The Libertarian Party of Indiana

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An October 31 Deadline Fast Approaches: A Special Message from Andy Wolf, Indiana’s LNC Rep

LPIN Editor

Published: October 27, 2011

As you are aware, the 2012 national LP convention will be held on the first week of May in Las Vegas, Nevada. Delegations will be credentialed from each state.

How big and how important do you want Region 3 to play in this?

YOU DO have influence on our standing at the national convention.

HOW?

There are two factors in the size of the delegation.

One relates to past presidential election results for the LP candidate in the respective state.
The other is much more under our control and is directly based on “sustaining membership” in the NATIONAL PARTY. Sustaining membership is determined by a person having signed the “LP Pledge of non-aggression” and contributing $25 to the national party.

But, there is ONE IMPORTANT DEADLINE – it is coming up FAST – the deadline to contribute to the national party will be October 31, 2011!!!!!!

Please go to www.lp.org/membership and contribute $25 asap-especially if you have not contributed anything this year.

I am assuming you have signed the national pledge. If not, please do it again.

With a large delegation, we can control some of the activities and decisions being made, including the selection of the 2012 POTUS nominee. Even if we don’t fill all the seats, we still have power.

HOW?

Because there is a fixed overall number of delegates, which can not be exceeded. So for now, lets get our seat count allocation at the convention maximized and worry about filling those same seats later.

And let’s not forget that we have positions on some important national committees at the convention, such as the Platform and Credentials.

Please understand that just because you contribute $25 to the national today, does not mean you are required to go to the convention. But it does help with the final delegation allotments by the national party.

Are you with me on this? Will you go to www.lp.org/membership TODAY and contribute $25.

Please NOW is the time to go to www.lp.org and pledge a minimum of $25.
Let’s not let New York State or other states pass us by.
Let’s not lose a seat on some of the national committees.
Let’s have a major voice in the direction of the national party!

Thank you.

Andy Wolf
District 3 Representative to the Libertarian National Committee and Chair of the Libertarian Party of LaPorte County

Video of the Day: Are We Really Less Free Today?

LPIN Editor

Published: October 27, 2011

Our Video of the Day returns this week with Are We Really Less Free Today? Sheldon Richman on the State of Liberty, courtesy of Reason.tv.

Libertarian Party Reaction to Rupert Boneham’s Announcement

LPIN Editor

Published: October 22, 2011

Rupert Boneham, former Survivor contestant, small business owner, and mentor to at-risk youth announced his intentions to seek the nomination for Governor on the ticket of the Libertarian Party of Indiana.

“I am very excited that Rupert has decided to contend for the LPIN nomination for Governor in 2012,” said Sam Goldstein, State Chair of the Libertarian Party of Indiana. His nomination would be a great asset to the party and I look forward to working with him and his campaign team should he win the nomination at our convention next spring.”

“Many have been skeptical of his announcement, and I can understand that,” said Chris Spangle, Executive Director of the LPIN. “Libertarians are usually the subject of jokes and dismissal until folks actually hear what we have to say. Rupert has been working with his policy team very closely to put out solutions for Hoosiers in the coming weeks, and not months like his opponents. I am extremely excited to see how his campaign unfolds.”

The Libertarian Party Process for Nominating Candidates

The Libertarian Party of Indiana is the state’s third-largest political party. As a result of Mike Wherry’s 6% in the Secretary of State’s race last year, the Libertarian Party of Indiana has automatic ballot access for the next four years. The threshold for this is 2%.

Because the LPIN did not achieve the 10% mark, their candidates do not participate in the primary system. The Primaries are closed party business funded by the taxpayer. The Libertarian Party selects its candidates at a state convention. Delegates are chosen by county parties, and those delegates then select state and federal candidates, including governor. Our 2012 convention will be held on April 14, 2012 in Indianapolis.

The Libertarian Party of Indiana welcomes candidates to seek our nomination. Until the vote to officially nominate candidates, the LPIN leadership remains neutral on candidates that wish to persuade delegate votes. At this time, no other Libertarian has filed an exploratory committee to seek the nomination for Governor.

Rupert Boneham has been a supporter and a member of the Libertarian Party for the better part of a year. He has contributed both financially and with his time. He’s attended fairs, parades, and conventions to help bring awareness to our party. His public declaration to seek the nomination has generated a great deal of excitement both inside and outside the Libertarian Party.

About the Libertarian Party

The Libertarian Party is America, and Indiana’s, third largest political party founded in 1971 as an alternative to the two main political parties. Its vision is for a world in which all individuals can freely exercise the natural right of sole dominion over their own lives, liberty and property by building a political party that elects Libertarians to public office, and moving public policy in a libertarian direction.

The Libertarian Party of Indiana was formed in 1974, and has maintained ballot access since 1994. Sam Goldstein, an Indianapolis resident, currently serves as Chairman.

Learn what we stand for here.

Media Interview Contact: Sam Goldstein, State Chairman – (317) 850-0726 or Chris Spangle, Executive Director – (317) 920-1994 or cspangle@lpin.org

Rupert Boneham To Seek the Libertarian Party Nomination for Governor

LPIN Editor

Published: October 22, 2011

Rupert Boneham announced today his intentions to seek the nomination of the Libertarian Party for the office of the Governor of Indiana.

“It’s time for a change in Indiana,” said Boneham. “Hoosiers have consistently voted in professional politicians and look at the results. Hoosiers should have a different choice in 2012. Through my experiences running my small businesses and my nonprofits, I have witnessed firsthand the dysfunctional state of our current government. We have to move in a different direction, and we can’t turn the reins of government over to the same politicians that created the mess.”

Boneham continued, “I am in a unique position to bring together Hoosiers of all walks of life to serve our state. I am not beholden to any special interests. I have only one interest: Empowering Hoosiers to give back to their communities. If the government puts up roadblocks, then they should be repealed.”

“Many people are aware of me through one small aspect of my life, which was my time on Survivor. I’ve come up from humble beginnings to own and operate several small businesses. I was then on this reality TV show that allowed me a platform to raise money for my charity, Rupert’s Kids. Through that work I’ve been blessed, and I’ve put almost everything back in to my community. I am looking forward to telling Hoosiers my entire story.”

Boneham came into a national spotlight through his appearances on Survivor. During the first “Heroes and Villains” season, out of 38 million votes, 34 million viewers selected Boneham as their favorite survivor, and awarded him check for one million dollars. This remains the highest vote total ever in a modern American TV reality show competition.

After winning his million dollars, Boneham made good on his promise to donate a large portion to create Rupert’s Kids, the culmination of 20-plus years of work with at-risk youth. The organization’s goal is to mentor at-risk youth. Their stated mission is to help, “those that have become too old for the youth social service system, but are not old enough for the adult social service system. We teach these youth valuable skills and trades, while also empowering them to discover their inner strengths, passions and interests.”

Rupert’s Kids, in partnership with the City of Indianapolis, created The Park Adoption Program. The program has saved taxpayers $150,000.00 in the past years and continues to provide a safe, enjoyable work environment for Rupert’s Kids. Rupert’s Kids does not receive federal or state funds. Boneham continues to raise funds and awareness for Rupert’s Kids through a campaign of nationwide appearances and speaking engagements.

Boneham owns and operates several small businesses including Tournament Towers, which has 10 crews on the road during football season. The company transports and sets up support gear for high-profile clients as NBC Sunday Night Football, ESPN and The NFL Network to name a few.

Boneham was born on January 27, 1964 in Detroit, Michigan, but grew up in Kokomo, Indiana which considers Rupert their most famous native son. Boneham has resided in Indianapolis, Indiana for the past 21 years. He has been married to his wife Laura for 14 years. They have one daughter, Raya.

Official Rupert Headshots and Logo

Version 1
Version 2
Logos

Rupert For Governor Campaign Contact: Evan McMahon, Campaign Manager – (317) 643-4090 ext. 1
emcmahon@rupertforgovernor.com

Rupert For Governor
P.O. Box 44605
Indianapolis, IN 46244

State Party Media Contact: Sam Goldstein, State Chair – (317) 850-0726

Press Release: Rupert to Announce Intentions For Governor’s Race

LPIN Editor

Published: October 21, 2011

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA. On Saturday October 22nd, Rupert Boneham will be announcing his intentions whether or not he will seek the nomination of the Libertarian Party of Indiana for the Office of Governor.

Back in August, Boneham announced the formation of an exploratory committee. During the last few months, he has been speaking to family, friends, and many of his fellow Hoosiers about what they see as the future for Indiana. It appears that Boneham’s decision has been made.

According to Boneham’s campaign manager, Evan McMahon, “Over the past couple of months, Boneham has been visiting everyday Hoosiers and small business owners from all across the state. After
hearing their stories and concerns, and weighing those of his family and supporters, Boneham has come to a decision.”

McMahon continued, “This truly has been a tough decision for him. He has struggled with the unknown impact this will have on his family and community work. He’s also been faced with a few hostile members of the media, that have done everything they can to discredit not only his potential campaign but also the legitimacy of other Libertarian candidates. But, he has also had a great deal of supporters calling
and emailing the campaign. He gets stopped everywhere he goes by people encouraging him to take this stand for Hoosiers. It has been a rough couple of weeks.”

Boneham came into a national spotlight through his appearances on “Survivor”. During the first “Heroes and Villains” season, out of 38 million votes, 34 million viewers selected Boneham as their favorite survivor, and awarded him check for one million dollars. This remains the highest vote total ever in a modern American TV reality show competition.

Boneham developed his winning ways working with troubled teens in Central Indiana. In 1983, Boneham began his work in the mental health field with mentally handicapped kids in Abilene, TX. During this time,
he realized his talent with hard-edged teens whom many other mentors and caregivers had difficulty connecting.

By 1990, Boneham had followed his passion to work with troubled teens in the central Indiana area. In 1991, he purchased his first abandoned property from the city of Indianapolis to provide vocational training to a group of teens that had been expelled from school. The refurbished house was later made available to low-income families. As Boneham’s organization evolved, it became more active in local
government projects that, he hoped, would benefit the entire community.

After winning his million dollars, Boneham made good on his promise to donate a large portion to create Rupert’s Kids, the culmination of 20-plus years of work with at-risk teens. Rupert’s Kids, in partnership with the City of Indianapolis, created The Park Adoption Program. The program has saved taxpayers $150,000.00 in the past years and continues to provide a safe, enjoyable work environment for Rupert’s Kids. Rupert’s Kids does not receive federal or state funds. Boneham continues to raise funds and awareness for Rupert’s Kids through a campaign of nationwide appearances and speaking engagements.

Rupert’s Kids, according to their website, is an “organization dedicated to serving an easily overlooked population of youth: those that have become too old for the youth social service system, but are not old enough for the adult social service system. We teach these youth valuable skills and trades, while also empowering them to discover their inner strengths, passions, and interests.”

Boneham is no stranger to entrepreneurial risk, either. Boneham owns Tournament Towers, which has 10 crews on the road during football season. The company transports and sets up support gear for high-profile clients as NBC Sunday Night Football, ESPN and The NFL Network to name a few.

It is certainly apparent that this is going to be a decision that has not been considered lightly. But Boneham has decided what he can do for the future of Indiana. We can all rest assured that no matter what Boneham’s future holds, his willingness to fight for the wellbeing of Hoosiers is unwavering.

On October 22nd, the event will begin at 2 pm. There will be a press conference following at 2:30 and will be followed up with questions from the media for Boneham, his campaign staff, supporters, and Libertarian Party of Indiana leadership.

When:
Saturday, October 22 at 2 PM

Where:
American Legion, Post 64
601 S. Holt Rd.
Indianapolis, Indiana

Contact Information:
Evan McMahon, Campaign Manager
(317) 500-6333
emcmahon@rupertforgovernor.com

Rupert Boneham to Announce Decision on Gubernatorial Run Saturday

Chris Spangle

Published: October 21, 2011

Rupert has made a decision! This Saturday at 2pm, he will announce whether or not he will seek the Libertarian nomination for Governor.

Join Rupert, his family and friends for politics, music, food and tie-dye.

There will be fun activities for the whole family. Rupert and his family will be hosting a tie-dye workshop (everything is provided). Rupert will also pose for pictures, sign autographs and answer any questions.

This event is FREE and you get to take the tie-dye shirts home with you!

Hope to see you all there! Please share this event and invite ALL of your friends.

American Legion, Post 64
601 S. Holt Rd.
Indianapolis, Indiana 46241

Click Here to RSVP on Facebook

Ed Coleman Launches New Television Ad in Indianapolis

LPIN Editor

Published: October 11, 2011

Indianapolis City-County Councilor Ed Coleman has launched a TV spot is his effort to seek re-election to the governing body of America’s 11th largest city. Coleman was elected in 2007 as a Republican, but left for the Libertarian Party a year later due to the constant pressure to raise taxes and support corporate bailouts.

Indianapolis City-County Councilor, Ed Coleman from Ed Coleman on Vimeo.

Since then, Coleman has been an independent voice against votes like the CIB bailout, the Simon Brothers/Pacer bailout, and many other big spending projects championed by Mayor Greg Ballard and the council Republicans. Coleman has been a constant advocate for transparency as well. In an effort to fight crony capitalism, Coleman wrote and helped pass an ordinance to put all city contracts online for Indianapolis citizens to see. Coleman also introduced a proposal the remove the TSA from Indianapolis Airports, but that was tabled by the Republicans.

Help Coleman make a statement. If you’ve REALLY ‘Had Enough,’ volunteer for Ed Coleman today.

Help at the Celebrate Memphis Festival OPH Booth

LPIN Editor

Published: September 29, 2011

Greetings Libertarians,

This Saturday and Sunday, October 1-2, the Libertarian Parties
of Clark and Floyd counties will operate an OPH Booth at the
Celebrate Memphis festival. This will be our second time we have had
a booth at this event. We will be promoting our local municipal
Libertarian Party candidates for public office. We will share our
message of freedom and liberty as we lead up to the November 8
elections.

We will be giving out the World’s Smallest Political Quiz and our
Vote Libertarian balloons. We will have Libertarian-related flyers
and brochures to give out. The Clark County Tea Party Patriots will
also have a booth at this festival. They have been supportive of our
efforts.

Both the Democrats and Republicans will be operating their own
booths, and while they will be touting and promoting their particular
brand of more government, we will be representing the small
government alternative. Our goal is to spread our message of freedom
and to identify those who are libertarians but don’t know it.

On Saturday the booth will operate from 9:00 AM until 8:00 PM. On
Sunday the booth will begin at 9:00 AM and run until 5:00 PM.
Saturday will be our main day as the festival receives its largest
turnout that day.

To get to Celebrate Memphis, take I-65 to Exit 16 which is the
Memphis exit. You will see the festival grounds on the east side of
the interstate in the field across from the large red flea market
building. It can’t be missed.

Bring the family out for a day at the festival, as there will be a
midway with rides and a stage for various entertainment, along with
the many various vendor booths.

If you have any questions, drop me a line.

Yours in liberty,

Greg Hertzsch
(812)282-6084 Home
(502)939-4731 Cell
roadman@insightbb.com

Help Phil Miller for Greenfield Mayor in the Closing Weeks!

LPIN Editor

Published: September 28, 2011

Dear Friends,

Many of you have offered to help the Miller for Mayor campaign. We have six weeks before the elections and at this point I have two ways you can take action.

1- We could use several people that can spend time on the phone. I have notes that I’ve gathered in my conversations with voters. I left many of those with positive feelings. I need people that can call these folks back and say… “Phil Miller told me that you may be interested in having a Phil Miller for Mayor sign in your yard. Can we do that?” After they answer, you thank them, take note of yes or no and go to the next call.

2- I’ve been knocking on doors for about 3 weeks now and have touched about 20% of the city. I can’t see everyone at this rate. I need people that will leave flyers on folks doors. I’m not asking you to talk to people at all. Just leave flyers on the door knobs. This can be done at anytime you want but I need a commitment that it will be done and I’ll need to work with you on where so that we don’t duplicate any work. We will deliver the flyers to you and let you pick any open areas that you would like to do.

If you are interested in helping please contact Jeremiah at 317-938-2661 or send me an email at phillip@iquest.net.

You are appreciated!
-Miller for Mayor-

http://the.millerfamily.name/mayor/wanttohelp.htm

Get Involved!

LPIN Headquarters

Published: September 23, 2011

We’re often asked, “How do I get involved in the Libertarian Party?” We’ve compiled 21 suggestions for any person that is looking for a place to start.

Read the rest of this entry »

Andy Horning Announces Bid for U.S. Senate in 2012

Andrew Horning

Published: September 16, 2011

PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Andrew Horning

Phone: (812) 585 0504 cell

To Volunteer: andrewhorning@hotmail.com

Andrew Horning, Candidate for Indiana U.S.A. SenateConstitution Day, September 16, 2011

The Freedom Farm, Freedom, Indiana

We The People have exactly and only what We The People have chosen. It should now be apparent that We The People have chosen badly for a very long time.

We The People have nobody else to blame for the endless wars, rising debts, rising crime, dropping wealth and standard of living…we have chosen every injustice, every lawless law, every bit of our ungoverned government.

The good news is that we should no longer worry about the catastrophe that’s about to engulf us, because it’s now too late to stop it. More good news is that we’ll soon be free of the ease that clouded our perceptions and retarded our actions.

Even more good news is that it is never too late to decide how We The People are to create and maintain a society by which we can live together in relative peace, prosperity and safety.

And today is a very good day to start that discussion of life over politics.

Today, the Cassandra-like Libertarians must avoid the temptation to say “I told you so,” and instead keep on working for what’s true, and what works. Libertarians and other forward-thinking people should be on hand to rebuild what generations of bad choices and the entrenched abstractions of our so-called and unconstitutional “Two Party System” have destroyed: Law and Order, Liberty and Justice for All.

Today, Libertarians need not explain why they dare oppose the so-called “Two Party System.” Today, anybody who would vote for any Democratic or Republican Party candidate has, in the words of Desi Arnaz, “got some e’splainin’ to do!”

So today, in the interest of having the right people in the right places in the event that We The People decide that this is the right time to stop the madness, I am announcing my candidacy for the office of U.S.A. Senator for the State of Indiana.

Elkhart Mayoral Candidate To Hold Fundraiser on September 22nd

LPIN Editor

Published: September 6, 2011

Help Oscar Gibson bring change to Elkhart!

Gibson for Mayor Fundraiser Chili Supper

Sept 22, 2011, 4pm to 9pm

The Big Easy (Easy Shopping Place)in Elkhart

For any questions, please call: 574-293-4890

Suggested Donation $10

Children are welcomed.

Featherstone: Rupert Boneham Forms Exploratory Committee for Governor’s Race

Chris Spangle

Published: August 30, 2011

(Editor’s Note: By Josh Featherstone, Originally posted at his blog, Featherstone on Government. The LPIN candidate selection process takes place at our annual convention in April. LPIN Leadership and Rupert’s team will be exploring this idea further in the coming weeks.)

Rupert Boneham, famous for his appearances on TV’s Survivor, may be interested in an even bigger starring role. Rupert just put up a new website that says he has formed an exploratory committee to consider a Gubernatorial run in Indiana.

From that website:

I have formed an exploratory committee to evaluate becoming a candidate for Governor of Indiana. I hope to make a final decision in the coming weeks, but wanted to take time to discuss my decision with family. friends and the community that has so graciously supported Rupert’s Kids.

I have spent my entire adult life serving my community and I see an opportunity to make a difference for Indiana. While surveying the current choices for our next Governor, I do not see anyone that has an understanding of what daily life is like for many Hoosiers nor anyone who appears to understand the harm that misguided government policies are doing to our communities. It is obvious that career politicians are not the answer because they are often the problem. I will be evaluating whether or not hardworking Hoosiers are ready for a new voice with new ideas.

While I may be best known for my time spent on the television show Survivor, I feel my greatest achievement has been working with troubled youth through my non-profit charity, Rupert’s Kids. With Rupert’s Kids we have successfully taken youth with troubled pasts and given them a sense of purpose and self worth while opening a world of opportunity to them. By helping them become confident and productive members of society they learn the value of eduction and a strong work ethic.

I have operated my charity for over 20 years without government handouts. Over time, it has become more difficult to help people because of government red tape and roadblocks. This has prompted my decision to explore bringing back the principles of hard work and self-reliance to Hoosier government.

Just as I have shown our youth these principles, I think it’s time that someone in the political sphere discusses them as well.

I’ll be spending the next several weeks talking to Hoosiers while I explore the idea of launching a campaign that will discuss solutions instead of bureaucratic reforms and platitudes. We can do better to ensure that every person in our state has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Life is good. Be You. Give Back.

Outside of Survivor, Boneham, as stated, has long been involved in his own organization, Rupert’s Kids. Rupert’s Kids is a charitable organization that teaches youth, especially those too old to be considered for many youth programs, but also too young to be considered an adult, how to be responsible for their actions and how to grow into better people on their own. Respectably, Rupert’s Kids has never taken any government funding.

His entrance into the political world may come as a surprise to most. The hints have been there for a while, though. Several months ago, a Facebook page popped up titled “Rupert for Governor?” Initial speculation was that it was just a random fan’s page.

This summer, though, Rupert made appearances at the Libertarian Party booth at several of Indiana’s many summer festivals, including Indy Pride.

To look at Rupert, you’d assume any political thoughts were a joke. He’s certainly not one with a traditional politician’s look. To hear him speak, though, is enough to make you think again. Boneham proves himself to be an elequent and well-informed speaker. Despite the “rough around the edges” appearance, Rupert’s speeches make it clear he has a genuine clue what can be done to improve the Hoosier State.

The next few weeks are bound to be interesting. I’m sure the media, both locally and nationally, will zoom in on this unique race. Many comparisons will be made between Rupert and Jesse Ventura. While they are drastically different people, the most important question will be “Can Rupert win?” That is a question that only time can answer. It’s gonna be a fun ride for sure, though, between now and Novemeber 2012. I’m looking forward to it.

Video of the Day: History of the Libertarian Party

LPIN Editor

Published: August 24, 2011

From 1971 to 2006, the Libertarian Party had a rich and colorful history. This video documentary explores the some of the key Libertarian events, campaigns and television commercials of the late 20th century.