Forming the Boston Tea Party
The Boston Tea Party was formed in 2006. During the Libertarian Party's midterm national convention, changes to the party's platform were adopted which some party members felt represented a break with the original principles of libertarianism. Thomas L. Knapp formed the Boston Tea Party and served as the first national chairman until a national organizing convention was held later in the year. A brief platform was adopted, which reads: "The Boston Tea Party supports reducing the size, scope and power of government at all levels and on all issues, and opposes increasing the size, scope and power of government at any level, for any purpose." The party spread its ideas through internet activity, resulting in the organizing of several st
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Forming the Boston Tea Party
The Boston Tea Party was formed in 2006. During the Libertarian Party's midterm national convention, changes to the party's platform were adopted which some party members felt represented a break with the original principles of libertarianism. Thomas L. Knapp formed the Boston Tea Party and served as the first national chairman until a national organizing convention was held later in the year. A brief platform was adopted, which reads: "The Boston Tea Party supports reducing the size, scope and power of government at all levels and on all issues, and opposes increasing the size, scope and power of government at any level, for any purpose." The party spread its ideas through internet activity, resulting in the organizing of several state chapters in 2007.
The National Convention
The Boston Tea Party chose its national ticket via internet on 6/15-16/2008. Charles "CJ" Jay, who had been the nominee of the Personal Choice Party, announced his candidacy on 6/2/2008. Jay, who had moved from Utah to Florida since his 2004 race, said that since his small political party had a like-minded set of principles and was also comprised of former Libertarians. His opponent for the presidential nomination was Robert Milnes, though those with accounts were allowed to vote "None of the Above." Those with accounts could also vote in the vice presidential nomination, being contested by Knapp, Todd Barnett, and Chris Bennett. Just before the voting took place, national vice chairman Tom Stevens left the party, and the New York State affiliate was disbanded.
The balloting was complicated by interference. Because anyone could establish an account and vote, some people who were not affiliated with the party created accounts and cast at least 12 votes for NOTA. An active candidate noted that something was wrong and set up two fake accounts just to verify what was happening. Party leaders identified 12 accounts that appeared to be spurious and removed those votes. After all the dust had settled, Jay won the presidential nomination as shown here, and Knapp won the vice presidential nomination.
The Jay-Knapp ticket achieved ballot status in three states: Colorado, Florida, and Tennessee. It won 2,422 popular votes in the election.
Popular Vote of 2008
Electoral Vote of 2008
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28 (66.67%)