LP Growing...

From the national LP...

Washington, D.C. - While Republicans and Democrats struggled with members abandoning the party in pursuit of political alternatives, the Libertarian Party saw an increase in membership of 25 percent for the year. "The numbers show what everybody has been saying--people are not happy with the two-party system and are ready for a change," says Libertarian Party Executive Director Shane Cory.

"The two-party system has failed the American public," says Cory, "and people are looking for a viable alternative in hopes of returning America to the right path. Our numbers are a clear indication of the failure of Republicans and Democrats."

From Dec. 2006 to Dec. of this year, the Libertarian Party saw an increase of 25 percent in membership. Major issues for new Libertarian members include disapproval of the war in Iraq and the use of torture in the so-called "War on Terror," excessive spending by the President and Congress, as well as rampant civil liberties violations.

"We're attracting members from both the Republican and Democratic Parties," says National Media Coordinator Andrew Davis. "People are tired of their old political parties, who care more for power than they do for freedom, and these people see the Libertarian Party as the most viable third party alternative. The 25 percent membership increase should serve as a example to the two major parties of what happens when you sacrifice your core values for political power."

The Libertarian Party has also attracted a sizable portion of new members who serve in active duty in the United States military. The LP's soldiers, sailors and airmen range in rank from junior enlisted personnel to Vice Admiral Michael Colley, USN, [Ret.], who now serves on the Libertarian National Committee.

"Military service men and women recognize the value in the Libertarian Party's non-interventionist foreign policy position," says Cory, a Marine Corps veteran. "Members of the Armed Forces, just like their civilian counterparts, feel betrayed by Republicans and Democrats, and are searching for an alternative."

There are approximately a quarter-million registered Libertarians in the United States, and the Libertarian Party boasts more than 105,000 members. To join the Libertarian Party, members simply have to sign a pledge that says the member does not believe in nor advocate "the initiation of force as a means of achieving political or social goals."

The Libertarian Party is America's third largest political party, founded in 1971 as an alternative to the two main political parties. You can find more information on the Libertarian Party by visiting www.lp.org. The Libertarian Party proudly stands for smaller government, lower taxes and more freedom.
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I am encouraged to see the growth of the LP over the past year. I rejoined the national party last year myself. I chose to come back after the LNC helped N.C. with much needed ballot access support and I also wanted N.C. to have as many delegate slots as possible at the next convention.