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| Affiliation | Libertarian |
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| Name | Gene A. Cisewski |
| Address |
, , United States |
| Email | None |
| Website | None |
| Born |
Unknown
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| Contributor | Thomas Walker |
| Last Modifed | Thomas Walker
Jun 08, 2005 03:58pm |
| Tags |
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| Info | Are you more free today than when the Libertarian Party was founded 27 years ago? If you can say government is less intrusive, then you'd be wise to do the George Bush thing and stay the course.
Yet if you share my fear that we have not made enough of a dent in our mission to create a libertarian society through the electoral process, we have work to do.
The LP stands on the brink of great opportunity. Yet if we are not more effective in our work for freedom, you and I won't see liberty in our lifetime. With your support, I will help lead us to new victories -- victories not measured only in membership numbers, but also by the changes in government that will make a difference in your life.
The first step is a reality check. In strategic planning, one calls this situation analysis. We look at our resources, both in financial areas and people power. We also have to honestly look at what it is we must conquer to succeed.
To change government, we have to win in the electoral arena. Some say the Socialists won much of what they wanted without winning elections. That's not true. They won grassroots elections. They captured 42 significant mayorships, taking over entire city and county governments. The reason Democrats adopted so much of that agenda had nothing to do with enlightenment. It was the power they were rapidly losing at the grassroots. This historical lesson must not be lost on us today.
Campaigns and Elections reports more than 500,000 elected offices in the country. We have about 160. How can anybody tell you that we can make a significant difference in the way you are governed at our current pace?
More money and members are important for success. There's universal agreement about that. Having raised more than a million dollars for libertarians in the last three years, along with 20 years in broadcast advertising and direct mail marketing, guarantees that I can continue those successes. Yet these two elements alone are not enough. It's irresponsible to suggest that when party membership reaches some magical number, we'll be contenders. We have to build the infrastructure that provides us with our product: viable candidates.
Other strategic elements I will pursue in developing a strong partnership with all levels of our party, include:
* Getting political operatives into the field to train grassroots leaders the elements of political success is a priority. It's teaching people to fish rather than throwing them a fish. As state and local parties grow, the need for this service will diminish. Yet we will have a trained crop of professional organizers to provide the pool of talent from which grassroots parties can tap for their own staffs.
* We also have to act on growing libertarian sentiments on campuses. Most folks adopt life-long politics in their late teens to early twenties. It's more cost efficient bringing people into the party when they are receptive than waiting until they're stuck in a rut. Young folks don't represent the biggest voting block or great potential for donors in the short term, yet their life-long contributions will keep our party alive and growing.
* We have to build up our candidates with the media. When the national office books media appearances, they must tap a database of LP candidates and office holders. They have to have the exposure to earn credibility in the electoral arena.
* We have to run more races to win. Taking advantage of easier ballot access will backfire if we do not score more victories. Without that, a losers' image will be the perpetual view of the LP among the media and voters. Consider Republican Harold Stassen -- a legitimate contender in the 1950s. After racking up many losses, he was only a joke. Similarly, American Communist Gus Hall ran for president so frequently it signaled his ideology's death.
* Finally, I want a national office without so much as the appearance of conflict of interest for our 2000 presidential contest. The party belongs to all members. It cannot give the appearance of favoring one good candidate over another. Harry Browne is a great spokesperson for the LP. Yet names like Jacob Hornberger and Walter Williams have recently circulated as people who might carry our banner in 2000. I want them to compete for your support on a level playing field.
The reality check portion of strategic planning for the LP's growth and future can be almost daunting, yet I'm optimistic. If we channel our talents more effectively, you and I will see liberty in our lifetime. If you share my view that we can do even better I'd appreciate your support.
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| RACES |
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07/05/1998 |
LNC Chair |
Lost 39.38% (-17.81%)
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07/04/1996 |
LNC Chair |
Lost 40.00% (-20.00%)
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