Libertarian Florida gubernatorial candidate nears double-digit percentage in polls

In the race for Florida's governor, Gov. Rick Scott and former Gov. Charlie Crist are the front runners with household names, but Adrian Wyllie, the Libertarian candidate is close to a double digit percentage of votes, according to the last two Quinnipiac polls.

There are actually five candidates on the ballot.

Glenn Burkett has no party affiliation and is a self-described wellness and fitness innovator and educator.

Farid Khavari was born in Iran, but moved to the U.S. from Germany in the '70s. He is an economist and environmentalist with no party affiliation.

Of the three relative unknown's, Wyllie is the only one to make a mark in the polls.

"We want to get government out of your wallet, out of your bedroom, out of your body, and out of your business," Wyllie said in an interview earlier this week with Local 6 sister station WJXT in Jacksonville.

It has become one of his go-to lines since he is in favor of smaller government.

"It's a simple concept. We want to put an end to the corruption and the cronyism getting back to true free market principles, not like we have today," he said.

Wyllie said he has been campaigning around the state.

"Were out there working just as hard, if not harder, than Rick Scott and Charlie Crist on the campaign trail. Were traveling from Pensacola to Key West."

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Libertarian Florida gubernatorial candidate nears double-digit percentage in polls

OPINION: You might have a lasting effect by voting Libertarian

When I am out and about, I hear a very frequent refrain about local politics. I dont care for either of them. Well, in some races, you have another choice.

You might have a lasting effect by voting Libertarian. In the races for governor and for senate, polls show very tight races. Pundits are saying that any significant vote for the Libertarian candidate could force the two major candidates into runoffs. One of the majors will wind up winning, but they will know that you are not satisfied with their politics!

There is a public service race with no Democrat. Incumbent Doug Everett is facing Libertarian John Monds. In this race, the Georgia Libertarian Party has a chance of collecting a significant vote total. Several other races have Libertarian candidates. So you are not locked in to the Democrats or Republicans.

The three candidates for governor include the incumbent Republican Nathan Deal, closely pursued by former presidents grandson Jason Carter, and the Libertarian Andrew T. Hunt. The senate race is currently polled as a draw between David Purdue, a cousin of our former governor, and Michelle Nunn, daughter of former senator Sam Nunn who has chosen not to use her married name. They are opposed by Libertarian Amanda Swafford. Another contested race is for insurance commissioner in which the incumbent Republican Ralph Hudgens of Madison County who is facing Democrat Elizabeth Johnson and Libertarian Edward T. Metzs. In each race, you have an option of writing in a candidate.

The 9th district congressional race includes the incumbent Republican Doug Collins and Democrat David Vogel from Madison County. There are a couple of state Constitutional Amendments on the ballot that no one seems to be interested in.

There is one contested Madison County race between incumbent District 5 commissioner Jim Escoe, a Republican, and Democrat Clyde Verhine.

So, if you feel that one of the major candidates can effectively support your opinions, by all means vote for that candidate. But, if you are among those who are convinced that neither of them is a suitable representative of your opinions, you can express your displeasure by voting for a Libertarian or writing in someone you think will better support your opinion.

No vote is wasted. Even a vote for someone who obviously has no chance of winning will at least make your opinion known.

Frank Gillispie is founder of The Madison County Journal. His e-mail address is frank@frankgillispie.com. His website can be accessed at http://www.frankgillispie.com/gillispieonline.

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OPINION: You might have a lasting effect by voting Libertarian

Kathie Glass, Libertarian candidate for Texas governor, campaigns in El Paso

Kathie Gass is the Libertarian Party candidate for Governor of Texas in the upcoming general election. (RUBEN R. RAMIREZEL PASO TIMES)

Kathie Glass, the Libertarian candidate for Texas governor, spent Tuesday in El Paso, the last stop of her statewide campaign bus tour.

Glass, a relative unknown, is running against Democrat Wendy Davis and Republican Greg Abbott. Early voting has started and the election is Nov. 4.

Glass, 61, said she is running for governor to fend off two threats to people's liberty: "An out of control tyrannical federal government and a state government that is corrupted by cronyism."

Glass said cronyism refers to the rich and powerful using government to get things done that they never could get done otherwise and the rest of the people have to pick up the tab for it.

She said Texas currently favors big businesses over small businesses and favors the political well-connected over just an ordinary person. She is running as a Libertarian because the two party systems is broken, she said.

"I'm the only one in this race that is not a crony," she said, referring to the fact that Davis and Abbott have been in politics for several years.

When asked if she thinks she has a chance to win the election, Glass. a Houston attorney, said she is not predicting anything, but she thinks she has an opportunity. Most of the state polls on the governor's are only asking voters about Davis and Abbott, excluding Glass who political experts say will get less than 4 percent of the vote,

For this election, Glass said she is not looking to get the majority of the votes, she said she only needs a little bit more than 33 percent of the votes to win because there are three candidates.

Glass ran for governor in 2010 and got 2.2 percent of the votes.

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Kathie Glass, Libertarian candidate for Texas governor, campaigns in El Paso

In Studio: Libertarian Lt. Gov. Candidate Chris Olson

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS -- Libertarian Lieutenant Governor Candidate Christopher Olson stopped by our KNWA/FOX 24 studios Wednesday morning.

He weighed in on everything from marriage equality, to legalizing cannabis for medicinal purposes, to eliminating state income tax, to reducing the size of the Lieutenant Governor's office. Watch the video for the full interview or read below to see what Olson had to say.

Marissa Kargas: To start things off, some have said our state does not need a Lieutenant Governor and believe those tax dollars could be better spent elsewhere. You have said you want to eventually reduce the size of the office of Lieutenant Governor. What do you mean by that?

Christopher Olson: Well, my first preference would be to eliminate the office. Now I understand that the legislature only has three option for a constitutional amendment each year and it would take a constitutional amendment to abolish the office. If they were unwilling to use up one of their three to do this, I would like to reduce the size of the office by reducing the staff down to one part-time secretary to answer the phone and I myself would decline half the salary. As the office now, it's budgeted for four staff members and a $43,000 salary for the Lieutenant Governor. Doing that would reduce the size of the office and the budget.

Marissa Kargas: So you still think that there is a need for the position of Lieutenant Governor, but just diminishing the pay for Lieutenant Governor and the size of the office.

Christopher Olson: Yes. I don't know if we actually really need one, but if we're going to have one, it needs to be what it's supposed to be. A part-time job.

Marissa Kargas: Candidates often talk about their plans for jobs and our state's economy, but you have also come out expressing your support of initiatives to legalize cannabis for medicinal purposes and your support for marriage equality. Why is it important for you to take a strong, public stance on these more controversial issues?

Christopher Olson: I'm for these issues not because I'm running for Lieutenant Governor. I don't believe the Lieutenant Governor will have any role in those issues whatsoever. However, I am in favor of liberty and equal rights for people. I believe that cannabis has a legitimate medical use. There are numerous studies done that list the ability of it to treat epilepsy in children, for example, or help AIDS and cancer patients tolerate their medicines. As far as marriage equality, I really don't believe that the state has a role to play in marriage. If it does though, it needs to treat each of its citizens equally. If men and women have the right to engage in that contract and get married, then other legally consenting adults should have that same right.

Marissa Kargas: State income tax is a topic that draws debate from both sides. You have said you plan to reduce and eventually eliminate the state income tax. How do you plan to do that?

Christopher Olson: It's not necessarily my plan. It's the plan of my running mate, Frank Gilbert. He's running for Governor. As I said before, the Lieutenant Governor really has no part to play in this because it has little power whatsoever. If I was elected, I wouldn't be able to do anything for this. But, my vision for that was, over the course of several years to gradually reduce the amount of money that's taken out of people's paychecks. People work hard for their money and they deserve to have the right to spend it however they want, without the government getting its cut first.

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In Studio: Libertarian Lt. Gov. Candidate Chris Olson

Sam Seder Debate with the Chairman of the Libertarian Party of Florida, hardly. Benoit’s response – Video


Sam Seder Debate with the Chairman of the Libertarian Party of Florida, hardly. Benoit #39;s response
Sam Seder dictating nonsense. Mike Benoit responds to a debate between Sam Seder and the chairman of the Libertarian Party of Florida.

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Sam Seder Debate with the Chairman of the Libertarian Party of Florida, hardly. Benoit's response - Video

Robert Sarvis sets sights beyond winning Senate seat

ROANOKE (WSLS) - For those that know him, there are a variety of opinions about Libertarian Senate candidate Robert Sarvis. That's especially true for his opponents.

"I think Mr. (Robert) Sarvis brings an eclectic set of views," said Sen. Mark Warner (D-Virginia. "I think he pushes both candidates."

"People are free to run here," said Republican candidate Ed Gillespie. "I think at the end of the day Virginians are going to look at this race and say either Ed Gillespie or Mark Warner is going to be the next Senator from Virginia."

Believe it or not, Sarvis agrees.

The Libertarian once again finds himself running for statewide office.

Last year it was the governor's race against Democrat Terry McAuliffe and Republican Ken Cuccinelli. This year it's the Senate.

"I think I have a lot of support that carries over to another statewide race," Sarvis said. "But also, I wanted to recruit other candidates."

Seven Libertarian candidates will be on the ballot in Congressional races in Virginia. They're all considered heavy underdogs.

Sarvis is keeping his campaign simple, focusing on improving the job market, respecting civil liberties and fixing healthcare.

"Both of those parties have given us 100 years of bad regulations which has increased the cost of healthcare," he said. "The best thing to do is deregulate and have open and competitive markets."

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Robert Sarvis sets sights beyond winning Senate seat

Libertarian Bill Wohlsifers Highlights from the Florida Attorney General Debate – Video


Libertarian Bill Wohlsifers Highlights from the Florida Attorney General Debate
Libertarians always out perform their expectations when they #39;re included in debates. This time it was Bill Wohlsifer #39;s turn to convince Floridians that they have a real third choice in this...

By: A Libertarian Future

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Libertarian Bill Wohlsifers Highlights from the Florida Attorney General Debate - Video

A Libertarian Sets Fire to the Index Card of Allowable Opinion – Video


A Libertarian Sets Fire to the Index Card of Allowable Opinion
Tom Woods introduces his new book, Real Dissent: A Libertarian Sets Fire to the Index Card of Allowable Opinion. Check it out at http://www.RealDissent.com. http://www.TomWoodsRadio.com (Tom #39;s...

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A Libertarian Sets Fire to the Index Card of Allowable Opinion - Video

Libertarian for Florida Gov talks Police Misconduct and Body Cams AND POLICE MILITARIZATION – Video


Libertarian for Florida Gov talks Police Misconduct and Body Cams AND POLICE MILITARIZATION
Libertarian for Florida Gov talks Police Misconduct and Body Cams AND POLICE MILITARIZATION CHARLOTTE COUNTY FLORIDA SHERIFF CORRUPTION ...

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Libertarian for Florida Gov talks Police Misconduct and Body Cams AND POLICE MILITARIZATION - Video

Libertarian Think Tank is Spoiling for a Fight with the Fed

The Cato Institute has some bones to pick with the Federal Reserve.

The Washington libertarian think tank this week will launch a new Center for Monetary and Financial Alternatives. Its goal: challenge the central banks policies and explore alternative ways to manage the U.S. money supply, including but not limited to a return to the gold standard.

I think we can do better than the Federal Reserve, said George Selgin, the centers director and a former economics professor at the University of Georgia. We should be exploring how to do better. We should be exploring alternatives that could do better, instead of dismissing that entire inquiry as something that should be only of interest to people on the fringe.

The new center is the latest manifestation of growing public and academic attention on the Fed and central banking after the 2008 financial crisis. Another Washington think tank, the Brookings Institution, last December launched the Hutchins Center on Fiscal and Monetary Policy, where former Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke is a distinguished fellow in residence.

(Journal contributor David Wessel is the director of the Hutchins Center, and former Journal editor George Melloan is on the new Cato centers executive advisory council.)

The Feds extraordinary actions in recent years helping rescue large financial firms, pinning interest rates at zero for nearly six years and counting, three rounds of bond-buying aimed at stimulating economic recovery remain controversial.

Critics have variously accused the Fed of bailing out fat-cat Wall Street bankers, harming Americans who rely on interest from their savings, distorting the flows of the free market, failing to generate sustainable economic growth and flirting with out-of-control inflation and a debased currency. Defenders say the Feds policies prevented the crisis from escalating into a financial catastrophe, helped stabilize the financial system and helped nurture a fitful recovery, and they note inflation remains low and the dollar strong.

Criticism of the Fed, Mr. Selgin acknowledged, has come not just from serious economists but also conspiracy theorists with outlandish and often-distasteful ideas.

One of my goals, as the director of the center, is to be in charge of damage control. That consists of making sure our work isnt tainted by this kind of amateur stuff, Mr. Selgin said. We need to keep ourselves pure in terms of our writing being as scholarly as it can be. If we do that, we can make a strong case against holding the Federal Reserve to be the best of all possible monetary systems.

The center boasts some heavy hitters in the economics world. Its academic advisers include two Nobel laureates, New York Universitys Thomas J. Sargentand Chapman Universitys Vernon L. Smith, as well as Stanford University economist John B. Taylorand others.

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Libertarian Think Tank is Spoiling for a Fight with the Fed

Sarvis addresses students

Libertarian Senate Candidate discusses social, economic policy by Will Marshall | Oct 02 2014 | 10/02/14 1:52am

Libertarian Virginia Senate candidate Robert Sarvis spoke at a Students for Individual Liberty event at Clark Hall Wednesday, outlining his platform in the upcoming midterm election.

The Annandale native broke into the spotlight when he ran as a third-party candidate in last years Virginia gubernatorial election, defining his brand of libertarianism as a best of both worlds, striking a balance between what he considers the Republican and Democratic parties best policies.

Generally speaking, Sarvis said he identifies with the rights fiscal policies and the lefts social policies.

Sarvis began his political career as a GOP candidate running for state Senate, eventually dropping his Republican affiliation and taking up the Libertarian mantle.

After I ran in 2012 as a libertarian Republican, I learned that the GOP is not a good vehicle for liberty candidates, Sarvis said. They are hypocritical on economic issues and strident on social issues. I feel like the two-party system is broken. I could have run as an independant, but thats not leaving behind something that outlasts you.

Sarvis emphasized what he considers the most urgent issues libertarian candidates need to address the dwelling on the long, costly drug war, which he blames for saddling the nation with excess expenditures in the last 50 years.

Thanks to the drug war, we have millions in prison the highest incarceration rate in the world, Sarvis said. A third of those are for nonviolent crimes, which, a) costs money, and b) is wasted human potential.

Other issues topping his list of priorities included reforming certain entitlement programs and deregulating areas where he believes the free market would be a more effective solution.

Obamacare is a problem but weve also had 100 years of misregulation of the health care system by both major parties, Sarvis said.

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Sarvis addresses students

Former commissioner, Libertarian battle for south Charlotte seat

Eric Cables bid to become North Carolinas first Libertarian legislator pits him against Republican Dan Bishop in a GOP-dominated district.

One will succeed Rep. Ruth Samuelson, who opted not to run for a fifth term representing House District 104 in south Charlotte. Democrats didnt run a challenger.

Bishop, a lawyer specializing in business litigation, served as a Mecklenburg County commissioner from 2004 to 2008. He says those experiences, and a lifetime in Charlotte, give him a deep understanding of local issues that utopian politics cant match.

Im conservative, but I believe you have to temper ideology with practical experience, he said.

His Libertarian opponent, who lost a run for Charlotte City Council last year, says voters are eager for a new political approach.

People are pulling away from both sides, but more from the Republicans, Cable said. There are people who are getting fed up with extremism from both sides.

The districts profile suggests a steep uphill battle for Cable, whos counting on Democrats and independent voters to turn out. Nearly 40 percent Republican, the district has only 235 registered Libertarians.

Bishop, 50, says Republicans in charge of North Carolinas legislature since 2011 have rightly started rebuilding the states economy with limited government, lower tax rates and fewer regulations.

The big challenge over the coming years will be that the changes that have been made need to be able to play out, he said. You have to let that have the effect of drawing businesses in to the state and incentivizing businesses to grow.

He supports the teacher pay raises legislators granted this year but says the teacher career ladder needs reform. He says legislators were right not to expand Medicaid amid the Obamacare disaster and prescribes market competition to improve health care and lower costs.

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Former commissioner, Libertarian battle for south Charlotte seat