Thanks to Dennis Brossman, the Libertarian candidate for Wyoming Secretary of State, the Wyoming LP has now earned major party status. Here's the scoop from the Jackson Hole Star Tribune:
The Wyoming Libertarian Party is back in the political mainstream as a result of Tuesday's general election.
Dennis Brossman of Lander, the Libertarian candidate for secretary of state, collected enough votes to make the party a major party once again.
Brossman tallied about 18 percent of the vote for secretary of state, or 32,526 votes, in Tuesday's general election. This more than met the 10 percent vote threshold for a major political party.
Congratulations are due to Brossman and the Wyoming Libertarian Party.
Does that provide any automatic campaign finance for future elections, or just guarantee ballot access and if so, is that for all offices? Either way, it's good news!
To answer Nick's question, "major party" status does not give us any special campaign financing. It does give us more paper work and we must pick our candidates through the primary process rather than by nominating convention. I was the candidate for State House District 57 this year. If one of our Federal or statewide candidates receives 4% (if I remember correctly,) we maintain minor party status (and ballot status). At 10% or greater, we gain major party status. Wyoming's population is so small that it is easier to get letters to the editor printed and increases the odds of making an impact, relative to other states. I was in a two way race with the Republican chairman of several committees. I had no money for campaigning but did not want to see an unopposed race. My total expenditures amounted to $25 (my filing fee) and won slightly over 21% of the vote--- not bad for the money! Dennis Brossman's situation was similar in the Secretary of State's race. I hope this was of assistance.
Wow! 21% for $25 is unbelievable! As beautiful as Wyoming is and as appealing as it sounds to help there where chances are at least reasonable, I'll keep fighting here in beautiful Upstate NY. People are starting to get fed up here because we have, generally, a socially liberal climate but are tired of the taxes and war mongering. Downstate's another animal but Upstate the right attitude is there. We just don't have the notoriety. Most people don't even know what I'm talking about when I say the word libertarian. I've changed tactics. Now I start conversations with an issue and then when they assume I'm a Democrat for opposing the war, or a Republican because I despise welfare I get to correct them which usually leads to a good discussion. The attack ads in my neck of the woods have actually helped me in conversation. Some people are seeing the Dems and Reps as the same these days. Slimy.
Does that provide any automatic campaign finance for future elections, or just guarantee ballot access and if so, is that for all offices? Either way, it's good news!
Posted by: Nick at November 9, 2006 02:06 PM