LIBERTARIAN PARTY of UTAH Smaller Government! Fewer Taxes! More Freedom! http://www.lputah.org/atom/feed 2008-02-21T02:41:35-05:00 The Libertarian Party of Utah http://www.lputah.org/node/1 2026-05-25T16:15:56-04:00 2010-05-04T21:39:12-04:00 Anonymous Do you want ...
Smaller government? Fewer taxes? More freedom?

If your answer is "YES" then the Libertarian Party is your representative in American politics.
We are the only political party that respects you as a unique and competent individual.
:: Preserve America's Heritage
:: Live Free and Independent
:: Respect and Care for Every Individual
:: Government based on Consistent Principles
:: The Party of Personal Tolerance

Contribute to the Cause!
Please support the campaign for liberty in Utah

Libertarian Candidates for 2010

Libertarian Party Membership Application
Join today!

LPUtah Platform
Platform of the Libertarian Party of Utah

]]> Do you want ...
Smaller government? Fewer taxes? More freedom?

If your answer is "YES" then the Libertarian Party is your representative in American politics.

We are the only political party that respects you as a unique and competent individual.

:: Preserve America's Heritage
:: Live Free and Independent
:: Respect and Care for Every Individual
:: Government based on Consistent Principles
:: The Party of Personal Tolerance

Contribute to the Cause!
Please support the campaign for liberty in Utah

Libertarian Candidates for 2010

Libertarian Party Membership Application
Join today!

LPUtah Platform
Platform of the Libertarian Party of Utah

]]> State Convention 2010 http://www.lputah.org/node/8306 2010-04-24T23:20:56-04:00 2010-04-24T23:21:36-04:00 wandrew48 Our annual state convention was held on April 24, 2010, and several candidates for public office were nominated. We will shortly have our candidate list, including links to their websites, up on the Home Page. We also have a new treasurer, and will shortly have a new secretary. Their names and links will also soon be up under "organization". Check back soon. for those who came and participated, and especially those who are running for office, we thank you for your support and confidence. In several races, Libertarian candidates assure the voters that there is a choice, where only one "major party" has fielded a candidate.

]]> Our annual state convention was held on April 24, 2010, and several candidates for public office were nominated. We will shortly have our candidate list, including links to their websites, up on the Home Page. We also have a new treasurer, and will shortly have a new secretary. Their names and links will also soon be up under "organization". Check back soon. for those who came and participated, and especially those who are running for office, we thank you for your support and confidence. In several races, Libertarian candidates assure the voters that there is a choice, where only one "major party" has fielded a candidate. In all races, our candidates make the choice a real one, rather than just a race between two people who are "just the same". Our candidates all support more freedom, smaller government and lower taxes, and that sets us apart from those who think only the government has an answer for all questions.

]]> Annual Libertarian Party of Utah Convention on April 24, and Dues Notice http://www.lputah.org/node/8301 2010-03-02T23:20:46-05:00 2010-03-02T23:21:09-05:00 wandrew48 Our annual State Convention will be held at the Salt Lake City Library, at 200 East and 400 South, on Saturday, April 24 at 2:30 PM. Party candidates will be ratified for public offices around the State. Come and meet your candidates. Other party business will also be conducted. Only dues paying members of the State Party will be allowed to vote for Party business; but all those who have signed our Party Pledge against the use of force to achieve political goals, can vote for candidates for public office. Dues must be paid, or the pledge signed, by March 25, one month in advance. Dues may be paid through our PayPal account. Dues and pledges may be sent by mail to the PO Box listed on this site -- see "Organization". All dues payments and pledges postmarked by March 25 will be counted. Dues are $20, and just $5.00 for students. Dues and pledges are good for one year from the date paid, so if you paid last year, yours may still be good. This does not include membership in the National Libertarian Party. For more information on joining the national party, see www.lp.org

]]> Our annual State Convention will be held at the Salt Lake City Library, at 200 East and 400 South, on Saturday, April 24 at 2:30 PM. Party candidates will be ratified for public offices around the State. Come and meet your candidates. Other party business will also be conducted. Only dues paying members of the State Party will be allowed to vote for Party business; but all those who have signed our Party Pledge against the use of force to achieve political goals, can vote for candidates for public office. Dues must be paid, or the pledge signed, by March 25, one month in advance. Dues may be paid through our PayPal account. Dues and pledges may be sent by mail to the PO Box listed on this site -- see "Organization". All dues payments and pledges postmarked by March 25 will be counted. Dues are $20, and just $5.00 for students. Dues and pledges are good for one year from the date paid, so if you paid last year, yours may still be good. This does not include membership in the National Libertarian Party. For more information on joining the national party, see www.lp.org

We would like to see all those interested in the Libertarian Party at the convention.We may be having a group lunch before the meeting. See the "Calendar" for update on the place, but it will be in the area of the library.

The party has been growing, as many people are disenchanted with the two "major" parties. Come and find out about the alternatives.

]]> PayPal Account is working http://www.lputah.org/node/8292 2009-12-02T21:43:42-05:00 2009-12-05T16:31:23-05:00 wandrew48 After much time and effort, our Party PayPal account is working. This is an easy and quick way to pay your dues of $20 per year (good for one year from the date of payment) or to make a contribution to the effort to run effective Libertarian candidates for public office.
Also check out our expanded Links page. Watch for additional links soon.

]]> After much time and effort, our Party PayPal account is working. This is an easy and quick way to pay your dues of $20 per year (good for one year from the date of payment) or to make a contribution to the effort to run effective Libertarian candidates for public office.

Also check out our expanded Links page. Watch for additional links soon.

]]> Membership and dues http://www.lputah.org/node/8271 2009-09-05T16:34:41-04:00 2009-09-05T16:34:41-04:00 wandrew48 Membership & Dues
Over the last several months, the Utah Libertarian Party has added hundreds of names to our e-mail list and our Facebook site. This is important, as it helps us expand the number of people who know about our party, and are interested in voting for us. As we get closer to next year’s election season, however, it is more important that ever to increase our membership base. For those of you who are not familiar with the membership situation, I will hopefully make it simpler than it seems.
For many years, someone who wanted to officially join the Libertarian Party paid dues at the national level, of $25.00. This entitled them to membership in both the national and state parties. Dues collected by the national party were shared with the local parties. For a few years, in the late 1900's and early 2000's, the party tried to abolish membership dues, and base its income on donations. It didn’t work, and the party went back to a membership dues format a couple of years ago.

]]> Membership & Dues

Over the last several months, the Utah Libertarian Party has added hundreds of names to our e-mail list and our Facebook site. This is important, as it helps us expand the number of people who know about our party, and are interested in voting for us. As we get closer to next year’s election season, however, it is more important that ever to increase our membership base. For those of you who are not familiar with the membership situation, I will hopefully make it simpler than it seems.

For many years, someone who wanted to officially join the Libertarian Party paid dues at the national level, of $25.00. This entitled them to membership in both the national and state parties. Dues collected by the national party were shared with the local parties. For a few years, in the late 1900's and early 2000's, the party tried to abolish membership dues, and base its income on donations. It didn’t work, and the party went back to a membership dues format a couple of years ago.

Unfortunately for state parties, the dues paid to the national party are no longer shared. Those dues support the national office, and pay for a newspaper which is now published 6 times a year (formerly monthly). I would hope that many of you are national members, but national membership is really a separate matter from membership in the Libertarian Party of Utah.

The Libertarian Party of Utah is the organization that actually maintains our ballot spot, and finds and assists candidates for public office. We must get roughly 2% of the statewide vote for one of our candidates, in even numbered years, to maintain an automatic place on the ballot. The automatic place on the ballot also allows us to collect $2.00 donations directly from Utah State Income Tax Forms. While this is an important source of funds for us, it does not generate enough money to run the party or to actively support candidates. Therefore, we have a separate dues structure for members of the Utah Libertarian Party. Dues are $20.00 a year, or $5.00 for students. Our newsletters and access to our website are open to everyone who wishes to be kept current; but party membership is important if you want to really be involved. Party membership is necessary to vote on party officers, the party platform, and other party business. We ask that everyone interested in the Libertarian Party consider paying their dues. Information on how to do that can be found on our website at lputah.org. If you are a first time member, we ask that you fill out the membership form and sign the pledge. If you are renewing, we will not insist on you making out a new application. The pledge associated with membership is meant to remind everyone that we do not seek to spread our political philosophy by force. The very nature of Libertarianism is that people are free to choose as they may please.

The U.S. Constitution provides that someone can vote in both a general election and a primary election without paying a “poll tax” or membership dues. Therefore, our membership application has a separate spot for those who would like to vote for candidates for public office, at our conventions held in even numbered years, without paying dues. We have, in the past, referred to these peoples as “pledge signing members”. At the next convention, there will be a proposal to eliminate the confusion, by eliminating the classification of “pledge signing member”. Those signing the pledge and indicating they want to vote on our candidates for public office (whether they will appear on the ballot or not) may still do so. They are not, strictly speaking, members of the party. To us, it is very important that those who support the party become members, as that really is our chief source of money, and it identifies those who are willing to commit to being Libertarians.

A small party like ours has traditionally been unable to do much to support candidates for office. We are working hard, however, to increase our ability to make monetary contributions to candidates, as well as to give them volunteer and organizational support. If you consider yourself a Libertarian, and if you want to help the party grow and be heard, we need you to pay your dues and become an official member. Please consider doing so today, or give one of the party officers a call to get your questions answered, before committing. Thank you so much for your support. Without you, we can do nothing.

]]> Fourth of July Blog http://www.lputah.org/node/8267 2009-07-04T17:57:24-04:00 2009-07-04T17:57:24-04:00 wandrew48 See it on this page under "recent postings". No, I don't know why the Chair's blog is so well hidden; and we are trying to fix that. But now you know where to look.

]]> See it on this page under "recent postings". No, I don't know why the Chair's blog is so well hidden; and we are trying to fix that. But now you know where to look.

]]> Our annual party convention http://www.lputah.org/node/8261 2009-05-21T00:02:31-04:00 2009-05-21T00:02:31-04:00 wandrew48 Our Libertarian Party of Utah annual convention was held at the Salt Lake downtown library on Saturday, May 16, from 11 AM to 1 PM. New officers were elected for the two year period until May, 2011. Next year, at about the same time, we will have our nominating convention, at which candidates for public office, including U.S. Senate and (probably) Utah Governor (special election) will be nominated. The following officers were re-elected: Andrew McCullough, Chair; Dylan McDonnell, Vice Chair; and Joe Buchman, Secretary. Welcome to our new Treasurer, Gene Bell, from Brigham City.
There is lots to do to help our party grow over the next year, before the next political campaign heats up. The campaign looks bigger than we expected, with the addition of the race for Governor; but this will give us an added chance to remain on the ballot be getting 2% of the statewide vote. Give some thought to what you can do to help us out next year.

]]> Our Libertarian Party of Utah annual convention was held at the Salt Lake downtown library on Saturday, May 16, from 11 AM to 1 PM. New officers were elected for the two year period until May, 2011. Next year, at about the same time, we will have our nominating convention, at which candidates for public office, including U.S. Senate and (probably) Utah Governor (special election) will be nominated. The following officers were re-elected: Andrew McCullough, Chair; Dylan McDonnell, Vice Chair; and Joe Buchman, Secretary. Welcome to our new Treasurer, Gene Bell, from Brigham City.

There is lots to do to help our party grow over the next year, before the next political campaign heats up. The campaign looks bigger than we expected, with the addition of the race for Governor; but this will give us an added chance to remain on the ballot be getting 2% of the statewide vote. Give some thought to what you can do to help us out next year.

And keep an eye on our calendar. The party has tended to be very quiet in past non-election years; but we have decided not to do that this year. Join us at Pride, at the summer baseball event, and at our regular social events in Salt Lake and Provo; and watch for new events in additional counties.

Big brother is watching us, whether in the guise of Democrats or Republicans. The State and nation need a real alternative, and we intend to work to give it to them.

]]> State Convention on May 16; and Dues Notice http://www.lputah.org/node/8253 2009-04-11T15:17:22-04:00 2009-04-11T15:17:22-04:00 wandrew48 Our annual State Convention will be held at the Salt Lake City Library, at 200 East and 400 South, on Saturday, May 16 at 11:00 AM. Officers of the Party will be elected for the next two years. Only dues paying members of the State Party will be allowed to vote for Party Officers. Dues must be paid by April 16, one month in advance. We do have a PayPal account, but we have had reports that this is not working well. So, the best way to pay is by mail to the PO Box listed on this site -- see "Organization". All dues payments postmarked by April 16 will be counted. Dues are $20, and are just $5.00 for students. Dues are good for one year from the date paid, so if you paid last year, yours may still be good. This does not include membership in the National Libertarian Party. For more information on joining the national party, see www.lp.org

]]> Our annual State Convention will be held at the Salt Lake City Library, at 200 East and 400 South, on Saturday, May 16 at 11:00 AM. Officers of the Party will be elected for the next two years. Only dues paying members of the State Party will be allowed to vote for Party Officers. Dues must be paid by April 16, one month in advance. We do have a PayPal account, but we have had reports that this is not working well. So, the best way to pay is by mail to the PO Box listed on this site -- see "Organization". All dues payments postmarked by April 16 will be counted. Dues are $20, and are just $5.00 for students. Dues are good for one year from the date paid, so if you paid last year, yours may still be good. This does not include membership in the National Libertarian Party. For more information on joining the national party, see www.lp.org

We would like to see all those interested in the Libertarian Party at the convention, whether or not you can vote for officers. We will be having a group lunch afterward, at 1:00 PM. See the "Calendar" for update on the place, but it will be in the area of the library.

The party has been growing, as many people are disenchanted with the two "major" parties. Come and find out about the alternatives. And remember that there is a social in Provo on April 16 (where dues will be accepted) and in Salt Lake City on April 23. See calendar for details.

]]> A growing party http://www.lputah.org/node/8242 2009-02-27T16:45:43-05:00 2009-02-27T16:45:43-05:00 wandrew48 Last night, February 27, we had a great crowd of about 20 people at our Salt Lake social event. Several were from outside Salt Lake County. If you are interested in helping to host a group in another county, please let us know. We would also like to work on putting together formal party organizations in other counties. Let us know what you are willing to do. Help us grow even more. And rather than reprint it all here, please see my latest blog at www.andrewmccullough.blogspot.com

]]> Last night, February 27, we had a great crowd of about 20 people at our Salt Lake social event. Several were from outside Salt Lake County. If you are interested in helping to host a group in another county, please let us know. We would also like to work on putting together formal party organizations in other counties. Let us know what you are willing to do. Help us grow even more. And rather than reprint it all here, please see my latest blog at www.andrewmccullough.blogspot.com

]]> Join us on our new Facebook or MySpace pages http://www.lputah.org/node/8240 2009-02-25T22:02:43-05:00 2009-04-04T16:19:29-04:00 wandrew48 We now have a new facebook page, and we are growing very fast. Join us there, meet new Libertarian friends, and keep abreast of our activities.
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/profile.php?id=1248264884
We also have started a MySpace page, for those who prefer this network.
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&friendID=456369452
See you there.

]]> We now have a new facebook page, and we are growing very fast. Join us there, meet new Libertarian friends, and keep abreast of our activities.

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/profile.php?id=1248264884

We also have started a MySpace page, for those who prefer this network.

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&friendID=456369452

See you there.

]]> GET INVOLVED http://www.lputah.org/node/8234 2009-01-18T22:11:33-05:00 2009-01-18T22:11:33-05:00 wandrew48 I am still struggling with how to revamp this website to give everyone the information they need about our Party. If you are knowledgeable about websites and would like to help, please contact me.
In the meantime, please join our party and pay your dues. They are $5 a year for students and $20 for others. Send dues to the Party Post Office Box, elsewhere on this site. Dues can also be paid through PayPal.
Please also check our party's box when you file your Utah Income Tax return. This is a totally painless way to make our party grow, and to help us to be heard. Then, tell your friends.

]]> I am still struggling with how to revamp this website to give everyone the information they need about our Party. If you are knowledgeable about websites and would like to help, please contact me.

In the meantime, please join our party and pay your dues. They are $5 a year for students and $20 for others. Send dues to the Party Post Office Box, elsewhere on this site. Dues can also be paid through PayPal.

Please also check our party's box when you file your Utah Income Tax return. This is a totally painless way to make our party grow, and to help us to be heard. Then, tell your friends.

Remember our Salt Lake social this Thursday evening from 6 PM to 9 PM at Mo's Grill at 358 S. West Temple in Salt Lake City. We are working to form groups in other counties as well. If you are interested in helping with that, let me know.

We are growing, and we have a message that needs to be heard. Get involved now.

]]> Welcome to the new Libertarian Party http://www.lputah.org/node/8202 2008-04-26T02:26:12-04:00 2008-04-29T19:37:55-04:00 wandrew48 Hi -- My name is Andrew McCullough, and I am the new State Chair of the Libertarian Party of Utah. I am also running for Utah Attorney General. Click the link on this page for candidates, and see my website and blog.
I am an attorney specializing in First Amendment (free speech) and Fourth Amendment (searches and seizures) matters. I bring a slightly different outlook to Libertarianism than some. I believe it is more important to fight what the government does TO us (intefering with our personal freedoms),than what it tries to do FOR us (public transportation, schools, etc). No, I don't like taxes, and I see much that the government does that is wasteful, counterproductive, and just dumb. But what really scares me is that the government appears to by systematically eroding the consitutional rights that we have fought for since 1776, in the name of public safety. As Ben Franklin said: "Those who would give up essential liberty in order to gain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety". That is my philosophy of libertarianism in a nutshell.

]]> Hi -- My name is Andrew McCullough, and I am the new State Chair of the Libertarian Party of Utah. I am also running for Utah Attorney General. Click the link on this page for candidates, and see my website and blog.

I am an attorney specializing in First Amendment (free speech) and Fourth Amendment (searches and seizures) matters. I bring a slightly different outlook to Libertarianism than some. I believe it is more important to fight what the government does TO us (intefering with our personal freedoms),than what it tries to do FOR us (public transportation, schools, etc). No, I don't like taxes, and I see much that the government does that is wasteful, counterproductive, and just dumb. But what really scares me is that the government appears to by systematically eroding the consitutional rights that we have fought for since 1776, in the name of public safety. As Ben Franklin said: "Those who would give up essential liberty in order to gain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety". That is my philosophy of libertarianism in a nutshell.

But let me assure all or you that the great thing about our party is that it tolerates wide differnces of viewpoint. If your own vision of liberty is different than mine, bring your viewpoint with you, and let us join together to fight those who would increase state power at the price of individual liberty. It is an exciting time and a great opportunity. Get involved today! Join the party, volunteer for a candidate, make a donation, and pitch in to protect our future!

]]> Libertarian Party of Utah Regains Ballot Status http://www.lputah.org/node/8196 2008-02-20T20:15:27-05:00 2008-02-21T02:41:35-05:00 LPUtah News SALT LAKE CITY -- The Libertarian Party of Utah is pleased to announce that the Lieutenant Governor's Office has determined that the organizing committee's petition contained the required number of voters, and that the LPUtah is once again a registered political party in the State of Utah.
According to the Lieutenant Governor's Office, county clerks in the State of Utah have been notified that voters may now change their party affiliation to or register as a Libertarian.

]]> SALT LAKE CITY -- The Libertarian Party of Utah is pleased to announce that the Lieutenant Governor's Office has determined that the organizing committee's petition contained the required number of voters, and that the LPUtah is once again a registered political party in the State of Utah.

According to the Lieutenant Governor's Office, county clerks in the State of Utah have been notified that voters may now change their party affiliation to or register as a Libertarian.

In addition, candidates desiring to file for elected, partisan offices up for election in 2008 -- whether county, state, or federal -- will be able to seek the Libertarian Party of Utah's nomination during the filing period which begins on Friday, March 7, 2008 and ends on Monday, March 17, 2008.

Before their party affiliation was stripped from the voter rolls after the 2006 general election, 2,404 Utahns were registered to vote as Libertarians in the State of Utah according to the January 2007 issue of Ballot Access News.

In the 2006 midterm election, Utah voters cast more than 41,000 votes among 14 Libertarian candidates. For the 2004 presidential election, at least 29 Libertarian candidates received more than 118,000 votes from Utah voters.

"On behalf of the Libertarian Party of Utah, I express our collective gratitude to all who circulated, signed, and financially supported our organizing petition for your help in continuing the campaign for liberty in Utah," says Rob Latham, chairman of the newly re-organized Libertarian Party of Utah.

"We invite Utahns dissatisfied with the two incumbent parties, Ron Paul supporters, independent/unaffiliated voters, and all others who wish to restore constitutionally-limited government, reduce taxes and spending, and reclaim the freedom to run our own lives to join us," adds Latham.

Utah Libertarians have created a presence on various social networking web sites, including Facebook, MySpace, and Yahoo!

The Libertarian Party of Utah's convention will be held on Saturday, April 19, 2008, beginning at 11:00 a.m., at the Sandy Library.

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