Around Des Moines

(Johnston, IA, March 15, 2008) The Libertarian Party of Iowa (LPIA) is committed to running candidates for office and winning elections. It intends to do this by growing the party membership, educating the electorate about its principles, and building a strong network. That was the message promoted at the 2008 state convention held at the Hilton Garden Inn. Two major events in the past twelve months offer hope that at least some of those plans will become reality.

In June 2007 the Iowa Secretary of State settled a lawsuit brought by the American Civil Liberties Union at the behest of the Libertarian Party and with the support of the Green Party. That settlement allows Iowans to identify themselves on the voter registration rolls as a Libertarian or as a Green. At the convention Karen Tegtmeyer of Johnston proudly displayed her new registration card showing the Libertarian label. Having lived in Iowa and in Texas, where she ran for various offices, Tegtmeyer said, “I’ve waited 20 years to register Libertarian.”

The second event was the August 2007 Republican Straw Poll. Several Libertarian-oriented Republicans supporting Ron Paul’s candidacy helped coordinate rides to Ames for the straw poll and walked away with lists of names and e-mail addresses of Iowans who like Paul’s positions on issues. Just as the Democratic Party is intending to work those Republicans and Independents who registered as Democrats at the caucuses, Libertarians intend to make good use of information gleaned from presidential politics to benefit candidates for state and local offices.

The LPIA conducted a straw poll at its convention. Thirteen names were listed, plus an option for None of the Above and a write-in line. Out of 17 ballots cast, 4 candidates received votes; Michael Jingozian (28.7%), George Phillies (23.5%), Christine Smith (17.6%), and Wayne Allen Root (11.7%). In addition, 17.6% of ballots were cast for None of the Above. (At the time of the state convention Mary Ruwart had not yet announced her candidacy although several attendees expressed interest in her campaign. She announced she was running on March 21st.)

Roger Leahy coordinated Ron Paul meet-ups in Fairfield. He talked about how exciting it was to have Paul win the Republican caucuses in the county and to see young people participating. Nevertheless, he said, “I just don’t have enough patience to be in a room with hundreds of people” who are different and that’s what is fun about being back in the Libertarians. He also spoke in support of Christine Smith for president. “I would give two thumbs up for Christie.”

Kevin Litten, who ran as the Libertarian’s candidate for governor in 2006, spoke on behalf of George Phillies. Litten, from Cedar Rapids, said, “Phillies is the guy who will help grow the party.”

Several of the leading candidates had been asked to send information for the convention. Michael Jingozian sent a DVD that was played. Afterwards, Courtney Allen of Guthrie County spoke for the candidate. One of the concerns about Jingozian is that he does not support a woman’s right to choose abortion. Allen said there are other things to worry about, such as people crossing U.S. borders but spending money in foreign countries where each dollar circulates three times, instead of circulating in the United States. Allen also was impressed that Jingozian is a businessman. Allen concluded by saying this “is not a football game.” It is about who will run the country.

The Libertarians select their vice presidential candidate apart from the presidential nominee and that is how the straw poll was set up, too. Only one candidate’s name was known. Thus, Chris Bennett took 14 votes, with 3 going to None of the Above and one left blank.

Since the State of Iowa does not identify the Libertarians as a political party, there will not be a primary election. However, there will be Libertarian candidates on at least some ballots in November. In Ames, Eric Cooper will again seek the District 46 House seat.

There are active Libertarian groups at Iowa State University and at the University of Iowa. A group is being organized at the University of Northern Iowa. In Des Moines, Jake Porter has gathered a group of fellow AIB College of Business students together. Porter, who supports Phillies for president, worked on Brent Blanchfield’s unsuccessful 2006 House campaign against Ako Abdul-Samad. Now Porter is seeking a seat on the Libertarian National Committee.

Ed Noyes, from Jefferson County and a former candidate for attorney general, spoke about group study courses on the U.S. Constitution, based on material from the National Center for Constitutional Studies. Noyes concluded his comments by saying, “you’ll become so inspired [through this course], you’ll have to do something,” like run for office.

M.R. Field covers local events for AroundDesMoines.com.