Alberta joins U.S. states' energy pact

Alberta premier Danielle Smith has signed on to the 12-state Governors' Coalition for Energy Security.

Alberta joins U.S. energy coalition to secure North America’s energy future | True North Wire | Isaac Lamoureux:

November 17, 2024 - "Alberta has become the first non-U.S. [political entity] to join a United States energy pact featuring 12 states that had already signed onto the coalition. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith made the announcement Thursday, personally thanking Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry and New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu for inviting her, along with President-elect Donald Trump. Smith also thanked the other ten governors involved.

"Smith said that Alberta’s role in North American energy security is vital as the largest crude oil and natural gas supplier to the United States. 

With 200 billion barrels of recoverable oil, 200 trillion cubic feet of recoverable natural gas, significant natural gas liquids and ample pore space for carbon capture, Alberta’s contribution is set to grow even further as we look to work with the Trump Administration and other U.S. partners to increase our pipeline capacity to our greatest friend and ally, the United States.... We are proud to collaborate with this coalition of allied states in advancing energy security, reliability and affordability for Americans and Canadians....

"Alberta currently accounts for 56% of oil imports into the United States, double Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq combined.

"Landry said that the pact’s members share the goal of enhancing and protecting energy security, which he said will lead to lower energy costs, increased reliability, sustainable economic development, and wise management of energy resources and the environment. '

“I welcome Premier Smith and the insights she will bring as the leader from a fellow energy-producing province that, like my state, is under a federal system of government where national imperatives are not always aligned with state or provincial interests,' said Landry.

"The United States is the largest trading partner with Alberta, having $188 billion in bilateral trade in 2023. Energy products accounted for more than 80%, approximately $133.6 billion, of Alberta’s exports to the United States in 2023....

Alberta is a global leader in emissions reduction technologies and clean energy solutions. 'The province has captured about 14 million tonnes of carbon dioxide through carbon capture, utilization and storage technology, and has the ability to support the U.S. in developing new infrastructure and supply chains for future energy markets in the areas of hydrogen, renewables, small modular reactors and others,” reads Alberta’s press release. 

"The newly renamed Governors’ Coalition for Energy Security listed its goals in the press release issued by the Governor of Louisiana[:] ... 'to ensure families and businesses have the right to choose the energy they need, to minimize permitting and other regulatory barriers, limit expensive energy mandates, focus on affordability and reliability of energy infrastructure, and to coordinate to positively manage energy resources and the environment,' reads the press release....

"Smith issued an additional statement on Friday, saying she won’t wait for the [Canadian federal] Liberals to strengthen energy trade.... \

Alberta’s energy sector is a cornerstone of North America’s prosperity and we’re ready to work with our partners in the United States, especially @realDonaldTrump, to ensure that remains true.... Alberta’s resources are critical to energy security, economic growth, and the strong ties between our countries. Together, we can build a future that benefits both sides of the border — because when Alberta succeeds, the United States thrives. Let’s power that future, hand in hand.

"The 12 signatory states included in the energy pact are Louisiana, New Hampshire, Indiana, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, South Dakota, Mississippi, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Wyoming, and Virginia."

Read more: https://tnc.news/2024/11/17/alberta-energy-coalition-us/

We can’t sacrifice U.S. friendship if Mexico is a trade irritant: Alberta premier | Power & Politics | CBC News | November 15, 2024:

GOP libertarians: Another one bites the dust

Libertarians Need Not Apply | Bacon's Rebellion - Peter Galuszka:

June 14, 2020 - "The Virginia Republican Party had a big shock Saturday. Far-right candidate Bob Good snatched the party’s nomination in the fifth congressional district from incumbent Denver Riggleman, who was backed by President Donald Trump and Jerry Falwell Jr., the head of Liberty University.

"The remarkable twist could presage an arch-conservative backlash against Trump’s populism in the run up to elections this November. University of Virginia political analyst Larry Sabato tweeted early Sunday morning that 'the Virginia GOP has gone so far to the right that a congressman backed by (Trump and Falwell) isn’t conservative enough to renominate.'

"The 5th District includes the cities of Lynchburg and Charlottesville and covers broad swaths of highly socially conservative rural areas. Riggleman’s problem was that he had Libertarian tendencies and had officiated at a gay wedding. Good hit Riggleman hard on the wedding and pushed a platform that included considerable xenophobia. For example, in his campaign, he stated that he wants to make English the official national language and 'stop accommodating immigrants and their native tongues, because it’s our unity that’s our strength,' according to the Roanoke Times....

"The drive-in convention that decided the candidate also is extremely odd. Riggleman wanted a primary but the local GOP opted for a convention instead. Because of the COVID 19 pandemic, the GOP decided that the Tree of Life Ministries Church would be a polling place for the convention in which people would drive by in their cars. It just happens that the church is where Good worships.

“'This is the most perverse way to choose a candidate,' Riggleman said Saturday before the results came in. Good claimed he got 58 percent of the vote....

"The Virginia GOP has been in disarray for years. Republicans haven’t won statewide races in a decade. The three top state posts are held by Democrats which made big inroads in the 2018 congressional elections and the 2019 General Assembly races."

Read more: https://www.baconsrebellion.com/wp/libertarians-need-not-apply/

Cannabis possession decriminalized in Virginia

Virginia Decriminalizes Marijuana Possession | Grizzle - Martin Green::

February 12, 2020 - ""Virginia is on the brink of decriminalizing marijuana after both chambers approved the proposed legislation. The House passed HB 972 in a 64-34 vote on Monday, just a month after it was pre-filed. It would decriminalize simple marijuana possession and impose a civil penalty fine of no more than $25....

"A companion bill, SB 2, then went to a full vote in the Senate on Tuesday after successfully clearing the Judiciary Committee and Appropriations Committee. Senators voted 27-13 in favour of decriminalization.

The legislation now goes to Gov. Ralph Northam’s desk to be signed into law. Northam ran on support for decriminalization during his 2017 election campaign and he used his annual State of the Commonwealth speech last month to reiterate calls for removing criminal penalties for marijuana possession, so there is no chance of him fighting the legislation.

"Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring has spearheaded the campaign to liberalize the state’s approach to marijuana. He immediately issued a press release welcoming the passage of the decriminalization bill in both chambers, but urged marijuana advocates to keep going, because 'the work is not done'.

"Herring estimates that the state spends $81 million enforcing cannabis laws on an annual basis. Analysis shows that around 20,000 Virginians were convicted of simple marijuana possession in 2018, and more than half were African American, despite the fact that African Americans make up just 19% of the state’s population.

Current legislation imposes a maximum of 30 days in jail and a maximum fine of $500 for someone convicted of simple possession in the first instance. The Attorney General said that Virginia’s approach to cannabis has needlessly saddled people with criminal records for far too long, and it has disproportionately affected African American communities. He now wants the state to head towards full legalization of adult-use cannabis sales.

"Herring is running to replace Northam in 2021. The current governor has not yet declared support for full legalization, but Herring is confident he will back it if he is presented with all the facts."

Read more: https://grizzle.com/virginia-decriminalizes-marijuana-possession/
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20,000 rally for gun rights in Richmond, Virginia

Richmond, Virginia gun rally: Protest draws militias - Ryan W. Miller & John Bacon, USA Today:

January 20, 2020 - "Thousands of gun owners and gun rights supporters gathered Monday at Virginia's Capitol for a 'peaceful day to address our Legislature' that appeared to generate none of the violence feared by some state leaders. Many demonstrators, opposed to proposed gun restrictions, openly displayed military-style semiautomatic rifles. Other[s] wore orange 'Guns save lives' stickers as the crowd chanted “USA” and sang the national anthem. Signs read 'Come and take it' and 'Second Amendment Sanctuary.'

"But despite warnings from Gov. Ralph Northam and law enforcement that out-of-state hate groups and militias may incite violence, the protest did not grow heated. Police estimated the size of the crowd at 22,000 – including 6,000 people inside Capitol Square – and only one arrest was reported ... [on] one felony count of wearing a mask in public.... Earlier, a heavy police presence greeted rally goers calmly lining up to enter the state Capitol, where they had to pass through a security checkpoint.

"Northam declared a state of emergency Friday through Tuesday, banning all weapons, including firearms, in the square around the Capitol building. He said law enforcement received 'credible' threats of violence from out-of-state hate groups and militias.....On Monday, law enforcement helicopters buzzed overhead as state, city and Capitol police kept a wary eye on the crowds. Barricades lined the streets and many shops were closed....

"The day was planned as a 'lobby day' by the Virginia Citizens Defense League, which has organized similar events to advocate for gun rights for years. A mass movement grew out of the scheduled protest this year, however....

"Driving the momentum behind the Richmond rally was a host of new gun-control measures backed by Northam and Democrats, who flipped both houses of the General Assembly and have full control of state government for the first time since 1993. Democrats proposed limiting handgun purchases to one a month, universal background checks on gun sales, allowing localities to ban guns in some public areas and a 'red flag' bill that would allow authorities to temporarily take guns away from anyone deemed to be dangerous to themselves or others. Other proposals include rules around reporting lost or stolen firearms and a ban on 'assault firearms,' though some moderate Democrats have expressed concerns over that bill."

Read more: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/01/20/virginia-gun-rally-protest-draws-national-militias-fear-violence/4519076002/
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Congressman-elect a "libertarian populist"

Libertarian Populism is Still Relevant in the Age of Trump | The American Conservative - Kevin Boyd:

November 19, 2018 - "The conventional wisdom says that libertarian politics is irrelevant in the age of Donald Trump.... Yet while there was some bad news for libertarians in the midterms, there was also plenty of good news.... .

"But it is the unexpectedly strong victory of Denver Riggleman of Bigfoot erotica fame in Virginia’s Fifth Congressional District that shows how libertarian populism can still be a force in American politics. Riggleman is described by National Review’s Jibran Khan as 'a libertarian outsider with a knack for free-market populism.' Riggleman, who owns a whiskey distillery, ran a positive, policy-focused race against crony capitalism and for reforms in the H2A guest worker program in order help farmers get the labor they need....

"Riggleman, with the support of younger voters, won a contentious nominating convention against a leading social conservative. His victory shows that a libertarian populist message can still resonate, even in a battleground district.

"Why is libertarian populism still relevant? The latest answer is Amazon’s decision to place its HQ2 facility in Arlington, Virginia, and New York City (along with another project in Nashville). Amazon collected over $2.2 billion in government subsidies from the three states. The only congressional opposition to this act of blatant cronyism came from libertarians and [a] self-described socialist Congresswoman-elect....

"Libertarian populists ... are skeptical of both big business and big government. They are strong supporters of free speech whether the threat comes from the state or from private industry. They are unapologetically anti-globalist while at the same championing free trade and a realist foreign policy. They champion both environmental conservation and limited government. They understand that a limited social safety net is necessary. They support both streamlined legal immigration and border security.

"Do they have a chance in Trump’s Republican Party? Yes, because the efforts to build a Trumpism without Trump took a beating in the midterms. Corey Stewart was soundly defeated in his bid for Virginia’s U.S. Senate seat.... Lou Barletta ... was defeated for Pennsylvania’s U.S. Senate seat. Kris Kobach was beaten in his bid to become Kansas’s governor. There is little love for Trumpism among suburbanites and young people, two demographics that the Republican Party must do better among if it hopes to win in the future.

"Trump himself seems to understand this to a point. He recently endorsed criminal justice reform legislation that is working its way through the U.S. Senate. He has hinted at supporting the legalization of marijuana at the federal level. One of his most important unofficial advisors is none other than Senator Rand Paul....

"The political movement of the foreseeable future is going to be populist, not centrist. Why shouldn’t the championing of human liberty be one of the causes that the people take up?"

Read more: https://www.theamericanconservative.com/articles/libertarian-populism-is-still-relevant-in-the-age-of-trump/

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Third libertarian Republican elected to U.S. House

Libertarian Republicans excelled in the midterm elections - Jack Hunter, Washington Examiner:

November 7, 2018 - "On Tuesday night, Democrats took the House and Republicans kept the Senate. Expect to hear opinions and analysis of what this might mean for President Trump and the 2020 election in the weeks and months to come. But how did the small but enduring libertarian faction within the Republican Party do?...

"The most high-profile libertarian Republican in Congress, Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, was not up for re-election. The next-most high-profile libertarian Republicans in Congress, Reps. Justin Amash of Michigan and Thomas Massie of Kentucky, both won re-election by double-digits.

"Amash, who represents a purple district, has been openly critical of Trump, and his independent streak appeared to pay off for him Tuesday. Massie represents a deep-red district, hasn’t hesitated to criticize the president, yet simultaneously has been more sympathetic. Massie predictably defeated his Democratic opponent in a blowout.

"Republican novice Denver Riggleman won his race for Virginia’s 5th Congressional District. 'Riggleman, a newcomer to politics, ran a positive campaign based on libertarian ideas,' reported National Review's Jibran Khan. But Khan also noted what the libertarian-leaning Riggleman was not: 'His victory, which came on the heels of Corey Stewart’s failed run for the Senate, should be a message for the Virginia GOP'....

"The soundly defeated Corey Stewart represented not only some of the worst aspects of today’s Right in his racist appeal, however intentional or unintentional those appeals were, but his competitive GOP primary opponent Virginia House member Nick Freitas was a libertarian Republican....  Even if he wouldn’t have beaten Democrat Tim Kaine, it is easy to see the libertarian Freitas having significantly more appeal to a larger swath of voters than Stewart. Hopefully this is a lesson Virginia Republicans remember.

"A similar message was sent in South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District, where Republican Katie Arrington was defeated by Democrat Joe Cunningham. Arrington defeated incumbent Rep. Mark Sanford in the Republican primary by touting her pro-Trump credentials.... [A] Democrat hadn’t won [there] in 40 years.... Arrington’s defeat shows that there are limits to merely hanging your hat on Trump, even in red South Carolina. It goes without saying that the libertarian Sanford would have had far more appeal.

"Another libertarian victory of sorts actually came from the Democratic side, where Colorado’s Jared Polis became the first openly gay governor. Polis is the sole Democratic member of the House Liberty Caucus founded by Justin Amash.... This is not to say that the new Democratic governor will always act along liberty lines, but the one Democrat arguably most sympathetic to libertarian ideas and issues got a big win Tuesday.

"The biggest losses for libertarian Republicans were the defeat of Rep. Dave Brat in Virginia’s 7th District, and Eric Brakey, with a failed Senate challenge to Maine’s incumbent Angus King, an independent who overwhelming votes with Democrats. Brat, also a member of the House Liberty Caucus, made waves when he defeated House Majority Leader Eric Cantor in 2014 — and his loss Tuesday was razor-thin. Brakey, a popular two-term Maine state senator, is only 30 years old, a thorough libertarian Republican in the mold of Rand Paul, and hopefully this won’t be the last we hear from him.

"Overall, Tuesday showed ... that libertarian Republicanism not only endures, but prevails, and could be the brand best positioned for future GOP victories."

Read more: https://gdspoliticalanimal.blogspot.com/2018/11/third-libertarian-republican-elected-to.html
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Virginia Libertarians nominate Waters for Senate

Yes, Virginia, There Still Is a Libertarian Party - Bacon's Rebellion - James A. Bacon:

March 12, 2018 - "And in other news largely ignored by Virginia media over the weekend… The Libertarian Party of Virginia nominated Matt Waters, an Alexandria fund-raising consultant, as its candidate for U.S. Senate. Waters will run against Democratic Senator Tim Kaine and whoever wins the Republican Party free-for-all.

"In his speech to LPVA delegates, Waters said his biggest concern is the unsustainable national debt. He characterized the $21 trillion debt as the United States’ biggest national security threat, greater than ISIS or China, and he called for an end to the failed war on drugs, the war on terror, and the war on poverty....
.
"Waters’ immediate challenge is collecting 10,000 signatures of registered voters, always a big hurdle for third-party candidates. Beyond that, he faces the perennial Libertarian Party obstacle of gaining media recognition. Libertarians’ traditionally low vote percentages make it difficult for candidates to get reporters to take them seriously.

"One outside factor might help Waters. The Republican Party of Virginia seems to be in the process of imploding. Mini-Trump candidate Corey Stewart seems best positioned to capture the Republican party nomination, although his victory is far from certain given the number of other candidates.... If Stewart is nominated, he is so polarizing that he will drive many mainstream Republicans out of the party. While Kaine is widely regarded as a genuinely decent guy, he is a cog in a Democratic Party machine that is tilting farther Left every day. Homeless Republicans may well seek refuge with the Libertarian Party."

Read more: http://baconsrebellion.com/42374-2/
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12 Libertarians win office in November elections

Libertarian Party Wins More Than a Dozen Elections Across the Nation - Hit & Run : Reason.com - Brian Doherty:

November 8, 2017 - "The Libertarian Party participated in elections in 12 states yesterday: Connecticut, Florida, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, and Washington. The party's candidates won races (not always partisan ones) in the following states:

• In Florida, party members were elected to the Altamonte Springs City Commission, the Coconut Grove Village Council, and the Cape Canaveral City Council.
• In Pennsylvania, party members were elected Rome Township auditor, Spring Township auditor, auditor of Upper Providence, Victory Township supervisor, Houston Borough judge of elections, Exeter Township school director, Lower Nazareth auditor and judge of elections, constable in Sunbury, and member of the Houston Borough Council.
• In Washington, party members were elected to the Long Beach City Council and the Covington City Council.
• In North Carolina, a party member was elected to the Carthage Town Board of Commissioners.

"While nowhere near the spread between winning Democrat Ralph Northam and losing Republican Ed Gillespie, at least 29,000 Virginians voted for Libertarian Cliff Hyra for governor. Michelle Darnell won an impressive 32 percent in a Washington State Senate race in the Redmond area, though with only one major-party opponent, the winning Democrat.

"Details on the L.P.'s results yesterday can be found on the party's website."

Read more: http://reason.com/blog/2017/11/08/libertarian-party-wins-more-than-a-dozen
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Cliff Hyra condemns opponents' name-calling

Calling himself the 'grown-up in the room,' Libertarian Cliff Hyra bashes Gillespie and Northam over harsh attack ads | Virginia Politics | richmond.com - Graham Moomaw, Richmond Times-Dispatch:

November 2, 2017 - "Libertarian Cliff Hyra wants Virginians to ignore the attack ads in the governor’s race featuring MS-13 gang members, pedophiles and neo-Nazis.... On Thursday, less than a week before Tuesday’s election, Hyra held a news conference at the state Capitol to emphasize his dismay over the 'wild-eyed accusations and divisive rhetoric' flying between Republican Ed Gillespie and Democrat Ralph Northam and their supporters.

"'I fear for the future of our commonwealth and of our nation [when] even the most staid candidates feel that they have to descend to this level of discourse ...' said Hyra, a 35-year-old Mechanicsville patent attorney who will appear on the ballot ... as the only third-party candidate for governor.... '“It’s unbelievable to me that I had to be the grown-up in the room, because these 60-year-old men, these establishment politicians, a sitting lieutenant governor and a (former) chairman of the Republican National Committee apparently think that the best strategy (for) getting elected to the highest position of the state is name-calling'.....

"Gillespie has invested heavily in ads attacking Northam as soft on the Latino street gang MS-13 because Northam voted against a ban on sanctuary cities earlier this year, even though no sanctuary cities exist in Virginia. Gillespie has also used the case of a convicted sex offender to bash Northam for supporting Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s expansive approach to restoring felons’ voting rights.

"Northam and the rest of the Democratic ticket put out a mailer linking Gillespie and President Donald Trump to the Tiki torch-carrying white supremacists who have rallied in Charlottesville, despite Gillespie’s repeated denunciations of the group. An outside group, the Latino Victory Fund, put out a video ad showing a pickup truck with a Confederate flag and Gillespie bumper sticker chasing down minority children....

"All of it, Hyra said, has distracted from real policy discussions that could better serve voters. He ticked off several of his own policy positions, which include legalizing marijuana and other criminal justice reforms, scrapping SOL testing, protecting property owners from eminent domain 'abuse,' opposing proposed pipelines, and cutting taxes and regulation.

"Hyra was not invited to participate in any of the three gubernatorial debates, and his poll numbers have reflected the limited ability of third-party candidates to break through.... He said he’d like to hit 10 percentage points, which would make it easier for Libertarians to get on the ballot in future elections."

Read more: http://www.richmond.com/news/virginia/government-politics/calling-himself-the-grown-up-in-the-room-libertarian-cliff/article_a40aae45-648b-56ae-99e2-943c37e6be31.html
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Associated Press covers Cliff Hyra campaign

Libertarian candidate a longshot who could alter race | National politics | stltoday.com - Alan Suderman, Associated Press:

October 4, 2017 - "Cliff Hyra, the long-shot Libertarian candidate in this year's closely watched race for Virginia governor, ... an intellectual property attorney and 35-year-old father of four, is polling at just a few percentage points in most polls. That's not enough to have a chance to win, but it could be enough to alter what's likely to be a close contest between Republican Ed Gillespie and Democrat Ralph Northam.

"It's unclear who may benefit, and some supporters of both Gillespie and Northam have expressed concern that Hyra could pull critical votes away from their preferred candidate. Adding to the stakes is the fact that Virginia is one of only two states electing new governors this year, and the swing state's contest is getting national attention as a possible early referendum on President Donald Trump.

"But Hyra said he's running to 'move the policy debate' and is not worried about potential side effects.

"'I'm not Republican, I'm not a Democrat, I really don't care if I spoil the election for one or the other,' said Hyra, who has been shut out of the candidate debates and has little money to get his message out. 'If we can build momentum for some of the places where I think Virginia needs to improve ... that's a major reason I'm in the race.'

"Hyra's campaign platform is heavy on protecting personal freedoms and limiting government power. It includes calling for a severe curtailment of the state's numerous food and beverage laws, legalizing marijuana and protecting individual property rights. He said his emphasis on criminal justice reform has already partially paid off by the emphasis both Gillespie and Northam are giving to the issue.

"He said he's gained support from Republican voters turned off by Trump, but is also drawing close looks from environmentalists and landowners who are unhappy with Northam for not opposing two proposed natural gas pipelines. Hyra is the only candidate opposing the pipelines, saying property rights should outweigh a private company's ability to seize land for profit.

"Libertarian campaigns are not new in Virginia. Libertarian Robert Sarvis may have played a pivotal role in the 2013 gubernatorial contest when he won 7 percent, including a high number of independent voters. That campaign was marked by a lack of voter enthusiasm for Democrat Terry McAuliffe, the winner, and Republican Ken Cuccinelli. Support for Sarvis was much lower a year later, though, when he only won 2 percent in a U.S. Senate race where Gillespie narrowly lost to Mark Warner."

Read more: http://www.stltoday.com/news/national/govt-and-politics/libertarian-candidate-a-longshot-who-could-alter-race/article_52271a2c-e8e9-5b1b-8fce-0bd3c51917e2.html
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Hyra excluded from 1st Virginia governor's debate

First Gubernatorial Debate Does Not Include Libertarian Candidate | WVTF - Michael Pope, Virginia Public Radio:

July 24, 2017 - "The first of three debates for governor is scheduled for this weekend, when Democrat Ralph Northam will square off with Republican Ed Gillespie at the Homestead Resort in Hot Springs. But there’s one candidate who’s not invited to the party.

"Libertarian candidate Cliff Hyra spent months collecting signatures of voters to get on the ballot statewide. Last month, the Virginia Department of Elections said he qualified to be on the ballot in every jurisdiction in Virginia. But when voters are confronted with his name they might not know anything about him. That’s because debate organizers of the three debates for governor have not invited him to participate....

"The last Libertarian candidate for governor, Robert Sarvis, says that’s not fair to voters. 'It’s basically undermining the ability of the people to hear different ideas and to see everybody who’s going to be on their ballot. When there’s only three people who are going to be on the ballot, there’s no argument for keeping people out.'

"The bar association policy for who gets to be part of the debate says candidates must be 'significant' to participate, which they define as someone who does well in polling, has raised a significant amount of money and attracted a fair amount of media coverage. The policy doesn’t include any specific numbers for polling or fundraising, leaving it to the judgment of the organizers....

Read more: http://wvtf.org/post/first-gubernatorial-debate-does-not-include-libertarian-candidate
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Virginia Libertarian makes ballot for governor

Libertarian candidate for Virginia governor qualifies for November ballot | Virginia Politics | pilotonline.com - Bill Bartel, Virginian-Pilot:

June 29, 2017 - "Virginians will have a third choice for governor in the Nov. 7 general election.

"Cliff Hyra, a 34-year-old patent attorney from Hanover County, has qualified to be on the ballot as the Libertarian Party candidate, the Virginia Department of Elections confirmed Thursday.

"Hyra and his supporters submitted petitions bearing more than 10,000 signatures to earn a spot....

"Hyra is making his first bid for elected office. He has a law degree from George Mason University and a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering from Virginia Tech, according to his law office website. He is married with three children.

"Four years ago, Libertarian Robert Sarvis qualified for the gubernatorial election but collected less than 7 percent of the popular vote. Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe narrowly defeated GOP candidate Ken Cuccinelli in 2013 by 56,435 votes out of 2.2 million cast."

Read more: https://pilotonline.com/news/government/politics/virginia/libertarian-candidate-for-virginia-governor-qualifies-for-november-ballot/article_2a35de71-fc10-5e5f-a620-4744a6dda7b0.html
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Rapper Fauconier running for Virgina senate

Libertarian rapper's anthem for Virginia Senate run: 'You can't win it if you don't get in it' - Richmond Times-Dispatch: Local News - Graham Moomaw:

December 26, 2016 - "On his latest hip-hop track, Corey Fauconier asks listeners to 'embrace things that are a little different' and jumps right to the hook.

"'You can’t win it if you don’t get in it. So it’s Fauconier for Virginia state Senate. Lyrics are sick like I’m straight out the clinic. MSB produced so you know that WE GET IT!'

"A 45-year-old Libertarian activist from Highland Springs, Fauconier, who goes by 'Sage' when he performs, is a firm believer in music’s power to rally people behind a cause.

With just a few weeks to run an independent campaign against longtime Del. Jennifer L. McClellan, D-Richmond, in a Jan. 10 special election in the heavily Democratic 9th Senate District, he’ll need a surprise smash hit.

"A New York native who moved to the Richmond area after Sept. 11, Fauconier has had a variety of sales and customer service jobs and currently works as a manager at a company that transports railroad workers.

"In his forays into politics, hip-hop is front and center. 'Delegate on Twitter talking hella spit. The Libertarian Party’s not having it. I got a right to bear arms, empty this lyrical clip. It’s a open carry state I’m not concealing it,' Fauconier raps in the song 'Get In It,' which he released last week along with a lyrics sheet bearing his campaign logo.

"In an interview, Fauconier, who supported Libertarian Gary Johnson in the presidential election, said he brings a fresh perspective and will work to appeal to the full range of political thought in the district.... 'There are tea party folks. There are Republicans. There are independents,' he said. 'You have to across the board address everybody'....

"Fauconier said he was inspired by Libertarian Robert Sarvis, who ran for Virginia governor in 2013 and U.S. Senate in 2014. He found the message intriguing, but at Libertarian gatherings, he was often the only African-American in the room. That, he said, was baffling.

"'Because all African-Americans have ever said since the earliest time is we want freedom and we want liberty,' Fauconier said."

Read more: http://www.richmond.com/news/local/article_572bea37-c0c6-5468-ae15-92185add2c94.html
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Richmond Times-Dispatch endorses Johnson

Richmond Times-Dispatch endorses Gary Johnson for president - Richmond Times-Dispatch: OUR OPINION:

September 3, 2016 - "Gary Johnson is a former, two-term governor of New Mexico and a man who built from scratch a construction company that eventually employed more than 1,000 people before he sold it in 1999. He possesses substantial executive experience in both the private and the public sectors.

"More important, he’s a man of good integrity, apparently normal ego and sound ideas. Sadly, in the 2016 presidential contest, those essential qualities make him an anomaly — though they are the foundations for solid leadership and trustworthy character. (At 63, he is also the youngest candidate by more than half a decade — and is polling well among truly young voters.)

"As the nominee of the Libertarian Party, Johnson is expected to be on the ballot in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. He is, in every respect, a legitimate and reasonable contender for the presidency — but only if the voters give him a fair hearing. And that can happen only if he is allowed to participate in the presidential debates that begin on Sept. 26 at Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y. If the Commission on Presidential Debates wants to perform a real service to its country, it will invite Gary Johnson onto the big stage....

"Johnson’s clear and consistent support for limited government, free enterprise, social tolerance and individual freedom appeals to our own philosophical leanings. An examination of his policy positions revealed that they often match our longstanding editorial creed....

"But our final decision to endorse the Johnson/Weld ticket, and to do so with great confidence and enthusiasm, came only after Johnson met with the editorial board last Monday morning. We found him to be knowledgeable but unscripted, reasonable and good-humored, self-assured but free from arrogance, willing and able to address every question, consistent in his beliefs without being dogmatic, even-tempered, curious — and in all respects optimistically, realistically presidential.

"We have over the years interviewed hundreds of politicians — local, state, and national — and there’s no doubt that Johnson belongs in the major leagues, and on the debate stage this fall. He is a skilled and experienced leader, an able communicator, an intelligent man."

Read more: http://www.richmond.com/opinion/our-opinion/article_b79cc2b6-8ed5-532c-92eb-4a37e779c433.html
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Voting for Johnson is "treason against Trump"

Editorial: Trump's Virginia chairman Corey Stewart goes ballistic - Richmond Times-Dispatch:

August 20, 2016 - "As more Republicans run from their presidential nominee, some have begun looking favorably on the Libertarian ticket, which consists of two former Republican governors: Gary Johnson and William Weld. A recent poll showed Johnson at 11 percent in Virginia. Retiring Rep. Scott Rigell, a Republican, has endorsed Johnson.

"'This is not a standard two-person race,' says Liz Mair, a spokesman for Republicans for Johnson/Weld, 'and we might see Johnson gain pretty significant traction here pretty quickly.'

"This news is not being greeted calmly by Team Trump.

"Corey Stewart, chairman of the Prince William Board of Supervisors and head of the Trump campaign in Virginia, called Republican support for Johnson/Weld 'traitorous and destructive'....

"'If we lose, I’ll know where to go to place blame,' Stewart said. 'If they want careers in politics afterwards, they won’t get them. They’ll be destroyed. This is treason against Trump. For whatever reason — their pride, their personal interests — they will damage America permanently by helping elect Hillary Clinton. They are immature babies who are tearing down the Republican Party'....

"The idea that one could commit 'treason against Trump' has some disturbing overtones; it reeks of a personality cult. The bigger question, though, is who bears blame for the GOP’s travails.

"At the start of the campaign, 16 candidates stood for the nomination, including several governors and two U.S. senators. Any one of them likely would be trouncing Hillary Clinton in the polls right now. Instead, voters chose a megalomaniac and pathological liar with zero experience in politics or government and zero fidelity to traditional Republican conservatism.

"The GOP does indeed have a gigantic problem. But the Republicans opposed to Trump didn’t cause it — they were the ones trying to prevent it."

Read more: http://www.richmond.com/opinion/our-opinion/article_304d83a0-cf4e-5725-a0e8-219492f79af8.html

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First congressional endorsement for Johnson

Libertarian Gary Johnson Scores First Congressional Endorsement - Simone Pathe, Roll Call:

August 6, 2015 - "Virginia Republican Scott Rigell is backing the Libertarian candidate for president, former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson, he told the New York Times . 

"He's the first member of Congress to back Johnson, who's running with former Massachusetts Gov. William Weld.

"Rigell has been a supporter of the "Never Trump" movement for months. 'I’ve always said I will not vote for Donald Trump and I will not vote for Hillary Clinton,' Rigell said.

"The three-term congressman represents Virginia's 2nd District, a military-heavy Republican seat on the coast. He announced in January that he would not run for re-election because he had achieved what he set out to do. 

"His district has since been redrawn, making it slightly more Republican. Neighboring Rep. J. Randy Forbes, whose 4th District became more Democratic in redistricting, tried running for the GOP nomination in Rigell's open seat — with his backing — but fell short in the primary . 

"A handful of vulnerable Republicans have said they will not vote for Trump. Illinois Rep. Robert J. Dold , Illinois Sen. Mark Kirk and Florida Rep. Carlos Curbelo have all said Trump won't get their vote. This week, Illinois Rep. Adam Kinzinger joined them in saying he won't vote for Trump."

Read more: http://www.rollcall.com/news/politics/libertarian-gary-johnson-scores-first-congressional-endorsement
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Will Hammer wins LP's Patrick Henry Award

Local Libertarian candidate earns national award from party - The Daily Progress: Politics - Bob Stuart:

June 30, 2016 - "Staunton [Virginia] resident Will Hammer is the recipient of the National Libertarian Party's Patrick Henry Candidate Award for his work in two campaigns for political office.

"Hammer ran as a Libertarian candidate against 6th District Rep. Bob Goodlatte in 2014, and House District 20 Del. Dickie Bell in 2015..... Hammer garnered 12.3 percent of the vote in 2014 when running against incumbent Rep. Goodlatte. In 2015, Hammer received 24.1 percent of the vote in his bid to unseat Bell.

"'It's an honor to have my hard work recognized,'' Hammer said of the Patrick Henry Award. "But I really couldn't have done it without the volunteers working behind the scenes."

"Volunteers assisted Hammer in getting on the ballot for both of his campaigns, and in the actual campaigns. The release detailing his award also speaks of how Hammer spent one sleepless 40-hour stretch in the 2014 congressional campaign traveling to events, speaking and mounting yard signs between Lexington and Front Royal.

"The former candidate said he is hoping for the Libertarian moment. He describes that moment as when a Libertarian 'actually gains election to local or state office. Hammer said he is encouraged by the recent showing of Libertarian presidential candidate Gary Johnson in the polls. The most recent Quinnipiac University poll gives Johnson 8 percent of the vote....

"The Libertarian philosophy is one of empowering the individual and making government as limited as possible, Hammer said. He said Libertarians are fiscally conservative and socially tolerant.

"Hammer, 29, co-founded the first Libertarian group on campus while a student at Hampden-Sydney College. The group was known as the Hampden-Sydney Classical Liberals. A graduate of Hampden-Sydney, Hammer works as a realtor and entrepreneur."

Read more: http://www.dailyprogress.com/townnews/politics/local-libertarian-candidate-earns-national-award-from-party/article_834a2338-3f23-11e6-9037-33574d006225.html
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Paul, Clinton in virtual tie in key swing states

Poll: 'Jeb Bush has a family problem' | WashingtonExaminer.com - Paul Bedard:

February 18,2015 - "Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul’s slow but steady presidential campaign appears to be paying off, as he is now poised as the GOP’s best challenger to Democrat Hillary Clinton in key swing states, including the first 2016 contest in Iowa, according to a new poll.

"The headline on the authoritative Quinnipiac Poll released Wednesday tells the story: 'It's Clinton V. Paul In Colorado, Iowa, Virginia.'

"Paul’s emergence comes as two challengers, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and current Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker are making news, and reinforces claims from his supporters that he is making inroads in key swing and early primary states.

"While some polls focus on the GOP jockeying, the Quinnipiac Poll looks at the likely matchup against Clinton, currently the leader in the Democratic field by a mile. Here’s how those matchups look in Iowa, Virginia and Colorado, three states the poll focused on:

• Colorado: Clinton 43 percent - Paul 41 percent.
• Iowa: Clinton 45 - Paul 37.
• Virginia: Clinton 44 - Paul 42.

"The poll finds good news for Bush and Mike Huckabee also, showing that Bush would do slightly better than Paul against Clinton in Virginia and Huckabee a step ahead of Paul in Iowa. But it’s Paul who is most consistent at or near the top of the poll."

Read more: http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/quinnipiac-rand-paul-the-best-to-beat-clinton-in-key-swing-states/article/2560355
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Robert Sarvis denies "Democratic plant" rumors

Libertarian Sarvis denies being in cahoots with Democrats - Roanoke Times: Politics - Marcus Schmidt, Richmond Times-Dispatch: 

September 30, 2014 -  "Libertarian Robert Sarvis, the only third-party candidate on the ballot in Virginia’s U.S. Senate race, vehemently denies allegations that his Senate campaign and his 2013 gubernatorial bid were meant to help Democrats defeat Republican candidates.

"'It’s just an absurd claim and just a way to scare people,' Sarvis said in an interview Tuesday with editors and reporters at the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

"The rumors date to a story posted by the conservative blog The Blaze shortly before Election Day last year, when Sarvis ran for governor against Democrat Terry McAuliffe and Republican Ken Cuccinelli....

"The blog said that Texas-based software billionaire Joe Liemandt was the major benefactor to the Libertarian Booster PAC, which had contributed $11,454 to Sarvis’ campaign to pay for signature collection, yard signs and campaign materials....

"But in 2012, ABC News reported that Liemandt had also contributed between $100,000 and $200,000 for President Barack Obama’s re-election bid.

"But Sarvis on Tuesday denied that Democrats were actively backing his last campaign and are behind his Senate bid, hoping that his participation in the race will weaken support for Republican Ed Gillespie, who wants to defeat Sen. Mark Warner.

"'We can put the truth out there, but we still get a lot of responses from conservatives who claim that I was a Democratic plant and that I am again this year,' he said. 'The most you can do is to say, well, it’s not true.'

"Wes Benedict, executive director of the Libertarian National Committee and founder of the Libertarian Booster PAC, also denied allegations that his PAC only supported Sarvis’ gubernatorial bid as a tool of moneyed Democratic Party interests."

Read more: http://www.roanoke.com/news/politics/libertarian-sarvis-denies-being-in-cahoots-with-democrats/article_c378acdf-992b-5fec-87a5-1127685381f1.html
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Virginia Libertarians sue over ballot placement

Libertarian Sarvis sues elections board over ballot placement - Richmond Times-Dispatch: Virginia News:

July 3, 2014 - "Robert C. Sarvis, the Libertarian candidate for U.S. Senate, several of the party’s congressional candidates and an independent have filed a federal lawsuit against the Virginia State Board of Elections.

"They are asking the court to strike down Virginia’s law requiring Democrat and Republican candidates to be given the two top spots on ballots.

"In the complaint, the plaintiffs allege that the law violates the First and 14th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution by favoring the election chances of Democrat and Republican candidates at the expense of Libertarian Party and independent candidates. The Rutherford Institute, a conservative nonprofit legal organization, filed the suit Wednesday with the U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of Virginia."

"The complaint says that while it is obvious that, in any given election, some candidate must be listed first, and some candidate listed last, “an electoral system that is designed to ensure that a specific class of candidates always has a ballot position more favorable than other classes of candidates is inherently unconstitutional.”

Read more: http://www.timesdispatch.com/news/state-regional/libertarian-sarvis-sues-elections-board-over-ballot-placement/article_06deb89e-02cc-11e4-b105-001a4bcf6878.html
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