

His second deployment was as an advisor and trainer to the Iraqi Army in the al Anbar Province of Iraq along the Euphrates River. While there he worked jointly with the Iraqi Army, police, and community organizations to improve local security and rebuild local economies. His team successfully transferred over 1,000 km of American battle space to Iraqi control. He left active duty in 2008 at the rank of Captain.

Gonzalez's fundamental philosophy:

All individuals have the right to life, liberty, and property; therefore no one has the right to murder, enslave, or steal from another individual. The power that we have bestowed upon our government is the right and the duty to use force to protect those unalienable rights. There are people that propose it is also government’s right and duty to provide additional services to society. They believe that government should fund these social programs with taxes. The idea that government should sponsor social programs falls in the category of socialism. Most countries are not completely socialist, but merely have elements of socialism within their government. I do not wish to examine the multitude of emotional propaganda created over the years concerning socialism; I merely wish to examine one fundamental fact:

Using tax money to pay for social programs opens the society up to numerous moral and economic contradictions which disregard an individual’s right to liberty and property.

To help EdwardMGonzalez.com

One of the basic tenets of Libertarian thought involves the non-initiation of force.
Over the years, I’ve had a lot of people tell me that while they agree with most libertarian ideas, they just don’t believe they will work in the real world.
I disagree. They do work, for all of us, everyday, and as long as [...]

Netroots/Daily Kos candidate consistently behind in polls

There's a race in Connecticut that has been pretty much under the radar given the high profile Senate race (Linda McMahon, Peter Schiff and Rob Simmons vs. Richard Bloomenthal). Incumbent Governor Judy Roell, a Republican, is not seeking a second term. But the GOP is looking good to keep the seat.

From Rasmussen (via Hedgehog):

GOVERNOR – CONNECTICUT (Rasmussen)

Tom Foley (R) 44%
Ned Lamont (D) 37%

Foley is a mainline Republican; Chamber of Commerce type, free enterpriser and former US Ambassador to Ireland.

Lamont, of course, is the rabidly Anti-Iraq War Netroots/Moveon.org favorite, who ran against Joe Lieberman in the Democrat primary in 2008, on a strictly AntiWar platform. Lamont won the primary, but then went on to lose the general election badly, as Lieberman ran as an Independent gaining a great deal of Republican support. He is a wealthy "Green industrialist" from Greenwich who spent millions in that race.

More on the poll from the Connecticut Mirror:

Lamont, who became a national political figure in 2006 with his antiwar challenge of Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman, generated the strongest opinions, both positive and negative. Eighteen percent of respondents had a "very favorable" opinion of Lamont, while 22 percent had a "very unfavorable" view.

MOVEMENT NEWS

Libertarians and Republicans need to work together to Stop! the Statists now controlling our Government

A Facebook page has just been launched to assist with cooperation between Libertarians in Connecticut and the Republican Party. Tom Barton describes himself as a "dues paying member" of the Libertarian Party for "over 30 years." He has also worked on many campaigns, and run for office as a Libertarian twice. He also calls himself on his personal Facebook page a Tea Party Patriot and a fan of Glenn Beck.

Barton posted the following message to the Facebook page of the CT Republican Party:

We would like to extend a cordial invitation to the Connecticut Republicans to take a look at our new page called Connecticut Libertarian Republicans. The purpose of this page is to form an alliance between libertarians and other liberty-oriented minor parties with the Republican Party in order to win elections. Here's the link.

At the Page visitors are greeted by a photo of Sarah Palin and other GOP leaders. There's also news on her appearance at the Southern Republican Leadership Conference, and on New Gingrich's description of Obama as the "most radical President ever" in US History.

Barton also has an even-handed challenge to both Libertarians and Republicans:

To libertarians and other minor party members: I challenge you to convince Republican politicians to adopt libertarian and constitutional solutions to solve the socioeconomic problems that big government created - and to support those Republicans who do...

To Republicans: I challenge you to earn the votes of libertarians and other liberty-based minor parties by listening to them and adopting constitutional liberty-based solutions.

To Both libertarians and Republicans: I challenge you to convince statists that irresponsible government spending, and intrusion on individual rights is destroying America. We need to return to the original American way of limited government, free market solutions and personal responsibility to save our country.

The can't seem to attract any candidates

303 to 224; that's the margin of Republican candidates to Democrats this year in Missouri. This is a state that is always considered a bellweather of public opinion nationwide.

From the Kansas City Star:

JEFFERSON CITY | Significantly more of Missouri's political candidates are calling themselves Republicans than Democrats this year.

When Missouri's candidacy filing period ended last week, Republicans comprised 303 of the 582 people running for U.S. Senate or House, the state Legislature, state auditor or circuit judgeships. Democrats had 224 candidates, and the rest were aligned with either the Libertarian or Constitution parties.