Libertarian Convention in Wilmington a Success
The Libertarian Party of North Carolina held its annual convention in
Wilmington on May 2-3. Barbara Howe, long-time Libertarian activist
and homeschooler, was nominated to lead the Libertarian state ticket as
the candidate for U.S. Senate, contesting the seat currently held by Lauch
Faircloth. Howe, a resident of Granville County, is no
stranger to federal races, having fielded the most successful Libertarian
congressional candidacy of 1996.
The Libertarian delegates also nominated a full slate of twelve candidates
for U.S. House. "In addition to our General Assembly
and county candidates, we're especially thrilled to be providing choices
on the ballot for all North Carolina congressional districts, " said Ann
Cizek, New Hanover County Libertarian Chair and convention organizer, "This
is a feat that the Democratic party was unable to achieve this year."
The convention delegates also selected their three top legislative goals
for North Carolina. The three items, which will be the focus of Libertarian
efforts for the next legislative session, were:
-
to provide a $2,500 tax credit to sponsors of children in private or home
schools
-
repeal of the food tax
- a "Vermont-style concealed carry" law in which firearm possession and concealment
are illegal only when used in the commission of a crime
One of the speakers to address the convention was Paul Valone, founder
of Grassroots North Carolina and second amendment activist. Speaking
on the issues of gun rights and North Carolina gun laws, Valone discussed
strategies for bringing a "Vermont-style" concealed carry law to North
Carolina.
National Libertarian Party Chair Steve Dasbach was also a featured speaker.
Dasbach reported on the national growth of Libertarian Party membership,
which has tripled over the last four years. He also suggested
tools to strengthen and increase local Libertarian Party organizations.
Founder of Citizens for Healthcare Freedom, Alan Phillips, discussed
traditional and alternative health care and patient choice. He also
addressed the importance of informed parental choice in government-mandated
vaccination programs.
Three awards were presented at the first annual Libertarian Party awards
banquet. North Carolina Libertarian Party State Chair and NC Liberty
PAC founder, Sean Haugh, was recognized by the membership as "Most Outspoken
for Liberty" in 1998. Haugh attributed his achievements to the efforts
of Libertarian county activists throughout the state. New Hanover
County earned the title of "Most Active County Organization," while New
Hanover County Chair Ann Cizek was recognized as "Most Valued Local Activist." In accepting the award, Cizek honored the late Robert Brodie III, who was
instrumental in the formation and success of the New Hanover County Libertarian
Party.
Cizek was also elected to fill the position of Vice-Chair of the LPNC.
Other newly-elected executive committee members include Chris Nubel of
Wilmington as Director of Finance and Outreach, Anthony Bush of Hendersonville
as Editor of the Newsletter, and Deborah Eddins of Mooresville as an At
Large member.
Libertarian Party Federal Candidates for 1998
U.S. Senate: Barbara Howe, Oxford
U.S. House District 1: Brian S. Doran, Farmville
U.S. House District 2: Mark Jackson, Sanford
U.S. House District 3: Bill Thompson, Faison
U.S. House District 4: Gary Goodson, Cary
U.S. House District 5: Gene Paczelt, Raleigh
U.S. House District 6: Jeffrey Bentley, Greensboro
U.S. House District 7: Paul Meadows, Wilmington
U.S. House District 8: Bob Burns, Whiteville
U.S. House District 9: Deborah Eddins, Mooresville
U.S. House District 10: Jack Schwartz, Greensboro
U.S. House District 11: Chris Heckert, Hendersonville
U.S. House District 12: Michael Smith, Winston-Salem
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