INDIANAPOLIS, IN - It's time to let the people govern the politicians, not the politicians governing the people.
Such was the message delivered by Andy Horning in remarks at the 2008 Libertarian Party of Indiana state convention held Saturday and Sunday in Indianapolis. Horning's remarks came as he accepted the nomination as the LPIN's candidate in this fall's gubernatorial race. Horning will face incumbent Republican Governor Mitch Daniels and the winner of the May 6th primary between Democrats Jim Schellinger and Jill Long-Thompson.
Horning, candidate for the same office in 2000, has modified this campaign effort to focus on one issue -- adhering to the Indiana Constitution. While following the letter of the law is something that has escaped the older parties, Horning clearly shows how his position as chief executive of the State of Indiana would come with strict limitations to his authority in areas including taxation and policing. "Your rights are taken without any legal basis at all," Horning details on his website. "Most of what government does to us is illegal."
Horning is joined by a quality group of libertarians bidding for positions ranging from the Indiana Statehouse to U.S. Congressional seats.
Delegates selected these candidates for the Indiana House of Representatives: Ind-36, Greg Noland (Anderson); Ind-54, Rex Bell (Hagerstown); Ind-56, Jon Bell (New Castle); Ind-65, Al Cox (Nashville); Ind-83, Jack Evans (Ft. Wayne); Ind-99, John Meuser (Indianapolis); Ind-100, Ed Angleton (Indianapolis).
Delegates selected these candidates for the Indiana Senate: Ind-30, Steve Keltner (Indianapolis); Ind-36, Barry Campbell (Indianapolis); Ind-37, Joel Palmer (Indianapolis).
Running for the U.S. House are U.S. 3rd District, William Larson (Fort Wayne); U.S. 6th District, George Holland (Rushville); U.S. 9th District, Dr. Eric Schansberg (New Albany).
Congressional District Representatives to the LPIN Central Committee: District 1, John Schick (Chesterton); District 2, K.P. Nfr (Michigan City); District 3, Jonathan Bartels (Fort Wayne); District 4, Cindy Kirkpatrick (Indianapolis); District 5, Phil Miller (Greenfield); District 6, Jim Staley (New Castle); District 7, Allison Maguire (Indianapolis); District 8, Ed Gluck (Terre Haute); District 9, Greg Hertzsch (Clarksville).
Remaining on the Central Committee: State Chairman Todd Singer (Plainfield); Vice Chairman Rebecca Sink-Burris (Bloomington); Secretary Melanie Hughes (New Albany); Treasurer Dale Wedel (Brownsburg).
Delegates honored Timothy Maguire of Indianapolis with the Dr. Barbara Bourland Light of Liberty Award . Since 1999, have honored their volunteer of the year with this award named after the long-time activist.
Capping the convention's events was the announcement of results from Indiana's presidential straw poll. Former GOP Congressman Bob Barr (Georgia) and Massachusetts physics professor Dr. George Phillies tied for the night's win. The non-binding poll showed four others in strong position to win the nomination at the party's convention in Denver over Memorial Weekend. Barr and Phillies were followed closely by Texas researcher and long-time activist Dr. Mary Ruwart, former Alaskan Democrat Senator Michael Gravel, Oregon businessman Michael Jingozian and Las Vegas gaming executive Wayne Allen Root. Over one dozen candidates are seeking the Libertarian Party nomination.
Libertarians received minor-party status in 1994 and have appeared on the Indiana ballot since winning ballot-access in 1994. Candidates are selected at privately financed conventions.
