WASHINGTON, D.C. -- "Single digit approval ratings for Congress are a dire prognosis for the future of the political establishment," says Libertarian Party National Chairman William Redpath, referring to today's Rasmussen poll that gives Congress the worst approval rating since Rasmussen began tracking these numbers.

"Democrats have failed to deliver on their promises from 2006, backing down time and time again to a Republican Party hell-bent on increasing the power and scope of government," says Redpath. "Voters are tired of being shafted by our elected officials, and are demanding that real change be made--not just more empty, quixotic promises."

INDIANAPOLIS, IN -- The LPIN announced today its list of statewide and statehouse candidates.

From Jeffersonville to Lake County, Richmond to Greencastle, the LPIN is offering voters in Indiana a choice this year.

Andy Horning and Lisa Kelly head the top of the ticket, running for Governor and Lt. Governor, respectively. Sam Goldstein is seeking the position of Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Hamilton County volunteer, Lydia Coon, will spearhead the 2008 LPIN Statehouse Election Team, aiding the candidates seeking those positions. To be active on a campaign or help with the her team efforts, please contact her at lkcoon@sbcglobal.net.

Check out the complete list of candidates: http://www.lpin.org/candidates

JEFFERSONVILLE, IN -- During recent TV interviews on Louisville's WAVE-3 and Indy's WTHR-13, Baron Hill asserted that speculators in the futures market are causing gas prices to be as much as 50% higher. Hill cited unnamed economists in making this claim.

Eric Schansberg, an economics professor and the Libertarian candidate for Congress in the 9th District, found this incredulous. "I can't imagine an economist making that claim. If it's true, he and Baron should take advantage of their superior knowledge of the market, change their investments, and make a ton of money."

HAGERSTOWN, IN -- Two years ago, with a month to the election, Rex Bell was polling 30% among decided voters in a 3-way race for Statehouse District 54.

When the election night numbers came in, Bell took in less than 20%. That night, Bell realized his weaknesses were in urban Richmond and parts of Henry County, where the incumbent Tom Saunders resides.

Two years later, Bell is back with a refined campaign, a focused effort and more experience to take on the unpopular incumbent. Making matters better for the well-liked Bell is the fact that the Democrats took a pass on the race this year, making the contest a two-way challenge.

With the coattails of a strong Ron Paul presidential movement, Richmond activists have come alive with libertarian ideals and some momentum. Rural voters are all too familiar with Saunders' positions on property tax and the unpopular "Hometown Matters" package of additional taxes.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN -- Jaenelle Antas and Brad Klopfenstein will host a fund raiser for Tim Maguire's run for Pike Township Advisory Board in Indianapolis.

What: A beer tasting! Beverages and appetizers will be provided.
When: Friday, July 11th from 5pm - 9pm
Where: Brad’s home at 5455 E 13th St, Indianapolis, IN 46219
Donation: $100 per person
Hosted by: Brad Klopfenstein (Executive Director of the Indiana Licensed Beverage Association) and Jaenelle Antas
Please RSVP to: Jaenelle Antas at jantas@lpin.org

Reprinted by permission from Imprimis, a publication of Hillsdale College.

Of All of the presidential contenders' slogans this year, Barack Obama's have been the most interesting. His campaign creed is: "Yes, we can." To which any reasonable person would ask: "Can what?" The answer, of course, is: "Hope." But again, a reasonable person might ask: "Hope for what?" To which the answer confidently comes back from the Obama campaign: "For change." Indeed Obama's signs say: "Change We Can Believe In," as opposed, one supposes, to the unbelievable changes. But the elementary problem with this—which any student of logic might raise—is that change can be for the better or for the worse.