Last week many news sources took note of tax day protests, this year designated as "tea parties". They were well attended in Utah, despite the fact that most Utahns do not drink tea, on moral grounds. The idea behind this type of tax protest comes from Libertarians, though Utah Republicans jumped in to show their frustration with the tax policies of the new government in Washington. Frankly, I did not give these events the proper amount of publicity through our party website and newsletter. Despite this fact, there was good participation among our members, and some new members as a result. Next year, we will be in the forefront of this movement, where we belong.

February 21, 2009

Yesterday's tumult over the recent interview with Senator Chris Buttars, who characterized the gay rights movement as America's greatest threat, and the ACLU as having "black hearts", has many calling for his resignation from the Senate. As Libertarian Chair, I was asked by some on my executive committee to join that chorus. This morning's Tribune makes it clear he will not heed such calls; so perhaps they are not of great value. I think it is very telling, however, that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) felt it important to issue a rare statement distancing itself from his rantings.

Merry Christmas (and Happy Chanukah) to all; and especially Happy New Year to the Party and its supporters. This year we got over 55,000 votes for our State Auditor candidate -- over 55,000 people who want change enough to vote for it at least once. There is something kind of funny about the fact that the party can usually expect a larger vote for non-policy setting offices than for ones where change will be really felt. People want to express their support of our party, but not very much. Well, it is a start, and now it is our job to convince them to invest just a little bit more. And the chance for that is right now!

Below is a review of our election numbers from November 4, 2008. We did much better than necessary to keep our ballot access, and we thank everyone who helped in the effort. This means we will be eligible for State income tax checkoff money. Please be sure to check the Libertarian spot on your tax form this year, and ask your friends to do the same. The "major parties" have plenty of money. It is time we got our share. There will be further comments here about the election and the party, so keep checking.

Although the final election canvass will likely yield higher numbers and percentages for Libertarian candidates, using the unofficial results for the 2008 general election at the Lieutenant Governor's Office, some numbers ...

Please get out and vote for our Libertarian candidates tomorrow, and then drag a few friends out to vote also. Several of our candidates, most notably our Vice Chair, Dylan McDonnell, running for State Rep. District 24; First Congressional District candidate Joe Buchman; and I, running for Attorney General, have worked hard on this campaign. We need your help to show that effort does pay off.

And I am going to post here the audio of a conversation I had with Doug Wright on his KSL talk show last week. His topic was: How can anybody vote for Superdell for Governor? I am told that the conversation starts at marker 38:45 and lasts about 6 minutes. For what it is worth:

Here is the list of early voting places in Salt Lake County. As of today (Wednesday) the lines are not long. You might want to consider casting your vote early. If you need some information on other counties, call the party at 801 565-1988 or contact your county clerk.

Weekdays beginning October 21 through October 30

Hours 12:00 pm - 7:00 pm and on Friday, October 31 from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm

NW Multipurpose Center - 1300 W 300 N, SLC
Murray City Hall - 5025 S State St, Murray
Holladay City Hall - 4580 S 2300 E, Holladay
Kearns Improvement District - 5350 W 5400 S, Kearns
Taylorsville City Hall - 2600 W Taylorsville Blvd (5330 S), Taylorsville

October 16, 2008

I received the following e-mail from the Salt Lake County Clerk today, October 16. If you are not registered, you may do so at the County Clerk's office before 5 PM on Monday, October 20. If you need contact information, call the party phone at 565-1988, and we will be glad to direct you. There is still time to get your friends who are not political to join in our effort. Drag them in to register today.

Dear Party Leaders,

The attached polling location notice card will be hitting the mail this week in Salt Lake County . One card is mailed to every household that has a registered voter. Another mailing will go out after the October 20th in-office registration deadline to all households that registered after the by-mail deadline. The card indicates the Election Day polling location for the household and also provides the early voting and in-office voting schedule.

Mail in voter registration forms must be sent by October 6. Do you have a friend or family member who is not registered? Get them to fill one out now. It will soon be too late. This election is very important, and our party has some wonderful opportunities to make headway. Voter registration forms are available from county clerks at their offices and websties. They may be printed out and mailed in. See my own website at www.andy4ag.com and look for the registration link. Very easy. Do it now.

And I also have campaign materials now in Price and Moab; and flyers are online for printing. Go to my site and look for "campaign materials".

September 8, 2008

Today I received a shipment of Barr for President bumper srickers. Call the campaign office at 565-1988 or drop by at 6885 S. State (upstairs from Doctor John's) in Midvale to get yours. As of now, my campaign signs and bumper stickers are also available at the law offices of Trent Ricks at 266 East 500 South in Salt Lake City, the law offices of Rob Latham at 845 S. Main St in Bountiful, and the law offices of Aric Cramer at 90 East 100 South in St. George. Also, in northern Davis and Weber counties, send an e-mail to Vince at mccullough@boyplankton.com, and he will make arrangements for you. In Cache County, drop by the Logan library and ask for Joseph. Barr stickers will be sent out to these and other places soon as well. We really need someone in central Utah and out in the basin. Volunteers?

Traditionally, in major election years, the campaign season begins on Labor Day. I am glad to report that we are ready to get started. The Party (and my campaign) have an official phone number: 801-565-1988. Call and ask questions or volunteer to help. We can use people to put out signs, distribute bumper stickers, design and distribute advertising and literature, make phone calls, and all the things campaigns do. We have been donated an office next door to my law office at 6885 S. State St. in Midvale (yes, upstairs from Doctor John's Lingerie). Drop by, pick up a sign, buy a cool "Libertarian" hat, or just say "hi".