The Libertarian of Texas is looking for candidates to run in the 2008 elections. Local party leaders came to Austin Saturday to spread the word.
With record low approval ratings for the president and congress
these days, party leaders say 2008 could be their year.
"There's never been a better political environment for us," said Wes Benedict, the Travis County Libertarian Party chair.
Party leaders are urging would-be candidates to take advantage of that environment.
"In 2006 we had a record 168 candidates on the ballot in Texas
for the Libertarian party. And we're hoping in 2008 we can break
that record by quite a bit," Benedict said.
In order to reach that goal, party representatives are on a statewide recruitment campaign.
"Since typically we've been the underdog, we usually don't get the powerful backing of the unions, like the police unions,
and the business groups. So it's kind of a grassroots, individual effort," Benedict said.
That effort is to push for economic freedom, greater civil liberties, and a smaller government.
"The government has to do its very limited role, kind of like a referee, and then basically get out of the way and let the players, the people, have a good life," party member Ben Easton said.
Easton ran for state representative of district 48 in 2006. He lost that race to democrat Donna Howard, but plans to run again next year.
If Easton wins, he'd make party history. Unlike Alaska and New Hampshire, Texas has never had a Libertarian in office at the State Capital.
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Third party
The Libertarian party thinks that in the current political climate, they could make gains in 2008.
 
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Party leaders say candidates here have gotten about two to seven percent of the votes in the past. They're not expecting miracles in 2008, but they do hope to up that percentage.
"By voting libertarian, you send a very clear message that you're
dissatisfied with Republicans and Democrats," Benedict said.
Those who want to send an even clearer message can enter the race themselves, Benedict said.
"It's time to stop complaining about politics and run for office
yourself. We're looking for people to run as Libertarians. That way, you can get out the message you want. And if you win, you can implement the policies that you want."
Now party leaders are off to 24 other Texas cities to spread that message.
Two of the Libertarian party's past presidential candidates have
been Texans. One was Michael Badnarik, an Austinite who ran in 2004. The second was Ron Paul in 1988. Paul is running again in the current presidential election, but as a Republican.
