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 Bill Westmiller National Chairman |
New York hasn't been a leading
RLC state in the past, but one activist member, Carl Svensson, has
qualified it as our 15th Chartered state and one of our most active.
Congratulations to Carl and all the NY members who assisted in that
effort. Beyond organization, New York has four RLC members running for office this year, and a prominent endorsement of Bill Weld for Governor. Normally, the RLC focuses on a handful of our favorite candidates, but this year we've identified more than a hundred federal, state, and local contenders who are worthy of your support. Check out your state or contribute to RLCUSA-PAC for federal offices. Plans to issue a printed newsletter and upgrade our website are in progress. Completed projects: the 2005 Liberty Index, a new RLC logo and lapel pin, an expanded list of state eGroups, media attention on prominent issues and solicitations to sympathetic organizations. On our 15th Anniversary, we're looking forward to a very successful election season and the National Convention in Florida. We hope you'll join us in the pursuit of liberty.  |
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| New York Rocks! In less than three months, an energetic New York businessman has expanded a sparse email list into a strong RLC organization. Carl Svensson of Middletown assumed a Co-Coordinator position early this year and almost single-handedly recruited 20 Chartering members, including a dozen Directors and four regional Chairs, to give the state chapter a running start for this year's elections. That boost encouraged long-time RLC activist Stuart W. Mirsky to pursue - and win - the GOP nomination for the 23rd state Assembly District. He garnered the ballot line of the Conservative Party, and possibly the LP, in the unusual multi-line New York balloting scheme. RLC members Warren Redlich and Dr. Steve Finger have filed in the GOP primary in their Congressional Districts and RLC member Gerry Gershonowitz is seeking three party lines in his run for a Westchester Assembly seat. The RLC endorsement of William Weld for Governor earned coverage on the candidate's website, but not as much media attention as his endorsement for the Libertarian Party line. We've established a good relationship with the Weld campaign and our endorsement of the "anti-Hillary", John Spencer, will also improve RLC visibility. |
 Stu Mirsky |
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100+ Candidates Roll! The number of candidates seeking RLC endorsement exploded this year, far beyond our usual favorites: Ron Paul and Jeff Flake. New 2005 Liberty Index ratings merited endorsements for many incumbents, and RLC members and friends surfaced in almost every state, ready for serious and viable campaigns for public office. Visit our new website lookup for a full listing. |
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| Maine Gains RLC Charter As a newly elected state legislator, Ken Lindell hasn't cut back on RLC organizing. He led a successful effort to qualify Maine as our 14th Chartered State, where he continues to serve as Chairman. He has several legislators interested in the RLC and several RLC members interested in joining him in a Maine legislative 'Liberty Caucus'. Members setup a WSPQ booth at the GOP State Convention in May, receiving a warm reception and several new members. "More than 50 people took the quiz and about 60% scored in the libertarian quadrant. Four legislative candidates signed the Liberty Compact," reports Ken, "It was a good effort for a one week old organization." |
 Rep. Ken Lindell |
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 Lisa Bullion  Bob Burg  John Hallman |
Two Florida Victories Florida RLCers won two major victories already this year, advocating a state ban on government takings of private property for private redevelopment and defeating a legislative effort to extend Florida's voter-approved term limits from eight to 12 years. Both were successful. "Our experience during the 2006 session is evidence that the RLC's principled and practical strategy is the right one to advance libertarian policy," said RLCFL Chair Lisa Bullion. "The RLC took a lead role in two important issues of the day and our efforts were rewarded." 
State activists joined the Institute for Justice’s Castle
Coalition, groups pushing for a constitutional ban on Kelo-style
takings and teamed up with the grass roots activist FreedomWorks in two days of direct lobbying with
dozens of state legislators. The result was legislation signed by
Governor Bush which stopped many development takings across the
state.RLCer Bob Burg led the term-limits fight, with his 'Eight is Still Enough' campaign. The effort got broad popular support, forcing the legislature to abandon plans to extend term limits by four years. "This is a great day for Florida and its citizenry," said Burg. "It shows that we'll only let the government go so far before letting them know that they work for us, we don't work for them." George Blumel also received prominent media attention in the campaign.  The state Board has engaged
Florida FreedomWorks Director John Hallman to assist the RLC with
fundraising and GOP events around the state. He organized a
Washington, DC lobbying effort that included several Florida
RLC members. |
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| Out of the Norm Few members will be surprised by our endorsement of gubernatorial candidates Mark Sanford, "Butch" Otter, or even Ken Blackwell. But, what is the Republican Liberty Caucus doing endorsing a Libertarian Party candidate? As it happens, we consider that option whenever there is no official GOP nominee. In the case of the Minnesota Governor's race, our endorsement goes to Sue Jeffers,a "life-long" Republican who "has always voted GOP", worked on the incumbent Republican's campaign four years ago, and is now seeking the Republican Party nomination - in addition to her Libertarian Party designation. Minnesota has both party conventions and primary elections. Sue was nominated by the LP convention and is seeking the nomination of the GOP convention. The convention [June 1st] results have no bearing on the actual candidates who are formally nominated in each of the party's September primary elections. Although the incumbent Republican Governor, Tim Pawlenty is seeking re-election, the GOP nomination is an open issue until after the primary elections. While Pawlenty has good ratings from the Cato Institute and has made an effort to reduce spending, we believe Jeffers' nomination would focus the party on a firm agenda in pursuit of liberty. The Jeffers campaign welcomed our endorsement, which got a lot of blogosphere attention. The National Board confirmed the endorsement of the Minnesota RLC, which is a Chartered state. More details and links are available on our candidate website. |
 Sue Jeffers |
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 DisneyWorld |
Mark the Date Details are still being finalized, but mark your calendar for September 19-21st in Kissimmee, Florida. The semi-annual National Convention of the RLC will be held that 'Constitution Day' weekend, for official business and prominent speakers. Arrangements are being finalized for many prominent RLC legislators, officials, and activists to address the convention. Don't miss it! |
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| RLC
2005 Liberty Index Liberty Index Editor Clifford Thies reviews the roll call votes of the First session of the 109th Congress, picking the hot topics from the past year of legislative debate. As in previous years, Project Vote Smart highlights our ratings in their candidate backgrounders. State Lookup of Liberty Index scores. |
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Join the RLC Today! |
Republican
Liberty Caucus PO Box 410045 Melbourne, Florida 32941-0045 (866) RLC-LIBERTY [752-5423] www.RLC.org |
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| This Liberty Watch on the Web | |||
| 05/31/2006 | |||
