Springfield Daily Newspaper Endorses Libertarian Nominee for Illinois Secretary of State

Ballot Access News

On October 17, the State Journal-Register, daily newspaper for Springfield, endorsed Steve Dutner, the Libertarian nominee, for Secretary of State. See the editorial here. Thanks to Independent Political Report for this news. If Dutner gets at least 5% of the vote, the Libertarian Party will become ballot-qualified for statewide offices in 2020, and will be entitled to a presidential primary.

Poll Shows 61% of California Voters Want a New Major Party

Ballot Access News

On October 24, Public Policy Institute of California released a poll taken in California. It shows that 61% of voters desire that a new major party come into existence. See the entire poll here. That finding is on page five. Thanks to Independent Voter News for the link.

Washington Post: 'The Trailer: The Three-Party Problem'

by David Weigel, Washington Post

Gary Johnson talking with a potential supporter in Santa Fe (Washington Post)

In this edition: Why this isn't the year of the Independent, why early voting is up again in Texas, why West Virginia Republicans are talking about impeachment, and why a new revelation could dramatically change Florida's race for governor.

I've been told I have an independent streak, and this is The Trailer.

SANTA FE, N.M. – “We’ve done a lot of Hemp Fests,” said Gary Johnson, as he walked into the cluster of tents and booths that had temporarily taken over a city park.

For the next hour, the Libertarian candidate for Senate sipped off-market health drinks, extolled the medical virtues of the marijuana plant and talked to voters who were sick of supporting Republicans and Democrats. He’d traveled to Native American reservations and to comic conventions, arguing that 2018 was a year for political disruption.

“What the Libertarian Party desperately needs is a win,” Johnson said. “This could be the penetration of the two-party system, which is really exciting.”..

To read the article in full, click here.

Oregon Newspaper Story about Independent Party

Ballot Access News

The Bulletin, the daily newspaper for Bend, Oregon, has this lengthy story about the Independent Party and its nominee for Governor, Patrick Starnes. He was included in one televised gubernatorial debate, but excluded from two other such debates.

Oklahoma Holds Three-Party Gubernatorial Debate

Ballot Access News

On October 23, Oklahoma held a three-party debate for Governor. The debate included the only three candidates on the ballot, the nominees of the Republican, Democratic, and Libertarian Parties. See this story.

Indiana U.S. Senate Poll

Ballot Access News

On October 23, SurveyUSA released a poll for the Indiana U.S. Senate race. See the story here. All three ballot-listed candidates were included.

Many other pollsters this year are not including anyone in their polls other than the Democratic and Republican nominees. Thanks to Political Wire for the link to the Indiana poll, which shows the Libertarian nominee at 8%.

Candidates Get Rowdy In Gubernatorial Debate In Casper

From the Casper Star Tribune: Candidates Get Rowdy In Gubernatorial Debate In Casper

Constitution Party Proposed Bylaws Changes for November NCM in Dallas: Article V - Standing Committees

PROPOSED – ARTICLE V – STANDING COMMITTEES

ARTICLE V – NATIONAL CONVENTION

The National Committee shall, for each presidential election year, call a National Convention of the state affiliates for the purpose of nominating presidential and vice-presidential candidates, adopting a national platform, and transacting any other appropriate business. The National Committee or the Executive Committee shall by resolution establish the fees required for participation in the National Convention.

Number of votes allowed per state.

1. Each state affiliate will be allowed two (2) votes, representing the number of Senators each state is allowed under the U.S. Constitution;
2. Any state which has achieved ballot qualification for the Constitution Party Presidential ticket in the current election, or the two most recent presidential elections, shall be assigned additional delegate votes equal to the number of congressional districts in the state.
3. An additional delegate vote shall be assigned a state for each year, subsequent to the previous presidential election year, in which that state has fulfilled its assessment to the Constitution Party National Committee.
4. An additional delegate vote shall be assigned a state for each National Committee meeting held, subsequent to the previous Presidential election year, at which the state had at least one National Committee member in attendance.

The National Chairman shall appoint the chairmen of all National Convention Committees.

Each state affiliate shall have one (1) representative on the Credentials Committee (As noted in Article IV, Paragraph F, 1, b, the chairman for the Credentials Committee shall be the one elected to chair the standing committee, as this committee has maintained the records of affiliation for the national party.) one (1) representative on the Rules Committee, and three (3) representatives on the Platform Committee. Each State Chairman shall transmit the names, addresses and phone numbers of all committee representatives to the chairman of the Credentials Committee.

In order for the name of any candidate for President or Vice President to be placed in nomination, it shall be necessary that such nomination shall have been approved by a majority of the delegates from two (2) states.

In the event of an extreme emergency such as war, insurrection, natural disaster, epidemic, pandemic, martial law, or other like condition or event such that a National Convention cannot physically be held with delegates gathering in one place, the Executive Committee may call for a convention to be held via any two-way electronic means available, and the Executive Committee shall prescribe the means, rules, and methods for such a Convention in accordance with the conditions prevailing, and these rules shall be as much in harmony as possible with the rules for National Conventions as set forth in these Bylaws.

ORIGINAL – ARTICLE V – STANDING COMMITTEES

ARTICLE IV - National Convention

The National Committee shall, for each presidential election year, call a National Convention of the state affiliates for the purpose of nominating presidential and vice presidential candidates, adopting a national platform, and transacting any other appropriate business. The National Committee or the Executive Committee shall by resolution establish the fees required for participation in the National Convention.

Number of votes allowed per state.

1. Each state affiliate will be allowed two (2) votes, representing the number of Senators each state is allowed under the U.S. Constitution;
2. Any state which has achieved ballot qualification for the Constitution Party Presidential ticket in the current election, or the two most recent presidential elections, shall be assigned additional delegate votes equal to the number of congressional districts in the state.
3. An additional delegate vote shall be assigned a state for each year, subsequent to the previous presidential election year, in which that state has fulfilled its assessment to the Constitution Party National Committee.
4. An additional delegate vote shall be assigned a state for each National Committee meeting held, subsequent to the previous Presidential election year, at which the state had at least one National Committee member in attendance.

The National Chairman shall appoint the chairmen of all National Convention Committees.

Each state affiliate shall have one (1) representative on the Credentials Committee, one (1) representative on the Rules Committee, and three (3) representatives on the Platform Committee. Each State Chairman shall transmit the names, addresses and phone numbers of all committee representatives to the chairman of the Credentials Committee.

In order for the name of any candidate for President or Vice President to be placed in nomination it shall be necessary that such nomination shall have been approved by a majority of the delegates from two (2) states.

In the event of an extreme emergency such as war, insurrection, natural disaster, epidemic, pandemic, martial law, or other like condition or event such that a National Convention cannot physically be held with delegates gathering in one place, the Executive Committee may call for a convention to be held via any two-way electronic means available, and the Executive Committee shall prescribe the means, rules, and methods for such a Convention in accordance with the conditions prevailing, and these rules shall be as much in harmony as possible with the rules for National Conventions as set forth in these Bylaws.

Constitution Party Proposed Bylaws Changes for November NCM in Dallas: Article IV - Standing Committees

PROPOSED – ARTICLE IV – STANDING COMMITTEES

ARTICLE IV – STANDING COMMITTEES

The following six (6) committees shall be standing committees and shall be filled by the national committee members during a regularly scheduled national committee meeting. Should a vacancy occur, the national committee shall fill the vacancy at the next meeting. Notification of such vacancies shall be given by the committee chairman to the Secretary of the national committee. The Secretary shall notify all national committee members within 30 days of the next national committee meeting of any vacancies. The Chairmen of these committees shall be selected by the members of each committee. The Chairman of each committee shall serve as a member of the National Committee and the Executive Committee with all the same privileges of the Officers of the National Committee. All members of the Committees must be members of an officially affiliated state party.

1. Finance Committee responsibilities:

1. 6 members plus the Treasurer
2. Elect a Chairman (not the Treasurer)
3. The role of the Finance Committee is primarily to provide financial oversight for and to the national committee. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Develop an annual operating budget for the Party.
• Approve the budget within the finance committee.
• Monitor adherence to the budget.
• Set long-range financial goals along with funding strategies to achieve them.
• Develop multi-year operating budgets that integrate strategic plan objectives and initiatives.

4. Present all financial goals and proposals to the national committee for approval.

2. Legal Committee responsibilities:

1. 5 members
2. Elect a Chairman
3. The role of the Legal Committee is primarily to provide legal advice to the national committee and all state affiliates. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• While it is necessary for each state to have their own lawyer, who can represent them in their state, typically many of these legal representatives know very little about ballot access and the fight involved.
• It will be the responsibility of this committee to provide legal counselling for those states which need it.

3. Ballot Access Committee (BAC) responsibilities:

1. The BAC shall consist of 5 members plus a non-voting liaison from the Legal Committee.
2. Elect a Chairman
3. No one collecting signatures for hire may sit on this committee as a voting member. They may, however, be called upon in an advisory role only due to the obvious conflict of interest.
4. The role of the Ballot Access Committee (BAC) is primarily to provide legal advice to the national committee and all state affiliates. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• The BAC will maintain the ballot access strategy for the party.
• The BAC will work with the state party and track the progress of any ballot access initiative going on within that state and provide time updates to the national and executive committees.
• The BAC will be responsible for contracting with those getting signatures for hire when funds from the national party are used for that effort.
• The BAC chairman will be responsible for the national budget line item for ballot access.
• The BAC will work closely with the Regional Chairman of their region.

4. Public Relations and Communications Committee responsibilities:

1. 6 members
2. The National Committee shall elect the “National Communications Director” who shall serve as the chairman of this committee. Subcommittee Chairmen are the members of the PR and Communications committee.
3. The role of the Public Relations and Communications Committee is to respond to current events of the day with a unified message of response. The duties of this committee are divided into 5 subcommittees to act on their various roles within the committee. Subcommittee chairmen can staff their committees as required.
4. Sub-Committees:

1. Communications - Role is to respond to current events of the day with a unified message of response. Also, to be the Point of Contact for the various mediums, such as newspaper, radio, and television.
2. Social Media – To be in charge of the Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and any other form of social media. The role of the Social Media Committee is primarily to carry the unified message of current event responses to all social media outlets.

3. Website - Responsible for maintaining, updating and keeping the Party’s website current.
4. Newsletter - Works with the chairman to produce the Howard Philips Legacy and other newsletters. Works with the Fundraising person from the finance committee, as this is one of the methods of fundraising for the party.
5. Special Events

• Develop and maintain a budget for special events.
• Coordinate what event s should be attended by the national party
• Make sure a presence is established.

5. Candidate Committee

1. The Candidate Committee shall consist of a Chairman and 5 subcommittee chairmen
2. SUB-COMMITTEES (Suggested)

1. Candidate Recruiting - It seems that in the past we have just merely waited around until the National Convention to see who may happen to throw their hat in the ring for the Presidential nomination. This has not afforded the party the best opportunity to ensure that the party is presenting the best possible candidate.
2. Candidate Vetting - One of the major roles of the Candidate Committee is to vet any candidate that comes to the Constitution Party seeking its nomination. A vetting questionnaire will be developed and be posted on the Constitution Party website.
3. Candidate Training - Another important role of the Candidate Committee will be to provide candidate training to ensure that our candidates can win.
4. Campaign Consultants - When the Candidate Committee is not actively involved with a National Candidate, they will be assisting states with their recruiting/vetting/training efforts.
5. Beachhead initiative - The candidate committee will be responsible for developing local, regional, and national beachhead strategies. There should be a coordination with the Ballot Access Committee.

6. Credentials Committee

1. The Credentials Committee shall consist of:

1. For the National Committee Meeting – 6 members.
2. For the Convention – the chairman elected for the National Committee Meeting will serve as the Convention Credentials Committee chairman, but the committee will be staffed (filled) as outlined in Article V (the third paragraph)

2. Perform the duties of qualifying states for affiliation as outlined in Section 2.2
3. Develop, maintain, and publish the records of state affiliation.
4. Affirm the qualifications of each voting member within the National Committee, based on the state’s affiliation status.
5. This Committee shall verify and affirm the qualifications of each National Committee Member to serve and vote, namely that each is a duly authorized representative from an officially recognized CP state affiliate in good standing.

ORIGINAL – ARTICLE IV – STANDING COMMITTEES

There is no original article for standing committees.

The original Article IV was for “National Conventions.” That Article has now become Article V.

Constitution Party Proposed Bylaws Changes for November NCM in Dallas: Article III - Executive Committee

PROPOSED – ARTICLE III – EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

ARTICLE III – EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

The Executive Committee of the National Committee shall consist of the officers elected and appointed pursuant to these bylaws, the Chairman’s of the five aforementioned committees, the most current Constitution Party nominees for President and Vice President and the immediate past National Chairman.

In addition, the Chairman may appoint up to five (5) additional National Committee members to the Executive Committee, subject to approval by the National Committee. These appointees shall serve at the pleasure of the Chairman.

Any member of the Executive Committee who is absent from three consecutive Executive Committee meetings without having given notice of a good and sufficient reason for such absence to the National Chairman shall be subject to removal by rule of the Executive Committee. Removal from office under this paragraph shall be exempt from the removal requirements specified in Section 2.4.A of these Bylaws.

The Executive Committee shall be subordinate to and may transact the business of the National Committee between meetings of the National Committee may authorize expenditure and contract for services in the name of the National Committee, but its actions shall be subject to review by the National Committee, except that those actions incurring contractual liability shall not be revocable solely by reason of this right of review.

Meetings shall be at the call of the Chairman with fourteen (14) days’ notice for in person meetings and seven (7) days for meetings by conference call.

A quorum shall consist of a majority of the Executive Committee.

ORIGINAL – ARTICLE III – EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

ARTICLE III - Executive Committee

The Executive Committee of the National Committee shall consist of the officers elected and appointed pursuant to these bylaws, as well as all current and former Constitution Party nominees for President, all Constitution Party nominees for Vice President during the four year term immediately following their nomination and the immediate past National Chairman.

In addition, the Chairman may appoint up to five (5) additional National Committee members to the Executive Committee, subject to approval by the National Committee. These appointees shall serve at the pleasure of the Chairman.

Any member of the Executive Committee who is absent from three consecutive Executive Committee meetings without having given notice of a good and sufficient reason for such absence to the National Chairman shall be subject to removal by rule of the Executive Committee. Removal from office under this paragraph shall be exempt from the removal requirements specified in Section 2.4.A of these Bylaws.

The Executive Committee shall be subordinate to and may transact the business of the National Committee between meetings of the National Committee, and may authorize expenditure and contract for services in the name of the National Committee, but its actions shall be subject to review by the National Committee, except that those actions incurring contractual liability shall not be revocable solely by reason of this right of review.

Meetings shall be at the call of the Chairman with fourteen (14) days notice for in person meetings and seven (7) days for meetings by conference call.

A quorum shall consist of a majority of the Executive Committee.

Constitution Party Proposed Bylaws Changes for November NCM in Dallas: Section 2.6 - National Committee Meetings

PROPOSED - Section 2.6 – National Committee Meetings

Section 2.6 – National Committee Meetings

The National Committee shall hold at least two regular meetings each year, and such special meetings as may be required.

At least one meeting of the National Committee per year shall be held with the members of the committee physically gathering together in one place. The National Committee may vote to hold one of the regular meetings or additional meetings via electronic means or conference call.

Locations of regular physical meetings shall rotate among the areas designated under Section 2.4 of these bylaws such that in each four-year period, there shall be one meeting in each area. The Executive Committee shall solicit input from the Area Chairman and Co-Chairman of the area in which the meeting is planned.

Special meetings may be called by the chairman, or by action of the majority of the members of the executive committee, or by a petition signed by a majority of the National Committee members on record of a majority of the member state political parties and organizations.

Notice of all meetings shall be given in writing to all members at least fourteen (14) days prior to such meetings. The order of business shall be stated in the call. Resolutions not proposing to alter the party Bylaws and/or adopt or alter the Standing Rules shall be submitted to the National Secretary thirty days (30) prior to the committee meeting date.

A quorum shall be at least one representative, from a majority of the member state affiliates.

Each representative of a state affiliate shall be entitled to one vote in all National Committee meetings, and a state affiliate may appoint an alternate to cast his vote, but no person may cast more than one vote, and no votes shall be cast by proxy. Proxies may be used for quorum purposes only.

The National Committee may hold executive sessions when the interest of the party so requires.

Minutes of national committee meetings will be available to each member and will be sent to those who request a copy. Additionally, copies of the most recent meeting’s minutes will be provided to all members attending the subsequent meeting.

ORIGINAL - Section 2.6 – National Committee Meetings

Section 2.6 – National Committee Meetings

The National Committee shall hold at least two regular meeting each year, and such special meetings as may be required.

At least one meeting of the National Committee per year shall be held with the members of the Committee physically gathering together in one place. The National Committee may vote to hold one or both meetings via electronic means or conference call. Other meetings may be held via electronic means or conference call.

Locations of regular physical meetings shall rotate among the areas designated under Section 2.4 of these bylaws such that in each four year period, there shall be one meeting in each area. The Executive Committee shall solicit input from the Area Chairman and Co-Chairman of the area in which the meeting is planned.

Special meetings may be called by the chairman, or by action of the majority of the members of the executive committee, or by a petition signed by a majority of the National Committee members on record of a majority of the member state political parties and organizations.

Notice of all meetings shall be given in writing to all members at least fourteen (14) days prior to such meetings. The order of business shall be stated in the call. Resolutions not proposing to alter the party Bylaws and/or adopt or alter the Standing Rules shall be submitted to the National Secretary thirty days (30) prior to the committee meeting date.

A quorum shall be at least one representative, from a majority of the member state affiliates.

Each representative of a state affiliate shall be entitled to one vote in all National Committee meetings, and a state affiliate may appoint an alternate to cast his vote, but no person may cast more than one vote, and no votes shall be cast by proxy. Proxies may be used for quorum purposes only.

The National Committee may hold executive sessions when the interest of the party so requires.

Minutes of national committee meetings will be available to each member and will be sent to those who request a copy. Additionally, copies of the most recent meeting’s minutes will be provided to all members attending the subsequent meeting.

Constitution Party Proposed Bylaws Changes for November NCM in Dallas: Section 2.5 - Duties of Officers

PROPOSED – Section 2.5 - Duties of Officers

Section 2.5 - Duties of Officers

1. Elected Officers

The duties of elected officers shall be:

1. Chairman - The National Chairman shall be the chief executive officer of the National Committee. He shall:

1. administer the affairs of the National Committee between meetings of the National Committee or its Executive Committee;
2. establish an office and communications for the National Committee;
3. appoint the members of all committees;
4. preside at all meetings of the National Committee and the executive committee;
5. employ such personnel as may be authorized by the National Committee or Executive Committee;
6. designate persons to carry out activities provided for in the budget;
7. serve as ex-officio member of all appointed committees and serve as temporary chairman of the National Convention;
8. appoint, with the advice and consent of the Executive Committee, a Parliamentarian to serve at the discretion of the National Chairman.

2. National Vice-Chairman - The National Vice Chairman shall preside at meetings in the absence of the chairman and shall perform the other duties of the chairman in his absence or incapacity.
3. Area Chairman and Co-Chairman - The Western, Midwestern, Southern, and Eastern Area Chairmen and Co-Chairmen shall represent the National Committee in their respective areas. Each Area Chairman shall have authority to call official meetings within his jurisdiction to further the effectiveness and purposes of the party.
4. Secretary - The Secretary shall keep the minutes of all meetings of the National Committee and the Executive Committee.
5. Treasurer - The Treasurer shall account for all funds received and expended by the National Committee. Pursuant to action of the National Committee or the executive committee, the Treasurer shall make available to the National Chairman or his designated operatives such funds as may be required for the operating expenses of the National Committee and provided the funds are available in the national committee treasury. Shall serve as a member of the Finance Committee.

B. Appointed Officers

The duties of appointed officers shall be:

1. Parliamentarian – The Parliamentarian shall advise the National Chairman and the National Committee Members on matters of parliamentary procedure.

ORIGINAL – Section 2.5 - Duties of Officers

Section 2.5 - Duties of Officers

A. Elected Officers

The duties of elected officers shall be:

a. Chairman - The National Chairman shall be the chief executive officer of the National Committee. He shall administer the affairs of the National Committee between meetings of the National Committee or its Executive Committee; establish an office and communications for the National Committee; appoint the members of all committees; preside at all meetings of the National Committee and the executive committee; employ such personnel as may be authorized by the National Committee or Executive Committee; designate persons to carry out activities provided for in the budget; serve as ex-officio member of all appointed committees and serve as temporary chairman of the National Convention; shall appoint, with the advice and consent of the Executive Committee, a Parliamentarian to serve at the discretion of the National Chairman.

b. National Vice-Chairman - The National Vice Chairman shall preside at meetings in the absence of the chairman and shall perform the other duties of the chairman in his absence or incapacity.

c. Area Chairman and Co-Chairman - The Western, Midwestern, Southern, and Eastern Area Chairmen and Co-Chairmen shall represent the National Committee in their respective areas. Each Area Chairman shall have authority to call official meetings within his jurisdiction to further the effectiveness and purposes of the party.

d. Secretary - The Secretary shall keep the minutes of all meetings of the National Committee and the Executive Committee.

e. Treasurer - The Treasurer shall account for all funds received and expended by the National Committee. Pursuant to action of the National Committee or the executive committee, the Treasurer shall make available to the National Chairman or his designated operatives such funds as may be required for the operating expenses of the National Committee and provided the funds are available in the national committee treasury.

B. Appointed Officers

The duties of appointed officers shall be:

a. Parliamentarian – The Parliamentarian shall advise the National Chairman and

the National Committee Members on matters of parliamentary procedure.

Constitution Party Proposed Bylaws Changes for November NCM in Dallas: Sec 2.3 NatCom Membership

PROPOSED – Section 2.3 – Membership (of the National Committee)

Section 2.3 – Membership

1. Membership from State Affiliates

The National Committee shall consist of members from each state affiliate as follows:

1. Five (5) members;
2. Three (3) additional members if it has achieved ballot qualification

1. for a Constitution Party Presidential nominee in the current presidential election or the two most recent presidential elections or
2. for a Constitution Party affiliated nominee for statewide office in the most recent general election for statewide office.

3. One (1) additional member for every ten (10) votes or fraction thereof which the state is assigned in the Electoral College; and
4. One (1) additional member who may be designated when the state affiliate has contributed its minimum assessment to the National Committee during the immediately preceding calendar year.

Each member of the National Committee, chosen in a manner to be determined by his or her state affiliate shall have one (1) vote of equal value with all other members of the committee. Only officially recognized State Constitution Party Affiliates may have National Committee Members on the Constitution Party National Committee. All votes on the National Committee must be cast in person by an authorized member or duly chosen authorized alternate member. No proxy votes will be authorized or counted.

Each member may vote in a National Committee meeting upon payment of the National Committee member fee for that calendar year.

The annual state assessment and annual National Committee member fee shall be determined by the National Committee.

The method used by a state affiliate in selecting its National Committee members shall be that prescribed by the applicable election laws of the state, and by the constitution or bylaws of the state affiliate.

Each state affiliate shall file with the National Secretary a list of its National Committee members and alternates, whenever a change occurs, signed by the chairman of the state affiliate. The most recent list so filed shall be presumed to express the intent of the state affiliate. The Credentials Committee of the National Committee shall include, but not be limited to one (1) representative from each state affiliate, each such representative to be designated by the state affiliate.

2. Ex-Officio Members

The most current Constitution Party nominees for President and Vice President, and the immediate past Chairman of the National Committee shall be ex-officio members of the National Committee and of its Executive Committee, with all the rights and responsibilities of other members of each body.

ORIGINAL – Section 2.3 – Membership (of the National Committee)

Section 2.3 – Membership

A. Membership from State Affiliates

The National Committee shall consist of members from each state affiliate as follows:

1. Two (2) members;
2. Three (3) additional members if it has achieved ballot qualification

1. for a Constitution Party Presidential nominee in the current presidential election or the two most recent presidential elections or
2. for a Constitution Party affiliated nominee for statewide office in the most recent general election for statewide office.

3. One (1) additional member for every ten (10) votes or fraction thereof which the state is assigned in the Electoral College; and
4. One (1) additional member who may be designated when the state affiliate has contributed its minimum assessment to the National Committee during the immediately preceding calendar year.

Each member of the National Committee, chosen in a manner to be determined

by his or her state affiliate shall have one (1) vote of equal value with all other members of the committee. All votes on the National Committee must be cast in person by an authorized member or duly chosen authorized alternate member. No proxies will be authorized or counted except for the purposes of establishing a quorum.

Each member may vote in a National Committee meeting upon payment of the National Committee member fee for that calendar year.

The annual state assessment and annual National Committee member fee shall be determined by the National Committee.

The method used by a state affiliate in selecting its National Committee members shall be that prescribed by the applicable election laws of the state, and by the constitution or bylaws of the state affiliate.

Each state affiliate shall file with the National Secretary a list of its National Committee members and alternates, whenever a change occurs, signed by the chairman of the state affiliate. The most recent list so filed shall be presumed to express the intent of the state affiliate. The Credentials Committee of the National Committee shall include, but not be limited to one (1) representative from each state affiliate, each such representative to be designated by the state affiliate.

B. Ex-Officio Members

All current Constitution Party and former Constitution Party nominees for President, the most recent nominee(s) for Vice President, and the immediate past Chairman of the National Committee shall be ex-officio members of the National Committee and of its Executive Committee, with all the rights and responsibilities of other members of each body.

Bill Weld: Libertarianism Is Not Centrism

Bill Weld (right)

by Matt Welch

Bill Weld has become such a prominent fixture at Libertarian Party events over the past year, while also doing the party-building work of endorsing candidates and raising money, that most of the drama has been drained from the former Massachusetts governor's interactions with activists still miffed at his November 2016 pre-election character-vouching for Hillary Clinton.

So it came as little surprise Saturday at the Massachusetts state Libertarian Party convention in Springfield that Weld's lunchtime talk did not include any mea culpas about his campaign conduct. But what did come in the sharpest focus I've seen yet from the possible 2020 presidential candidate is an admission of fault, not on behavior but on strategy and messaging.

"When Gary Johnson and I ran," Weld said, "I think we may have overestimated how easy it was going to be to make our case. I can remember Gary saying on day one, 'Well, you know, we're socially welcoming and we're fiscally responsible, and one of the other two parties is not socially welcoming and the other one is not fiscally responsible, so we've got a six-lane highway right up the middle!'...I think that might have been a fundamental error."

This, mind you, from the candidate who told me a year ago that he had no regrets about the comportment of his campaign, not even the late-breaking Clinton business. (He did say in July 2016 that "there are a couple of answers [about Clinton] I have given in the media appearances that we've done that I would like to have back.")

But the six-lane repudiation is part of an ongoing messaging evolution and/or belated ideological realization that the Libertarian idea is not moderate, not pragmatic, but instead its own distinct, sometimes radical ideology that nonetheless has the best practical policy answers to the problems people care about...

To read more, click here.

Libertarian Larry Sharpe Brings New Ideas to New York: New at Reason

by John Stossel & Maxim Lott

In New York, Democratic governor Andrew Cuomo wants to raise taxes.

But John Stossel interviews an interesting candidate with a different plan–Libertarian Larry Sharpe. He proposes alternative ways to raise money.

One idea is to lease naming rights on public infrastructure.

"The Triborough Bridge could be called the Staples Bridge, or the Apple Bridge," Sharpe explains to Stossel. "Hundreds of thousands of vehicles pass by, and see that big sign. That's valuable!"

Most people we asked on the street didn't like his idea. "I definitely wouldn't want to rename something after some sort of corporation," one man told us.

Sharpe says it's necessary, "You can shake your fist and say 'this doesn't sound good' if you want to. And you're going to wind up in a place where the tax burden is insanely high." That, he points out, would lead to more businesses and people leaving New York...

To read article in full, click here.

Georgia governor race: Libertarian candidate Ted Metz proposes lower tax rates, legalized marijuana and more

Ted Metz

by Sherry Liang

At the height of a heated political climate between Democrats and Republicans, Libertarian Ted Metz is looking to make a name for himself in the upcoming election for governor of Georgia.

Inserting himself on the ballot between Democrat Stacey Abrams and Republican Brian Kemp, Metz believes his passion in preserving and promoting liberty in Georgia establishes him as the most qualified candidate for governor.

A former Republican, Metz has held offices as the 39th precinct chair and third vice chair of the 13th District in the GOP. Allocating much of his time to pursuing a higher education, Metz has studied at colleges across Georgia, including the University of Georgia, with majors ranging from business management to biology and organic chemistry.

While currently semi-retired, Metz has devoted his time to advocating for the Libertarian Party.

“I devised the three pillars of my campaign to be equality, tranquility and prosperity,” Metz said. “Prosperity is basically relating to jobs, decent wages and that sort of thing. In order to have prosperity, you have to have a good business environment, so that’s how the economy and jobs tie in.”..

To read article in full, click here.