Libertarian National Convention

The Libertarian National Convention is held every two years by the United States Libertarian Party to choose members of the Libertarian National Committee, and to conduct other party business. In presidential election years, the convention delegates enact a platform and nominate the Libertarian presidential and vice-presidential candidates who then face the nominees of other parties in the November general election.

While most delegates to the Republican National Convention and the Democratic National Convention are tied to particular candidates, delegates to the Libertarian National Convention are free to choose, as was previously the case for the larger parties. Accordingly, Libertarian National Conventions place less emphasis on festivities and spinning the press, though some of each may be found. The complete convention is televised by C-SPAN with additional broadcast television coverage of the presidential nominating process. Perhaps the most interesting difference between Libertarian National Conventions and those of the Republican and Democratic parties in the United States is that the Libertarian Party has not and refuses to accept taxpayer money to pay for its convention.Fact|date=May 2008 This is in keeping with Libertarian principles that taxation is coerced (i.e. not voluntary) and, therefore, theft; it is considered an "ethical violation" for a good Libertarian who adheres to the Non-Aggression Principle to knowingly commit theft.Fact|date=May 2008 None of the above is always an option on all ballots.

Past Conventions

1972

The first Libertarian National Convention was held in 1972 in Denver, Colorado. John Hospers and Theodora Nathan were nominated presidential and vice presidential candidates respectively. They received the first electoral vote won by a woman, cast by Roger MacBride.

1974

The 1974 Libertarian National Convention adopted the Dallas Accord which sought to accommodate supporters of both anarcho-capitalism and minarchism.

2000

The 2000 Libertarian National Convention was held in Anaheim, California, from June 30 to July 4. Harry Browne was again chosen as the party's presidential candidate, beating out Barry Hess, David Hollist, and Don Gorman, and becoming the first Libertarian Party candidate to run twice for President of the United States. Speakers included:
*Harry Browne
*Barry Hess
*Don Gorman
*Dave Hollist
*Jacob Hornberger
*Gary Nolan, syndicated talk radio host
*Russell Means, Indian Rights advocate
*Jack Gargan, former Reform Party National Chairman
*Carla Howell, Massachusetts candidate for U.S. Senate
*Neal Boortz, national syndicated radio talk show host
*David Nolan, Libertarian Party founder
*Michael Cloud, U.S. House Candidate
*David Bergland, then-Libertarian Party National Chair
*Dean Akmand
*Barbara Howe, Libertarian candidate for Governor of North Carolina
*Michael Tanner of the Cato Institute
*Mark Skousen
*David Thibodeau, author of ""The theme of this convention was "America's Future: Liberty, Responsibility, & Community."

2002

The 2002 Libertarian National Convention was held in Indianapolis, Indiana, from July 3 to 7. Speakers included former Libertarian Presidential candidate, Harry Browne.

2004

The 2004 Libertarian National Convention was held at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia Memorial Day weekend, May 27 to May 31. Michael Badnarik was chosen as the party's presidential candidate, beating out Gary Nolan and Aaron Russo on the third ballot; Richard Campagna was chosen as the party's vice-presidential candidate over Tamara Millay, and Michael Dixon was elected chair of the Libertarian National Committee. Speakers included:
*Michael Badnarik
*Gary Nolan
*Aaron Russo
*Ron Paul, former Libertarian Presidential candidate and current Republican Congressman
*Neal Boortz, national syndicated radio talk show host
*James Bovard, author of "Terrorism and Tyranny"
*anti-Brady Bill sheriff Richard Mack
*David Nolan, Libertarian Party founder
*retired U.S. Navy vice admiral Michael Colley
*actor Dean Cameron
*James Gray, Superior Court Judge and author of "Why Our Drug Laws Have Failed And What We Can Do About It"
*Dr. Mary Ruwart, author of "Healing Our World in an Age of Aggression"
*Ed Thompson, 2002 Wisconsin Libertarian Party gubernatorial candidate
*Jimmie Vaughan, musicianThe theme of the convention was "LIBERTY Works!"

2006

The 2006 Libertarian National Convention was held at the Hilton Portland & Executive Tower in Portland, Oregon, June 28 to July 3. Delegates chose (in a "retain or delete" vote process) to eliminate about three quarters of the specific planks in the party's platform [ [http://www.lp.org/media/article_368.shtml "LP News"] , 07/12/06] and to essentially overturn the Dallas Accord by inserting statements in the platform recognizing the legitimacy of government's role in protecting rights. This turn of events was referred to as the "Portland Massacre." [http://www.lewrockwell.com/orig9/antman1.html]

The theme of the convention was "Uniting Voters". According to the Libertarian Party, "Over the past year (or more), American voters have been breaking away from the two major parties and looking for a new home. At this year's convention we are highlighting this political migration while offering a new home to these 'dislodged voters.'" Speakers included:
*Michael Badnarik, candidate for U.S. House of Representatives (TX-10) and the 2004 Libertarian Presidential candidate
*Judge John A. Buttrick, Maricopa County (Arizona) Superior Court Judge, 1994 Arizona gubernatorial candidate, 1998 Arizona House of Representatives candidate
*Megan Dickson, an eighth-grade honors student who spoke about libertarianism
*Patrick Dixon, city councilman, Lago Vista, Texas
*Bill Lynn, Alderman, Davenport, Iowa
*Tonie Nathan, former Libertarian Vice-Presidential candidate, and the first women to receive an electoral vote in U.S. history
*BetteRose Ryan, at-large LNC member
*Rev. Anthony Williams, candidate for U.S. House of Representatives (IL-2)
*Former Congressman Bob Barr, who currently serves as the chairman of Patriots to Restore Checks and Balances
*Andrew Neil, founding chairman of Sky TV, former publisher of The Scotsman, former editor of The Economist and former editor-in-chief of the Sunday Times
*Christopher J. Farrell, member of the Judicial Watch's Board of Directors
*Greg Nojeim, associate director and chief legislative counsel for the ACLU
*Krist Novoselic, founding member of the grunge rock band Nirvana, founder JAMPAC (Joint Artists and Music Promotions Political Action Committee), author of "Of Grunge and Government: Let's Fix This Broken Democracy"

2008

The 2008 Libertarian National Convention was held at the Sheraton (formerly the Adam’s Mark Hotel) in Denver, Colorado (the same city as the very first convention in 1972), May 23-26.

List of Libertarian conventions

The following is a list of United States Libertarian Party Presidential nominating conventions.

References

External links

* [http://www.lpconvention.org/ Official website]