Libertarians and the 2010 election

[FSBlueApocalypse]

I've been helping out with Alex Snitker's senate campaign in Florida, and over the last few weeks, here are a few things I've found interesting.

1. Of the surveys we've done, of the people likely to vote Libertarian, 24% voted for Obama in 08, while only 9% voted for McCain. While the Libertarian party is considered to be a "Conservative" party, I think it's becoming clear that it can attract from the left more and more. I think that more and more young people are just as fed up with Big government as we are, and looking for real change.

2. If we ever want the Libertarian party to start becoming a major player, we need to start playing by some of the big parties rules. Case in point, Snitker made an appearance at a WorldNetDaily event in South Florida earlier this week. I'm sorry, but I think only of the big stigma's the Libertarian party has to overcome is the perception we're abunch of wackos. It helped derail Ron Paul's campaign, and it provides fuel for everyone else.

3. The Tea Party has been co-opted by the Republican Party. I know this doesn't apply to every segment, but it is by and large true. Snitker has been blocked from speaking at several Tea Party events in Tampa and Ft.Lauderdale. Why? Because they don't want to risk splitting the vote for Marco Rubio.

[MrBogosity]

1. No surprise to anyone who's been honestly paying attention for the last 20+ years. The whole "stealing votes from Republicans" thing is just propaganda.

3. There are good tea party groups and bad. You can't paint them all with the same brush. The ones you're talking about are just fronts so Republican shills can get some unearned popularity.

[FSBlueApocalypse]

What are your thoughts on the 2nd point? Should Libertarian candidates go to functions hosted by the likes of WorldNetDaily? If we ever want the party to get onto the mainstage of American politics, I think we have to distance ourselves from those kind of wingnuts.

Also, one other thing I forgot to mention. Face the Nation had a debate between the various Florida senate candidates a few weeks ago. Snitker was originally invited to participate, but was then told he was no longer welcome at the last minute.

As far as the Tea Parties go, I will amend that. Several smaller groups have allowed Snitker to speak to enthusiastic results. However, none of the larger rallies or parties will have anything to do with us.

[MrBogosity]

I think that candidates should go wherever they can get the most attention. Would you have the same problem with them appearing on Glenn Beck or Rachel Maddow?

[FSBlueApocalypse]

It's about the perception the party as a whole wants to project. If you go and speak in front of a group that is made up of Birthers/Truthers/etc then it is going to end up biting you in the ass.