Libertarians on the Rise

Dear Editor,
   Great news for Republicans! It looks like both the Green Party and independent Ralph Nader will attempt to get on the ballot. But even worse, it's looking grim that we Libertarians in Texas will be able to collect the 45,540 valid signatures necessary to qualify our 80 candidates for the ballot.
   I give Greens credit for their activism. Libertarians are more accomplished at debating online about 1800s-era obscure court rulings than grassroots activism such as pounding the pavement to collect petition signatures. While I am personally in charge of recruiting and training our volunteers throughout the state, the crux of our ballot access plan was to raise $150,000 to pay professionals to collect most of our signatures. We're not even close.
   With no restrictions on contributions to parties for ballot access, do you think the Republicans are mischievous enough to finance Nader and the Greens' petition drives? I can tell you, we've met little success soliciting from Democrats. Too bad, because with 80 potential Libertarian candidates in Texas, I've estimated Democrats' payback would be better than one vote per campaign dollar spent on the Libertarian petition.
   Despite your constant griping about Bush being a right-wing extremist, the most energized volunteers joining our effort are infuriated former Republicans who see that Bush has invaded foreign countries, passed the Patriot acts, increased spending domestically faster than Clinton, further federalized education, and erected trade barriers against foreign steel and lumber. Republicans have complete control of federal and state government yet have failed to reduce it.
   I've got more than 200 volunteers lined up to help and I'll do my best to give Republicans the opportunity to vote Libertarian, but it's going to be tough without funds for professionals.