Libertarian Leadership Conference in Nevada
Posted by Doug Craig at 2/14/2008 9:59 PM 
Categories: Libertarian Leadership, LP, Libertarian Party, christine Smith
Categories: Libertarian Leadership, LP, Libertarian Party, christine Smith
Since so many Libertarians are asking me if I'm attending the Libertarian leadership conference in Las Vegas this weekend (Feb. 15-17, 2008), the answer is absolutely not...this is because of their requirement that I, as a LP presidential candidate, must pay $500 to participate in the presidential candidate debate. I was disgusted when I was informed of this exploitation of LP presidential candidates and I am not attending because of it.
I regret not being there because I was so looking forward to meeting many Libertarian activists, state chairs, and other Libertarian officers and candidates.
It is a wonderful idea to bring so many Libertarians together for the purpose of building our party, and I find it deplorable such an important event would be used to make money off of the LP presidential candidates.
$500 to be in the presidential debate...and apparently they didn't notify Libertarians attending that's what they required of us, since everyone who has asked me and I've shared it with them has been shocked to learn this.
It looks like people attending assumed it was an open presidential debate in which we were all invited to participate in - but actually the "invitation" was nothing of the sort - instead it was a demand for $500 or else you can't be in the debate. I wonder how many attending will also be disappointed if the significant LP presidential candidates do not come.
Jim Duensing, Chair LSLA & Chair Nevada Libertarian Party, wrote that "...The 2008 Leadership Conference is the largest in the history of the LP. It is where all the Libertarian leaders, organizers, and serious activists come to help build our party...Based on past attendance, the fact this this event is the largest Leadership Conference in LP history, and on the number of tickets already purchased, I expect more than 100 of the Libertarian Party's most influential leaders, candidates, organizers, and activists to be in attendance..."
He went on to say that the $500 was a "debate fee" covering 3 meals and "entrance into the Presidential debate. Announced candidates who do not support the LSLA by donating the debate fee will not be included in the debate." He finished with a link to a form at which one must pay the "National Libertarian Leadership Conference: Presidential Debate Registration $500." (Interesting, anyone else attending, besides presidential candidates, could purchase a full pass to attend everything for only $200 on their website.)
Never have I (or anyone else I've spoken with) heard of such an outrageous requirement.
I am sorry I will be unable to meet those of you who are attending from across the country, but I am not going to allow my campaign to be exploited. I am very disappointed, but look forward to meeting more Libertarians nationwide at other Libertarian/libertarian events and conventions who know how to hosts presidential candidate forums/debates in a respectful appreciative manner.
Christine Smith
Libertarian Candidate for President
http://www.LibertarianForPresident.com
Christine Smith for President
PAID FOR BY CHRISTINE SMITH FOR PRESIDENT
I regret not being there because I was so looking forward to meeting many Libertarian activists, state chairs, and other Libertarian officers and candidates.
It is a wonderful idea to bring so many Libertarians together for the purpose of building our party, and I find it deplorable such an important event would be used to make money off of the LP presidential candidates.
$500 to be in the presidential debate...and apparently they didn't notify Libertarians attending that's what they required of us, since everyone who has asked me and I've shared it with them has been shocked to learn this.
It looks like people attending assumed it was an open presidential debate in which we were all invited to participate in - but actually the "invitation" was nothing of the sort - instead it was a demand for $500 or else you can't be in the debate. I wonder how many attending will also be disappointed if the significant LP presidential candidates do not come.
Jim Duensing, Chair LSLA & Chair Nevada Libertarian Party, wrote that "...The 2008 Leadership Conference is the largest in the history of the LP. It is where all the Libertarian leaders, organizers, and serious activists come to help build our party...Based on past attendance, the fact this this event is the largest Leadership Conference in LP history, and on the number of tickets already purchased, I expect more than 100 of the Libertarian Party's most influential leaders, candidates, organizers, and activists to be in attendance..."
He went on to say that the $500 was a "debate fee" covering 3 meals and "entrance into the Presidential debate. Announced candidates who do not support the LSLA by donating the debate fee will not be included in the debate." He finished with a link to a form at which one must pay the "National Libertarian Leadership Conference: Presidential Debate Registration $500." (Interesting, anyone else attending, besides presidential candidates, could purchase a full pass to attend everything for only $200 on their website.)
Never have I (or anyone else I've spoken with) heard of such an outrageous requirement.
I am sorry I will be unable to meet those of you who are attending from across the country, but I am not going to allow my campaign to be exploited. I am very disappointed, but look forward to meeting more Libertarians nationwide at other Libertarian/libertarian events and conventions who know how to hosts presidential candidate forums/debates in a respectful appreciative manner.
Christine Smith
Libertarian Candidate for President
http://www.LibertarianForPresident.com
Christine Smith for President
PAID FOR BY CHRISTINE SMITH FOR PRESIDENT
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