Harry S. Whiting II Running on the LP ticket is almost entirely...

September 14, 2025 at 8:25 AM  ·  Comment — Archer T. Ships replied to Harry S. Whiting II's comment.  ·  View on Facebook  ·  Markdown source

Harry S. Whiting II Running on the LP ticket is almost entirely hopeless. No LP candidate has won a major office (Congressional seat, governorship, or mayoral office in a large city of > 100 K) in its 50+ year history. Most candidates spend most of their time/money just getting on the ballot. Libertarians can win if they run as Republicans. Ron Paul, Thomas Massie, Justin Amash, Rand Paul have won in this fashion. Even in New Hampshire, people who want to win run as Republicans or, occasionally, as Democrats. However, outside of NH, even if you win, you will be isolated. You won't be assigned to committees, your bills will almost never pass, etc. Your own party will constantly attack you, try to primary you, and replace you with someone more compliant. For example, despite being in Congress since 2012, no bill sponsored by Thomas Massie has been passed into law. Ron Paul was similarly ineffectual. At best, you'll have some leverage during close votes to extract concessions. You may also be able to get some amendments to the bills of others passed. You can bring attention to particularly bad legislation. But it's hard not to get corrupted.