by Brian Irving
LPNC Chair

I can't say it often enough, “It's a great year to be a libertarian.” All of my life I've heard every presidential election described as the “most important in history.” That usually isn't true, but 2016 is certainly unique. One good thing I can say about Donald Trump is that he hasn't just operated outside the old political paradigm, he's shattered it.

Interest in the Libertarian Party is high. Every day, we get calls and emails from displaced Republicans and disgruntled Democrats. Now is the time for action. We need everyone to get involved with a campaign, make a donation to a candidate or to the LPNC, and volunteer to help at an event. Keep on eye on the LPNC events page because some of these outreach activities come up quickly.

Now is the time for all good Libertarians to come to the aid of the party ... and their country. We need you to:

• Volunteer to work on a campaign. Click here to find a campaign to work on.
• Volunteer to work the State Fair or Dixie Classic Fair.
• Donate to a campaign, or the LPNC.

Read more in the August 2016 Tarheel Libertarian newsletter.

"There's really only one reason why liberals and conservatives are at each others' throats: government. Now that government has claimed the power to regulate every aspect of our lives, y'all are locked in a death match over who gets to control that power."

- Sean Haugh, Libertarian for U.S. Senate

The LPNC Executive Committee recently named three new volunteer staff members. Amy Lamont is now Volunteer Coordinator, Blake Hoarty is the new Outreach Director, and Marsalis McQueen is University Relations Director. 

Amy has degrees in criminal justice and electronics engineering technology. She lives in Oxford with her husband David, a retired National Guardsman, three rabbits, and two cats. 

Blake will graduate from UNC-Chapel Hill in December with a degree in political science. He's a Daily Tar Heel staff writer and has experience as a legislative staffer and in nonprofit fundraising. 

Marsalis is starting his first year at NC State.

Jacki Cole, 50, of Charlotte is the Libertarian candidate for lieutenant governor. The state Libertarian Party's executive committee named her to replace J.J. Summerell, who is now running for U.S. House District 1. 

Although a newcomer to politics, Mrs. Cole is a lifelong believer in libertarian principles. 

“One of the responsibilities of the lieutenant governor is to head the state board of education,” Cole notes.

“I'm happy to bring my unique background to the role of lieutenant governor. I’m the child of a teacher and an accountant, and I’ve worked as a substitute teacher, counselor and marketing/sales professional.”