Commenting on Mr. Lorrey’s last:
I don’t disagree, but I don’t want to put an emphasis on New Hampshire’s “lead†on the rest of the nation, or rate other candidate states downward. Some of our difference is, I think, semantics. You say the NHLP has “the best election recordâ€.
The low signature requirement you cite is indeed very important.
In lurking on other discussions, I find that too many of the words chosen to recommend one's chosen state versus others are loaded words, in that they knock earnest partisans of other states.
I don’t intend to knock the success of people I don’t know, namely the members of the NHLP, and I hope nothing below is construed that way.
As for the number of officeholders. First, in NH there are 26 officeholders, not 29. Don Gorman holds three positions, and Stephen G. Davis two. That would lower your "three to one" ratio somewhat, but I don't think the contrast with other states is important.
Of the 26, I don’t know and haven’t got the time right now to learn how many might be non-elected and just what the various boards and commissions might do or prevent from being done to the individual; maybe you have that information handy.
Perhaps this is something which current residents of New Hampshire have already posted elsewhere and which would make a good primer for those of us who would be moving in. Best to know what we're walking into.
Of course, only those holding elective office can be counted when one is talking about “the best election recordâ€. A better indication of NHLP success is the fact that, if I've got it right, three elected people were just re-elected. Another will be further success at recruitment of new candidates.
I don’t discount the value of any non-elected posts, I just don’t know enough about the various boards and commissions, etc. are, to know if they help put NH further “out of the gate†than other states. So I’ll refrain from any judgements on that either way.
Anyway, in my comments, I was concentrating on the 400 member General Court (I think it’s 24 or so senators and the rest on the other, representative side of the legislature).
I’m all for the more “pragmatic†and “hands on†approach which I understand the NHLP has recently chosen to pursue. Indeed, a whole slew of new activists would find fertile grounds when coming to a state where the LP already was more than a supper club.
And it's best to start at races for which people want to run and at which they can begin to make a difference, rather than just mounting paper candidacies. That newer focus of the NHLP is a solid recommendation.
My question remains: of what practical use are these “office holder†numbers in determining which state for the FSP?
Basically, nowhere is the LP far enough down the road, or “out of the gate†or whatever language we choose to brag about it. That’s not saying that those in the NHLP shouldn’t be happy about their success and energized to further accomplishment. Obviously, they should. I salute them.
About 20 years ago, a noted Libertarian (who goes nameless here because I don’t know the person’s disposition on the FSP) and I discussed the fact that many of our fellow California LP members were touting the fact that the California LP had passed the Peace and Freedom Party in statewide registration. That noted Libertarian said: “That’s like saying we’re better than dogshit.â€
Again, any of the fifty states is okay to target for a beachhead landing of the FSP; or 1,000 activists (the most I feel will come out of any plan for 20,000) spread around the country. That number beats to hell any number ever fielded by the Libertarian Party, which, with a paucity of numbers still has managed to obtain ballot status and ballot access victories, continually and nationwide since 1980.
As for the Governor, I’ve noticed that NH FSPer’s continually mention Gov. Benson, and some go as far as to assert something to the effect that “he’s one of usâ€. Having a Governor, of a generally pathetic and morally bankrupt party doesn’t sway me. I just don’t see why having a Governor who has been friendly to the FSP is a leg up on other candidate states. That said, I recognize that the New Hampshire version of Republican may be a heck of alot better than what it is here in Colorado and elsewhere. Another solid recommendation.
As to his personal positions, Benson backs parental notification. Since he advocates sending goons into doctors’ offices and feels it’s okay to stick government’s big nose into the doctor patient relationship, I’d vote against him the same as if he proposed to unleash the gun grabbers or hobnob with IRS agents; and I know he’s after my dimes and compliance to fund his social goals; I won’t grant either.
I don’t know anything about his stance on the Drug War, which, among other things, is a huge pocketbook issue.
As goes the quote from the NHLP website: “In matters of principle, stand like a rock.â€---Thomas Jefferson. And a well chosen quote it is.
That said, I could work with anyone who disagrees with me on that one subject and who agrees to hold the line against, say, new taxes, an income tax, etc.
The best thing I’ve seen about NH is the enthusiasm of the various FSP members. Though many of the claims don’t sway me, that enthusiasm IS a factor. Wyoming has that going for itself as well. I don't live in either state, and I consider that a draw.
Another post in another discussion complained that not enough people attended the meeting in New Hampshire. I found that position curious. The fact that the meeting WAS held and that it drew SO WELL was a good indication to me that NH deserves credit and consideration from any FSP voter.
It still comes down to Sorens and Co. having an exciting idea and doing something with it. My reason for making the committment. I discount most of the "flaming" talk for or against any state, and believe that most of those people won't move anywhere, anytime.
I don’t really care which state is chosen. If not Wyoming, hell, I’d go anywhere if someone had the moxie to pull even half that 1,000 activists, actually, even one tenth that. I'd just have to buy a little more gas to get there.
The rotten climate there ain’t so much a sacrifice since I’ve already lowered my standards enough to have lived in Oregon, New York, Conn. and Colorado. And I hear the fall colors are maybe near as nice as Conn and Vermont. That too is something.
