Libertarian National Convention Chooses Presidential Debaters

LAS VEGAS – Delegates of the National Libertarian Convention here Friday chose two  participants of a presidential debate that will precede elections of the Libertarian Party’s Presidential and Vice Presidential nominees.

The debate, a key event in the nominating process, will begin at 6:00 P.M. Friday, May 4th at the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas, Nev. and will broadcast live on C-Span It will be moderated by David Bergland, a former party National Chair and the 1984 presidential nominee.

According to the results of a secret vote, taking part in tonight’s debate will be:

Gary Johnson, a former two-term governor for New Mexico, whose frequent use of the veto pen has earned him the nickname of “Governor Veto.” He cut taxes 14 times while never raising them. See also www.garyjohnson2012.com

R. Lee Wrights, a long-time Libertarian Party activist, writer and publisher. Mr. Wrights has dedicated his life and career to promoting the ideas of small government and individual freedom. See also LibertyForAll.net

“Everything points to a vigorous, interesting debate,” said Mark Hinkle, Libertarian Party Chair. “Both the debaters are seasoned politicians with solid Libertarian credentials. We’re looking forward to a campaign that will showcase our beliefs and values. We’re the small government alternative to Big Government Democrats and Republicans, which resonates with millions of voters who are deeply concerned with our weak economy and who fear it will get worse.”

The debaters were selected by convention delegates in a secret ballot, in which a candidate needed to score10 percent of the vote or higher to be allowed to take part.

While participation in the debate does not guarantee nomination for President, the poll serves as an important indicator of delegate preferences.

The Presidential and Vice Presidential nominees will be elected at the convention Saturday through independent voting processes starting with the presidential nomination. In the Libertarian Party, the Presidential nominee does not choose his or her running mate.

Party rules call for selecting the nominees through several rounds of balloting. If no candidate for President or Vice President attains a majority on the first ballot, the candidate finishing last will be eliminated from the race. In addition, any candidate polling less than 5 percent will also be eliminated from the subsequent ballot. A candidate securing a majority of convention delegates will be the nominee. All elections are being conducted at no expense to taxpayers.

The Libertarian Party is the third largest political party in the United States, which is active in all 50 states and has more than 250,000 registered voters.

Libertarians call for ending government interference in personal, family and business decisions, much lower government spending, repeal of dangerous and unnecessary regulations, lower taxes, a currency free of government manipulation, free trade, and a peaceful, non-interventionist foreign policy.

Millions of Americans have voted for Libertarian Party candidates in past elections throughout the country, despite the fact that many state governments place roadblocks in order to keep third party candidates off the ballot and deprive voters of a real choice.

Additional information about the 2012 Libertarian National Convention can be found at www.LibertyWillWin.com.

Additional information about the Libertarian Party can be found at www.LP.org.