Libertarian Presidential Candidate Badnarik Endorses Ron Paul

By Philly Dave
February 24th, 2007

Michael Badnarik was the speaker at last nights dinner. He addressed what is becoming a bit of an issue among some libertarians. Namely, should Libertarians get behind Ron Paul 100%?

As some folks in attendance here at the Liberty forum have pointed out to me, any active support for Ron Paul detracts from other activity. Therefore there are certain “opportunity costs” incurred by devoting effort to the Ron Paul campaign. What Libertarian Party members must decide is whether bringing the Libertarian principles largely embraced by Paul to center stage in a presidential election is worth the temporary sacrifice of advancing the LP specifically.

I have no axe to grind, but from my perspective, the LP in the end is just another political party. Yes I embrace the bulk of the principles advanced by the party, but my view of political parties is that their ability to adhere to principle is inversely proportional to the popularity of the party. Therefore, as the LP grows in strength and numbers, it will be increasingly dominated by political factors rather than libertarian philosophy… but that is my view.

Ron Paul represents a significant opportunity for the advancement of libertarian principles as a viable component of presidential debate. It could well be many years before we have that opportunity again. That is why I believe libertarians should get behind Ron Paul’s campaign.

That is also what Free Stater and 2004 LP Presidential candidate Michael Badnarik thinks. In last night’s speech he said his “short term goal for the next two years is to make sure Ron Paul is elected president”. Addressing the reluctance of some LP members to put the party on hold at the national level Badnarik said “I hope the Libertarian Party is smart enough to say, [Ron Paul is] somebody we can trust! and nominate Ron Paul as our nominee … we should set the Republican, Democrat, Libertarian labels aside, and vote for Ron Paul the person.

Article Source: Ron Paul for President blog

 
Rep. Ron Paul Interviewed On His Presidential Run!, (or here)