April 1995
VP race opens:
Jorgensen declares for ticket
Jo Jorgensen, the 1992 Libertarian Party candidate for U.S. Congress from South Carolina, has officially announced she is seeking the party's 1996 vice presidential nomination.
"I thoroughly enjoyed campaigning for my congressional race," Jorgensen said. "I enjoyed spreading the message of Libertarianism. I think I'd be a great candidate."
Jorgensen, 37, of Greenville, SC, has been a Libertarian for more than 15 years. A former vice chair of the South Carolina Libertarian Party, she also is a past officer of the Greenville County (SC) LP. In addition, she held the position of marketing director for the national party.
Jorgensen is the president and part owner of Digitech, a software duplication company. She graduated cum laude with a degree in psychology from Baylor University and earned an MBA from Southern Methodist University.
She worked as a marketing representative for IBM before leaving to start her own company, Professional Software, Inc. After taking some time off to raise two daughters, Jorgensen joined Digitech in 1993.
"I believe I can effectively communicate the ideas of libertarianism and freedom. My professional background is in sales and dealing with people," she said.
Jorgensen said she received many compliments from local media during her 1992 LP congressional campaign. In one campaign debate, which was broadcast live on network television, she was placed on stage between her two opponents, and a newspaper described her as "a rose between two thorns." The media complimented her on her communications skills and being the only candidate to address the issues.
Jorgensen said she has the time and resources right now to devote to campaigning, and she plans to campaign full time from July 4, 1996, to election day.
Jorgensen said her general election campaign plans will be tied to the LP's presidential candidate.
"Assuming I'm nominated, I will follow whatever the agenda is of the presidential candidate. One thing I feel very strongly about is that this should be a united campaign," she said. "I make a very good number-two person. I would sit down and talk with the presidential candidate and really spread his theme. I'm looking forward to working with whoever the LP nominates."
Harry Browne and Irwin Schiff are the two announced candidates seeking the LP nomination.
At the present, Jorgensen is trying to get to as many state conventions as possible, to meet party members and "get enthusiasm going for the next election."
For more information, contact Jo Jorgensen for Vice President, 1270 Woodruff Road, Suite 101, Greenville, SC 29607; or e-mail CompuServe: 73140,2465.
