Phillies speaks out against potential Barr presidential campaign
An excerpt of the statement by George Phillies, from Miller Politics:
[Bob] Barr’s real positions may also be seen from the candidates his PAC supports. In 2007, Barr’s PAC supported conservatives Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) and John Sununu (R-NH). This Fall, those men both have Libertarian opponents. Libertarians must ask: Whose side is Barr on? Suppose Barr were given our nomination and campaigned in Georgia or New Hampshire. Will he campaign with the candidate who carries our party’s banner, or the candidate who cashed Barr’s check?
In December, 2007, the Libertarian National Committee voted without objection to support Ron Paul with the National Committee’s ‘Ballot Base’ software program. In my opinion, using Libertarian party resources to help a Republican, in a race in which there will surely be a Libertarian opponent, was a gross breach of fiduciary responsibility by the Libertarian National Committee. Among those not objecting was Barr.
Phillies also points out that some candidates declare at the last minute, to avoid having their weaknesses exposed. He went on to say that last year, Barr attacked Kentucky gubernatorial candidate Anne Northrup, because she did not support prayer in schools; and instead campaigned for her opponent, Ernie Fletcher. Phillies correctly notes that no libertarian would ever take the stance that a Christian prayer should be forced upon children legally required to attend school.
I would additionally note that Fletcher was criminally charged in 2006 with illegally rewarding political supporters with state jobs. A grand jury report found that Fletcher had approved a “widespread and coordinated plan” to skirt hiring laws, and in response Fletcher granted a blanket pardon for everyone involved. Barr thus showed extremely poor judgment, at best, in supporting Fletcher.
Therefore, I agree with Phillies. It would indeed be “totally inappropriate” for Bob Barr to represent the LP as its presidential nominee.
If Bob Barr wants Libertarian support, he needs to leave the Republican Party behind, and fully embrace the Libertarian Party. Otherwise, there is no reason for Libertarians to embrace him at all.
March 25, 2008 at 1:05 am
I disagree. I would fully support Bob Barr. He has certainly done more for the Libertarian Party since his arrival than George Phillies has. George spends the majority of his efforts complaining rather than building, which is what he promised he would do.
If Phillies wants to walk the walk and talk the talk, he always states that he wants to help build at the state and local level. Well if thats the case, could he possibly contact MY LOCAL EC and convince them of the importance of running candidates for every level of office, even if there are “conflicts of interest”. George would get my vote if he could help me out because NOBODY is in my corner at the moment, other than the few I’ve spoke to about this.
I haven’t really gone public with the reasons as to why I’m not running for office this year in Michigan but it has to do with our crappy local leadership putting their personal lives over the “greater good” of the Libertarian movement. ENM knows all about it. Maybe I should go “public” but not sure what that would accomplish, as we don’t need more party fighting, but I just feel so alone.
Sorry, I’m a bit high on pain pills and felt the need to vent. None of this may have made much sense. My dreams were crushed this year and although I support the LP’s efforts still, I feel betrayed locally. It seems I get more respect online from activists than I do from the members in our local area and I’m not sure why. I’d probably get more support running for Vice President one day than I would locally running for county office. Its just so frustrating and has left me a bit depressed. I know I could be a good candidate and I know I would represent the party well, but our “local leaders” don’t understand that. They are more interested in complaining once a month over the government while drinking beer than to actually attempt to do something about it.
March 25, 2008 at 2:26 am
Once again I agree with ENM & Prof. Phillies. Jason Gatties, could you provide more info?
March 25, 2008 at 11:44 pm
Nope. I stand behind what I said here but its a personal issue I’m going through with local EC leaders basically black balling people from running for certain office due to various “conflicts of interest” But, I was on pain pills and probably should have kept my mouth shut, cause I don’t wish to contribute to a growing problem in our party, that being “in fighting”.
Also for the record, unlike some LP activists, I’ve never had a negative thing to say about Robert Milnes. I respect Robert for standing behind what he believes in. There’s nothing fake about Robert. I may not agree, but I respect his attempt at gaining the LP nomination. I can’t say the same for others trying to get the LP nomination.
March 26, 2008 at 4:28 am
George is building local organizations based on the local organizations we have for the campaign, but he cannot be expected to build local organizations in every country in the United States, nor be blamed for the lack of competence of a poorly run local organization.
I’d be interested in hearing the details of what’s going on and why you aren’t getting any support. I might be able to help — shoot me an e-mail if you want.
March 26, 2008 at 5:14 am
My point was…George spends way too much time bitching about the LNC, Ron Paul, Liberty Decides, etc. And now Bob Barr. Guess what, you are turning away people who once considered supporting you.
People are sick of negativity and frankly Phillies, Smith & Root simply OOOOOZE negativity.
I pray Bob Barr, Mary Ruwart, Steve Kubby or Mike Gravel gets the nomination. Otherwise, I will not vote Libertarian for President for the first time ever.
March 26, 2008 at 5:16 am
The ONLY good thing George Phillies has going for him is Jake Porter….
March 26, 2008 at 5:19 am
I also believe I mentioned for the record that I was HIGH on pain pills when I made the original rant. Had I had a clear mind, I wouldn’t have mixed my personal issues in with George’s continued negativity.
But…incase people still can’t read…I WAS HIGH WHEN I FIRST COMMENTED. I give no fucks, not like I won’t admit when I was high on something.
March 26, 2008 at 4:00 pm
I do indeed know what Jason is talking about, and I think he has an extremely legitimate complaint. In fact, I’d be absolutely livid, if I were in his shoes. However, I haven’t said anything about it because I figured that, if he wanted people to know details, he’d either tell them himself or contact me directly to let me know it was okay to talk about it. In the meantime I’m not going to say anything to anyone about it, because when someone tells me something in a private communication, I assume it was said in confidence unless they tell me otherwise.
I hope you are feeling better, Jason. :-)
March 27, 2008 at 2:01 am
My back sucks…haha. I’ve been on and off pain killers all week. As soon as I can afford to take a couple months off work, I’m going to have surgery.
March 27, 2008 at 2:30 am
Wow, Jason, I’m sorry you are having back problems! I definitely feel your pain, figuratively and literally. I hope you can get it resolved sooner rather than later. Any idea when you will be able to take the time off to have surgery?
March 27, 2008 at 2:29 pm
Atleast a year. I’m 32 and I’ve had these back issues since my early 20’s. If I don’t have the surgery done, I will probably end up in a wheel chair eventually. Its pretty bad. I’m in pain every day of my life, but some days are just harder than others. I can go months just dealing with the pain and then boom…my back gives out and I’m stuck in bed for several days. This past weekend, my wife had to literally help me get around. That happens from time to time.
It kills Cilla seeing me in so much pain, but she’s been so strong for me and that helps out a lot.
April 14, 2008 at 1:04 am
[quote]If Phillies wants to walk the walk and talk the talk, he always states that he wants to help build at the state and local level. Well if thats the case, could he possibly contact MY LOCAL EC and convince them of the importance of running candidates for every level of office, even if there are “conflicts of interest”. George would get my vote if he could help me out because NOBODY is in my corner at the moment, other than the few I’ve spoke to about this.[/quote]
If by “EC” you mean “Executive Committee,” why do they need Phillies to tell them this? Shouldn’t they know this already?
May 18, 2008 at 2:31 am
I fail to see how the agenda of Barr promotes Libertarianism.
I do not need him to protect my marriage. I guess the kids at Waco could have used some protection, as the inhabitants of the countries which are ruled my dictators which Barr Supports.
In Massachusetts George Phillies has worked to recruit local candidates.
He could very easily ignore other candidates running for office at this time, but he has not. In the past most candidates at the top of the ticket ignored those at the bottom of the ticket. While they were building a personal campaign they were not building a party.
Jason Gatties expects us to take is word for things while not telling us the whole story for “personal reasons.”
So Why do we not have a bigger party in Massachusetts? It is not because of George Phillies. It is because of the “Cappuccino Libertarians” They may debate theory over coffee, donate to Cato Institute, and attend a convention, but they will not knock on doors at election time. Now they are actually supporting other parties and then blaming Phillies and others for not having a strong Libertarian Party.
I suspect every state has its Cappuccino Libertarians. Gatties should inspire them into action, he has an opportunity to excel.