Libertarian Party of Florida

Precinct Captain’s Guide

Introduction by Adrian Wyllie

Welcome! Congratulations on being elected Libertarian Party Precinct Captain.

You have taken the first step in a journey to restore liberty for yourself, your community, your nation,and for our future generations. We are on the verge of forever changing politics for the better inFlorida, and you are the tip of the spear.

You probably have several notions about what you will experience in your duties as a LibertarianPrecinct Captain. You may think that it’s going to be extremely difficult to convince your neighbors toembrace the Libertarian Party and vote for Libertarian candidates.

The good news is...you’re wrong.

Granted, you will encounter some die­hard Democrats and Republicans that won’t be very happy tosee you. Some people still cling to the archaic notion that we can only have a two­party system. But,they will be the minority.

Most people that you meet will be excited that you are reaching out to them about the Libertarian Party.Many will thank you. Some will want to join you.

There is a good reason why we are the largest and fastest growing third party in America.

The majority are fed up with the two party duopoly. They have been deceived and disenfranchised bydecades of empty promises, failed policies and political games. They have seen that both theDemocrats and Republicans only bring us more war, with less prosperity and less freedom. They realizethat continuously voting for the lesser evil always results in evil.

They hunger for real solutions.

People are desperate to cast their vote for people of steadfast principles. They are ready to try adifferent approach. They are ready to vote for economic freedom and individual liberty. They arewaiting for someone to tell them that they have another choice.

That someone is you.

In my 20­plus years of working to spread the Libertarian message, I have never experienced suchoverwhelming support for our cause. Though the political establishment and mainstream media havefought tooth­and­nail to suppress our message, they have failed. The people have begun to hear ourvoice. What started as a whisper has become a deafening roar.

Now, we are increasing our efforts to reach as many people as possible. It is a simple mathematicalequation: If we can reach enough voters in Florida, WE WILL WIN.

You will be an important part of that victory. Thank you for stepping up to the challenge, and for yourdedication freedom.

Table of Contents

1. Libertarian Party Leadership and Contact Information

2. Frequently Asked Questions and Common Misconceptions

3. History of the Libertarian Party

4. Roles and Responsibilities

5. Libertarian’s New Years Resolution

1. Libertarian Party Leadership and Contact Information

National

LNC Chair: Geoffrey NealeLNC Vice Chair: Lee WrightsLNC Treasurer: Tim HaganLNC Secretary: David BlauRegion 2 Representative: Vicki KirklandRegion 2 Alternate: Doug Craig

State of Florida

Florida Chair: Dana CummingsE­Mail: chair@lpf.orgFlorida Vice Chair: Alexander SnitkerE­Mail: vicechair@lpf.orgFlorida Treasurer: Danielle AlexandreE­Mail: treasurer@lpf.orgFlorida Secretary: Lynn HouseE­Mail: secretary@lpf.orgRegion 8 Representative: Brian ColeE­Mail: region8@lpf.org

Pasco County

Pasco County Chair: Greg RoeE­Mail: chair@pascolp.orgPasco County Vice Chair: James MeadowcroftE­Mail: vicechair@pascolp.orgPasco County Treasurer: Danielle AlexandreE­Mail: treasurer@pascolp.orgPasco County Secretary: Patricia SnitkerE­Mail: secretary@pascolp.org

2. Frequently Asked Questions and Common Misconceptions

What is a Libertarian?

Let's start with Webster's definition of libertarian: A person who upholds the principles of individualliberty especially of thought and action.

Libertarian: a member of a political party advocating libertarian principles.

Libertarians believe in, and pursue, personal freedom while maintaining personal responsibility. TheLibertarian Party itself serves a much larger pro­liberty community with the specific mission of electingLibertarians to public office.

Libertarians strongly oppose any government interfering in their personal, family and business decisions.Essentially, we believe all Americans should be free to live their lives and pursue their interests as theysee fit as long as they do no harm to another.

In a nutshell, we are advocates for a smaller government, lower taxes and more freedom.

Are Libertarians liberal or conservative?

Libertarians are neither. Unlike liberals or conservatives, Libertarians advocate a high degree of bothpersonal and economic liberty. For example, Libertarians advocate freedom in economic matters, sowe're in favor of lowering taxes, slashing bureaucratic regulation of business, and charitable ­­ ratherthan government ­­ welfare.

But Libertarians are also socially tolerant. We won't demand laws or restrictions on other people whowe may not agree because of personal actions or lifestyles.

Think of us as a group of people with a "live and let live" mentality and a balanced checkbook.

In a sense, Libertarians “borrow” from both sides to come up with a logical and consistent whole ­­ butwithout the exceptions and broken promises of Republican and Democratic politicians. That's why wecall ourselves the Party of Principle.

How large is the Libertarian Party?

In terms of political activity (i.e. number of candidates, access to the ballot, and elected office holders),the Libertarian Party is the third­largest political party in America. We’re active in all 50 states and havemore than 300,000 registered voters.

What kind of offices do Libertarians run for and hold?

Around the nation there are Libertarian mayors, county executives, county council members and even a

Libertarian sheriff! Libertarians also serve on school boards and in hundreds of local offices. In 2008,more than 15 million votes were cast for Libertarian candidates around the nation.

While we are most successful at the local level for now, we run candidates at all levels of government,even President of the United States.

Our elected Libertarians are hard at work saving you money and protecting your civil liberties. In fact,Libertarians saved Americans over $2.2 billion in 2004 alone.

What kind of people join the Libertarian Party?

People like you. People who used to be Republicans, Democrats, and independents – from all walks oflife. They joined us because they realize that we’re the only political party working for their bestinterests.

Those who join us realize that, unlike the two major parties, we place the interests of our nationABOVE the interests of our political party. While the Republican and Democratic parties exist tomaintain their own power, we exist to grasp power for the benefit of you and millions of otherAmericans across our nation.

Common Misconceptions

Libertarians are pacifists.

Truthfully, libertarians tend to agree with Randolph Bourne who said, "War is the health of the state."Government's power grows when it mobilizes a people to fight. Self­defense is necessary when facedwith a threat, but wars of choice must be opposed every time. Also, remember that a libertarian calledMilton Friedman persuaded Richard Nixon to end the military draft.

Libertarians are against any and all economic regulation.

Regulation is a crucial government duty. Government must take steps to address fraud, environmentalpollution, and trade barriers wherever they appear. A free market can only work well when there are afew, simple rules by which everyone must abide.

Libertarians are indifferent to monopolies.

In fact, libertarians are against empowering the greatest monopoly of all: government. Why wouldsomeone be against a monopoly in computer software or food production, but support a monopoly inschooling or health insurance?

Libertarians advocate racist or sexist policies.

Equal treatment under the law. Also, libertarians want to end the failed and destructive War on Drugs.

Libertarians are for private ownership of schools for the sake of privateownership of schools.

This fallacy emerges regularly in Chicago, where the high school graduation rate from traditional publicschools is just over 50%. We've seen how a government monopoly in schooling continues to lowerstandards; incentives to improve are mostly absent. Schools that must serve students or face losing them(and their attendant tuition) perform better. Private incentives work to create innovative products forsatisfied customers in nearly every other sector of the economy, and they work well today for therelatively few lucky students who can attend a non­government monopoly school.

Libertarians seek to make consumer­driven schooling available to the most children possible.

Libertarians are anarchists.

A couple people argued libertarians don't want any government at all. In truth, libertarians advocate astrictly limited government that protects everyone's rights equally.

Libertarians want poor people to die.

Someone actually said that after I tried to explain how prices work to direct goods and services to thepeople who value them most, particularly in the aftermath of a disaster such as Hurricane Katrina. Afree price system doesn't mean prices always rise necessarily, but that they change to address thescarcity and need of the moment.

Libertarians believe in private charity and not government control on your charity.

Libertarians are notorious for having their own spin on the philosophy, but these ideas represent themainstream of libertarian thought today. Libertarians do not seek to create a heaven on earth, but todiscover rules and institutions that maximize everyone's freedom and prosperity.

http://www.policymic.com/articles/9534/10­big­misconceptions­about­libertarianism

3. History of the Libertarian Party

The Libertarian Party is the third largest political party in the United States. Millions of Americans havevoted for Libertarian Party candidates in past elections throughout the country, despite the fact thatmany state governments place roadblocks in our path to keep our candidates off the ballot and deprivevoters of a real choice.

Libertarians believe the answer to America's political problems is the same commitment to freedom thatearned America its greatness: a free­market economy and the abundance and prosperity it brings; adedication to civil liberties and personal freedom; and a foreign policy of non­intervention, peace, andfree trade as prescribed by America's founders.

What began with a small group of activists in Colorado has become America's third largest politicalparty. We are proud of our heritage and the progress we have made since 1971. And the best is yet tocome!

Historical Overview

1971 ­ The Libertarian Party is founded December 11, in the home of David Nolan. DisillusionedRepublicans, Democrats and political newcomers hope to create an alternative to the old parties.

1972 ­ First national convention held in June in Denver, Colorado. John Hospers, a philosophyprofessor at the University of Southern California, is nominated as presidential candidate. LibertarianParty vice presidential candidate Tonie Nathan becomes the first woman in U.S. history to receive anelectoral vote.

1976 ­ Presidential candidate Roger MacBride and running mate David Bergland gain ballot status in 32states and receive over 170,000 votes. Newsweek magazine notes that Libertarians are gaining “uniqueappeal on both the left and right.”

1978 ­ Ed Clark receives 5 percent of the vote in his race for governor of California. Dick Randolph ofAlaska becomes the first elected Libertarian state legislator. Presidential nominating convention held inLos Angeles. Ed Clark and David Koch named presidential and vice presidential candidates. Permanentballot status achieved in California as more than 80,000 voters register Libertarian.

1980 ­ Ed Clark appears on the ballot in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, and earns almost 1million votes. His campaign runs extensive national television ads and offers many Americans their firstlook at what the Libertarian Party has to offer. At the same time, Dick Randolph is re­elected to theAlaska state legislature. Ken Fanning is also elected to the Alaska legislature.

1982 ­ Louisiana congressional candidate James Agnew receives 23 percent of the vote. Alaskagubernatorial candidate Dick Randolph receives 15 percent of the vote. Arizona gubernatorial candidateSam Steiger receives 5 percent of the vote.

1984 ­ On the ballot in 39 states, David Bergland and Jim Lewis come in third in the race for presidentfor the first time in party history. Andre Marrou becomes the third Libertarian elected to the Alaskalegislature. Eleven other Libertarians are elected nationwide.

1986 ­ 200 candidates across the U.S. receive 2.9 million votes. Ray Cullen, candidate for CaliforniaTreasurer, gets 570,000 votes, the largest ever for a third­party candidate in that state.

1987 ­ Libertarians sweep the city council race in Big Water, Utah, winning every seat. Former TexasRep. Ron Paul resigns from the GOP and joins the Libertarian Party. Seattle convention nominates RonPaul for president and Andre Marrou for vice president.

1988 ­ Ron Paul, on the ballot in 46 states and the District of Columbia, comes in third for the U.S.presidency. He receives more than 430,000 votes – almost twice the total of any other third partycandidate.

1990 ­ Approximately 2 million people vote for the LP candidates. Elections Day is “Double DigitDay,” as many LP candidates for the Congress and state house draw percentages in the teens, ‘20s and‘30s. New Mexico state legislature candidate Illa Mae Bolton gets 31 percent of the vote, andCalifornia congressional candidate Joe Shea receives 27 percent.

1991 ­ New Hampshire state legislators Cal Warburton and Finlay Rothhaus resign from theRepublican Party and join the Libertarian Party. Chicago nominating convention names Andre Marrouand Nancy Lord as its presidential and vice presidential nominees, respectively.

1992 ­ In the New Hampshire primary, Andre Marrou beats incumbent President George Bush inDixville Notch, the first town to vote in the nation. In the general election, four Libertarian statelegislators are elected in New Hampshire. In addition to the re­election of Warburton and Rothhaus,Don Gorman and Andy Borsa are elected. Once again, the party’s presidential ticket is on the ballot in50 states and the District of Columbia.

1993 ­ LP National Director Stuart Reges testifies before Congress, endorsing legislation to make iteasier for third party candidates to appear in presidential debates. In “off­year” elections, 15Libertarians win public office. Mariam Luce is appointed to the New Hampshire State LiquorCommission, and Bonnie Flickinger is elected Mayor of Moreno Valley, Calif.

1994 ­ More than 40 Libertarians are elected or appointed, setting a record, and LP activistsparticipate in the successful effort to stop President Clinton’s takeover of the nation’s health caresystem. In November, more than 650 Libertarian candidates run for office, and more than 2.2 millionpeople vote Libertarian.

1995 ­ Membership and voter registrations soar to record levels. The LP moves its nationalheadquarters into the prestigious Watergate Office Building, which the Wall Street Journal dubs “a signof the times” of the party’s growing stature. In November, three more Libertarians are elected to citycouncils; Bruce Van Buren (Avondale Estates, Georgia), Dewayne Methaney (Auburn, Georgia), andDoug Carsten (Brighton, Colorado).

1996 ­ The Libertarian Party becomes the first third party in U.S. history to earn ballot status in all 50states two presidential elections in a row. The presidential nominating convention in Washington, DC,

chooses best­selling author Harry Browne, who goes on to win nearly 486,000 votes – the second­bestshowing in party history. LP candidates for statewide and federal office alone win 5.4 million votes, andseven Libertarians are elected or re­elected.

1997 ­ Another record­setting “off year” election for the party, with 39 Libertarians elected to office inNovember – including four city council winners: Fred Collins (Berkley, Michigan); Ron Wittig (NewMeadows, Idaho); Bob DeBrosse (Picqua, Ohio); and John Gearheart (Palous, Washington).

1998 ­ African­American civil rights leader Roy Innis and talk radio powerhouse Art Bell join the party.In California, Art Oliver becomes Mayor of Bellflower, while in Georgia, Dewayne Methaney iselevated to acting Mayor of Auburn. In November, the party sets a new record by running 853candidates in 44 states. Neil Randall wins election as a state representative in Vermont. In all, 19 LPcandidates are elected.

1999 ­ The party breaks new ground in political activism with its Internet­based campaign against theFDIC’s proposed “Know Your Customer” bank­spying regulation. After being flooded by 250,000complaints, the FDIC withdraws the plan. The International Biographical Center in England names partyfounder David Nolan one of the “2,000 Outstanding Intellectuals of the 20th Century.” FourteenLibertarians are elected locally.

2000 ­ The Anaheim, California, convention again nominates Harry Browne for president and ArtOlivier for vice president. They head a ticket of 1,436 LP candidates, including 256 candidates for U.S.House – the first time in 80 years a third party has contested a majority of Congressional seats. ThoseLibertarian U.S. House candidates get over 1.7 million votes. The LP presidential ticket gets 382,892votes, and 34 Libertarians are elected.

2001 ­ In November, the party runs about 300 candidates – a record slate in an “off­year” election –and a record 76 Libertarians are elected. A study in Ballot Access News reports that the LP is the mostsuccessful third party in 50 years, based on the “best” vote totals of candidates for U.S. Senate andgovernor. The number of Libertarians holding office, including appointed offices, nears 500.

2002 ­ The party runs 1,642 candidates for office, the largest slate of third­party candidates sincebefore World War II. More than 3.4 million Americans cast at least one Libertarian vote on ElectionDay. The LP also makes history when its U.S. House candidates receive over 1 million votes for thesecond time – a feat achieved previously only by the Democrats and Republicans.

2003 ­ In the “off­year” election, 46 Libertarians are elected to local office. In Michigan, threeincumbent LP candidates are re­elected in a “clean sweep” of city council races: Mark Owen inOwosso; Andy LeCureaux in Hazel Park; and Bill Bradley in South Haven. As the year ends, the partyhas nearly 600 officeholders (including appointed offices), which is more than all other third partiescombined.

2004 ­ The Libertarian Party nominates Michael Badnarik for president at the national convention inAtlanta. In November, the presidential ticket gets 397,367 votes. American voters are able to vote forBadnarik in 48 states, which leads all other third parties. Libertarians running for U.S. House receive

over 1,053,000 votes.

2005 ­ The LP offers the American people an Iraq Exit Strategy. The party passes a Zero Dues Plan tofocus on electing Libertarians to office.

2006 ­ At the Portland national convention the LP votes to consolidate its platform, reducing thenumber of planks from 61 to 15 in order to reach out to new voters. The Libertarian Leadership Schoolis launched. Libertarians running for U.S. House receive over 650,000 votes.

2007 ­ In the “off­year” election, 19 of 98 candidates are elected or re­elected to public office. Formercongressman Bob Barr starts serving on the LNC.

2008 ­ The LP nominates former congressman Bob Barr for president at the national convention inDenver. The presidential ticket gets 523,686 votes in November. 50 Libertarians are elected orre­elected to public office. Two Libertarian candidates in Texas and Georgia each receive over onemillion votes. Libertarians running for U.S. House receive over 1,078,000 votes, breaking thecongressional million­vote threshold for the fourth time.

2009 ­ Throughout the year, 48 Libertarians are elected or re­elected to public office. In Indianapolis,Councilmember Ed Coleman officially switches his affiliation to Libertarian. By the end of the year, thereare 146 Libertarians holding elected offices.

2010 ­ Over 800 Libertarian candidates run for office in November. Libertarians running for U.S.House receive over 1,073,000 votes. Pamela Brown, running for California Lieutenant Governoragainst both a Republican and a Democrat, receives 574,640 votes. 38 Libertarians are elected orre­elected to public office, and by the end of the year there are 154 Libertarians holding elected office.

4. Roles and Responsibilities

The Precinct Captain is the representative for the Libertarian Party of Pasco in the precinct.

The Precinct Captain’s responsibilities will include

Establish a relationship with the voters in the precinct Responsible for all “get out the vote” efforts in the precinct Become the poll watcher during all elections

Register people within the precinct in the Libertarian Party Educate the precinct on news and updates from the Libertarian Party of Pasco Provide the Libertarian Party of Pasco’s voters guide to the voters in the precinct

The Precinct Captain will receive the following materials from the Libertarian Party of Pasco

Name Badge Business Cards (1,000) Email Address Voter List Precinct Captain Handbook Libertarian Party of Florida Platform Pasco County By Laws Libertarian Palm Cards (250) Voter Registration Forms (500) Pasco County Libertarian Party membership forms (100) Libertarian Party of Florida membership forms (100)

We should start with defining what a precinct actually is. A precinct is the smallest geographic, politicalarea utilized in the political process. Most people only know the word as the building you walk into onelection day to cast your ballot. However, it is actually an area or grouping of voters. It is simply yourneighborhood, but with an individual number. There are also reports, statistics, and voter informationabout your own precinct that is available to you.

The precinct is where an individual can be the most effective. The people within your precinct are yourneighbors. They are the ones whom you drive past every day as you go to and from work. They are theones you see at the local grocery store, community events, and just walking around your neighborhood.The best way to influence the vote is in your own home, or by extension, your neighborhood. That iswhere the precinct captain comes in. The precinct is the key to winning any election.

The Precinct captain is the communications hub for the Libertarian message. You are there to provideinformation to the voters about the local party and the role of government. Your goal will be to becomethe person your neighbors will turn to for voting information. As the precinct captain, you are the onewho is influencing the vote in your precinct. You will build a relationship with them. They will start to seeyou as the person “in the know” when it comes to politics and elections. Over time, you will gain theirtrust, and they will vote for the people you recommend to them. The average person knows thatsomething is wrong, but just questions how it can be fixed. You are there to provide them with thesolution.

The precinct captain’s main task is to connect with the voters. You are there to become the person theyturn to for advice and recommendations in politics. Your goal is to become the person your neighborsturn to when they have questions regarding politics. And you will be there to help the community find

solutions.

There are some logistical responsibilities that go along with that as well:

Maintaining a List of the Voters in Your Precinct Identifying Like­Minded Individuals (Invite them to the local affiliate) Maintaining a Current Voter Guide Maintaining Instructions for Absentee Voting Ensuring that each Voter is Contacted (Our goal is to contact 100 homes per month)

Along with being the hub of information in your precinct, you will also have a vote in the operation of thecounty Libertarian affiliate. You will be the representative of the Libertarians in your precinct. They willcome to you with any issues or ideas and you will represent them at the monthly county affiliate meeting.

5. Libertarian’s New Year’s Resolution

Written in 1998 by Harry Browne, 1996 & 2000 Libertarian Party Nominee for President

I resolve to sell liberty by appealing to the self­interest of each prospect, rather than preaching to peopleand expecting them to suddenly adopt my ideas of right and wrong.

I resolve to keep from being drawn into arguments or debates. My purpose is to inspire people to wantliberty — not to prove that they’re wrong.

I resolve to listen when people tell me of their wants and needs, so I can help them see how a freesociety will satisfy those needs.

I resolve to identify myself, when appropriate, with the social goals someone may seek — a cleanerenvironment, more help for the poor, a less divisive society — and try to show him that those goals cannever be achieved by government, but will be well served in a free society.

I resolve to be compassionate and respectful of the beliefs and needs that lead people to seekgovernment help. I don’t have to approve of their subsidies or policies — but if I don’t acknowledgetheir needs, I have no hope of helping them find a better way to solve their problems.

No matter what the issue, I resolve to keep returning to the central point: how much better off theindividual will be in a free society.

I resolve to acknowledge my good fortune in having been born an American. Any plan for improvementmust begin with a recognition of the good things we have. To speak only of America’s defects will makeme a tiresome crank.

I resolve to focus on the ways America could be so much better with a very small government — not todwell on all the wrongs that exist today.

I resolve to cleanse myself of hate, resentment, and bitterness. Such things steal time and attention fromthe work that must be done.

I resolve to speak, dress, and act in a respectable manner. I may be the first Libertarian someone hasencountered, and it’s important that he get a good first impression. No one will hear the message if themessenger is unattractive.

I resolve to remind myself that someone’s “stupid” opinion may be an opinion I once held. If I cangrow, why can’t I help him grow?

I resolve not to raise my voice in any discussion. In a shouting match, no one wins, no one changes hismind, and no one will be inspired to join our quest for a free society.

I resolve not to adopt the tactics of Republicans and Democrats. They use character assassination,evasions, and intimidation because they have no real benefits to offer Americans. We, on the otherhand, are offering to set people free — and so we can win simply by focusing on the better life ourproposals will bring.

I resolve to be civil to my opponents, and treat them with respect. However anyone chooses to treatme, it’s important that I be a better person than my enemies.