GAH!! I just had a flashback to 2000.
http://newberry2000.8m.com/
Go Subcomandante!!!
If the incumbent suddenly resigns due to an incident involving a public restroom, and the Democrat happens to be in the same public restroom, and somehow hidden cameras were involved, then you may have a pretty good shot at winning this thing.
Oh, and via some strange Missouri law, both would have to be removed from the ballot a couple of days before the election, leaving you as the only choice.
Good luck!!
Interesting. Good luck. Noticed the GOP incumbent Tom AKin voted for the Iraq-war etc.
http://www.ontheissues.org/
House...kin_War_+_Peace.
Depending on his and your relationship with Ron Paul, and Pau's reaction, you may consider to run as a "Ron Paul Libertarian", which could provide you with funding via the Liberty PAC for instance and a lot of help canvassing and organizing fromt he local Ron Paul meetup group and grassroot basis, that is second to none. Paul fared very well in the MO GOP delegate, that is not finalized yet. Seems like Jared Craighead wants to keep out the Ron Paul Republicans.
If you have a look at
http://www.paulcongress.com you will notice there are a number of Libertarian Party candidates that are also part of the group, also Independents and CP candidates. My advice would be to approach them. If the GOP incumbent is very "anti-Paul", Ron Paul may well support you and can arrange for an upset for the incumbent, especially if you can draw support from both the GOP and Democrats plus of course Independents.
Todd Akin sorry, not Tom Akin
Stefan,
Yes, Akin voted for the war, and I intend to take up that issue (as well as the issue of his alleged "fiscal conservatism" and other weaknesses).
As far as Ron Paul is concerned, well, I'm a hypocrite but not so much of a hypocrite that I would seek to identify myself with Paul after spending the last year slagging him. I hope to land a few punches on Akin on issues where he agrees, and I disagree, with Paul, like same-sex marriage and immigration.
Regards,
Tom
Tom,
For a long time I have held the belief that the best way to advance the libertarian movement and the LP is by running candidates, even in races that cannot be won. Articulate advocates of liberty, such as yourself, can in my opinion do more good than dozens of candidates for local offices. I am skeptical of the conventional wisdom of many party leaders that we should be focusing on "winnable" local races. And the willingness to compromise away core principles does not seem to be getting the desired result either.
Ron Paul has shown that many potential Libertarians are out there, but are not looking to the LP as an option. And he did this by talking about big, national issues like the war and the constitution. The LP has squandered the chance to grab this momentum.
In my opinion, the greatest opertunity to advance the LP is by running candidates for the US House of Representatives. Good luck in your race.
Tom, kudos for your decision to jump into the sausage grinder of politics.
Too bad you can't run against one of the Blunt Family, as I have a campaign slogan made up (sarcastic help from the Chief Wana Dubie episode):
This is your brain on a blunt... this is your brain on Roy Blunt. Any difference?
Thank you, I'll be here all week. You've been a great audience. Don't forget to tip your waitress.
Simon,
I see a role for "winnable local races," etc. AND for high-level races. I'm starting to look forward to this one, and hoping I can rope Akin into a debate or three.
Keith, this isn't the first time I've jumped into the sausage grinder! I ran for office 4 times in 5 years between 1997 and 2002, including Springfield City Council -- and I'm glad Doug Burlison finally won a seat!
Regards,
Tom
Thomas
Don´t forget that we win elections on personalities, not only ideas. You should pick better photographies of yourself. Putting only a small B&W photo on the campaign´s website is not a idea.
Anyway, good luck. I´m willing to help if necessary.
Andre,
Right now, that small B& W photo -- which is 11 years old -- is the only "respectable headshot" I have. That will change soon.
Regards,
Tom
Awesome news! I encourage you to run a full campaign. I'm sure you could raise the dough you targetted in the blog post above.
Tom, I didn't realize until I read the bio on your campaign site that you're actually from southwest Missouri. I grew up in Neosho and went to college in Joplin (Missouri Southern).
I wish you all the best on the campaign!
Good luck! I drafted myself in 1992 under similar circumstances, and it was a memorable experience. I had no idea a $200 run for the state house would be so much work.
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