This page includes an archive of our present and past voter guide statements, an analysis of competing statements from the past two voter guides, and a menu of draft statements, ranging from very short and feisty to very stiff and wonky.

Proposals

Libertarian Solutions

We Libertarians are the only party that wants to legislate neither personal morality nor economic equality. We are the only party that can transcend the left-right gridlock of entrenched Sacramento politicians and

• let parents control tuition dollars (in the spirit of Prop 38) so schools improve through competition;
• recognize marriage equality, as the Civil Marriage Protection Act would have done;
• legalize purchase of health insurance from out-of-state carriers (as SB365 proposed);
• enable patients' use of medical marijuana by enforcing Prop 215;
• defend property rights by supporting Prop 98 (preventing eminent domain abuse);
• protect the environment with green pricing and congestion fees rather than bureaucratic regulations written by industry lobbyists; and
• join the nine other states that have passed the Ron-Paul-backed Liberty Amendment, which would set a timetable for repealing the income tax, retract federal power to its constitutional boundaries, and defund America's ill-advised undeclared wars.

Vote Libertarian to stand up for practical solutions grounded in the principles of individual freedom, personal responsibility, voluntary cooperation, customer choice, and market incentives. Stand up for the Bill of Rights and for limiting the federal government to its Constitutional role of protecting liberty and justice for all — on American soil. Vote Libertarian, and win a free country.

The Only Party

This will be short, because we don't offer a list of free handouts for voters. Nor do we prey on voters' fears of people different from them, whether across the street or across the ocean.

We Libertarians are the only party that is pro-choice on everything. We're the only party that wants to legislate neither personal morality nor economic equality. We're the only party that stands for personal freedom and personal responsibility. We're the only party not trying to scare you about either foreign terrorists or foreign workers. We're the only party that will protect the environment by legally recognizing its economic value.

We want the Left out of your wallet, and the Right out of your bedroom. Vote Libertarian, and win a free country.

The Only Choice

Left-wing parties buy votes with free handouts financed by your taxes. Right-wing parties prey on voters' fears of people who are different, whether across the street or across the ocean. The Libertarian Party is the only choice on your ballot that does neither.

The Left doesn't trust you with your own money. The Right doesn't trust you with your own body. Libertarians want the Right out of your bedroom, and the Left out of your wallet. We advocate the freedom and responsibility of peaceful honest adults to control their own bodies, actions, speech, and property, so long as they use neither force nor fraud to interfere with the same freedom of others.

If you believe that Left and Right are both half-wrong, then vote Libertarian to stand up against politics as usual. Stand up for the environment by legally recognizing its economic value. Stand up for customer choice and individual responsibility in education, health care, and retirement security. Stand up for the Bill of Rights and for limiting the federal government to its Constitutional role of protecting liberty and justice for all — on American soil. Stand up, vote Libertarian, and win a free country.

Neither Nanny Nor Chaperone

The Libertarian Party advocates the freedom and responsibility of peaceful honest adults to control their own bodies, actions, speech, and property, so long as they use neither force nor fraud to interfere with the same freedom of others.

The Left doesn't trust you with your own money. The Right doesn't trust you with your own body. Libertarians trust you to with your own money AND your own body. Left-wing parties want government to be your nanny. Right-wing parties want government to be your chaperone. Libertarians want government to be just your referee and night watchman. Libertarians want the Right out of your bedroom, and the Left out of your wallet.

If you believe that Left and Right are both half-wrong, then vote Libertarian to stand up against politics as usual. Stand up for the environment by legally recognizing its economic value. Stand up for customer choice and individual responsibility in education, health care, and retirement security. Stand up for the Bill of Rights and for limiting the federal government to its Constitutional role of protecting liberty and justice for all — on American soil. Stand up, vote Libertarian, and win a free country.

From Platform and Statement of Principles

The Libertarian Party defends each person's right to engage in any activity that is peaceful and honest and to live in whatever manner they choose, so long as they do not forcibly interfere with the equal right of others to live in whatever manner they choose. Individuals should be free to make choices for themselves and to accept responsibility for the consequences of the choices they make. The only legitimate use of force is in defense of individual rights against aggression, whether by force or fraud. Government exists to protect the rights of every individual including life, liberty and property. We seek to divest government of all functions that can be provided by non-governmental organizations or private individuals. The principles which guide a legitimate government in its relationships with other governments are the same as those which guide relationships among individuals: no individual, group, or government may initiate force against any other individual, group, or government. People should be left free by government to deal with one another as free traders; and the resultant economic system, the only one compatible with the protection of individual rights, is the free market.

From Statement of Principles

The Libertarian Party defends each person's right to engage in any activity that is peaceful and honest and to live in whatever manner they choose, so long as they do not forcibly interfere with the equal right of others to live in whatever manner they choose. We advocate the right to life, and so we support the prohibition of the initiation of physical force against others. We advocate the right to liberty of speech and action, and so we oppose government censorship in any form. We advocate the right to property, and so we oppose all government interference with private property, such as confiscation, nationalization, and eminent domain, and we support the prohibition of robbery, trespass, fraud, and misrepresentation. We oppose all interference by government in the areas of voluntary and contractual relations among individuals. People should be left free by government to deal with one another as free traders; and the resultant economic system, the only one compatible with the protection of individual rights, is the free market.

Past/Present LP Statements

Italics show changes from the previous statement if it was similar

2008 Jun

Libertarians are the only Party that won't legislate your personal morality or economic equality. We are the only party free of the left-right gridlock of entrenched politicians.

• Let parents control tuition dollars so that schools improve through competition.
• Recognize marriage equality, as the Civil Marriage Protection Act would have done.
• Increase supply of healthcare by tax incentives and reviewing regulations.
• Enable patients' use of medical marijuana by enforcing Prop 215.
• Defend property rights and prevent eminent domain abuse by supporting Prop 98.
• Defend your right to keep and bear arms.
• Protect the environment with green pricing and congestion fees rather than bureaucratic regulations written by industry lobbyists.
• Join the nine other states that passed the Liberty Amendment, which sets a timetable for repealing the income tax, and restricts federal power to constitutional boundaries.
• Oppose ill-advised foreign interventionism.

Vote Libertarian for practical solutions based on principles of individual freedom, personal responsibility, voluntary cooperation, customer choice, and market incentives. Stand up for the Bill of Rights and limiting the federal government to its Constitutional role of protecting liberty and justice for all - on American soil. Vote Libertarian, and win a free country.

2008 Feb

The Libertarian Party is America's best choice for government. Like you, we have jobs, businesses, families, and dreams. We've entered the political arena to restore liberty and American values. We're working toward a government that taxes and spends less and won't interfere with your personal life.

If you describe yourself as socially tolerant and fiscally responsible, you're a Libertarian!

We believe that you, not the government, should decide how to run your life, checkbook, retirement, education, and family.

The Libertarian Party supports your right to:

• Keep what you earn. Reduce or eliminate taxes whenever possible.
• Run your own business and enjoy your property. Reducing regulations and paperwork creates more jobs, higher pay, and lower prices.
• Educate your children as you see fit.
• Choose your own lifestyle. The government shouldn't consider you a criminal because of your choices in relationships, recreation, or medical treatment.
• Truly equal treatment under the law regardless of race, gender, religion, sexuality, or personal characteristics.
• Own a firearm. Self-defense is a right, not a political favor.

We're the third largest political party in the U.S. with more party members in elected offices than all other minor parties combined. Join us today!

Libertarian Party of California
14547 Titus Street, Suite 214
Panorama City, CA 91402-4935
(877) 884-1776
E-mail: gro.pl.ac|eciffo#gro.pl.ac|eciffo
Website: www.ca.lp.org

2004 - 2006

The Libertarian Party is as American as apple pie. Like you, we have jobs, businesses, families, and dreams. We’ve entered the political arena to restore liberty and American values. We’re working toward a government that taxes and spends less, and won’t interfere with your personal life.

If you describe yourself as socially tolerant and fiscally responsible, you’re a Libertarian!

We believe you—not the government—should decide how to run your life, checkbook, retirement, education, and family.

The Libertarian Party supports your right to:

• keep what you earn. Reduce or eliminate taxes whenever possible.
• run your own business and enjoy your property. Reducing regulations and paperwork creates more jobs, higher pay, and lower prices.
• educate your children as you see fi t.
• choose your own lifestyle. The government shouldn’t consider you a criminal because of your choices in relationships, recreation, or medical treatment.
• truly equal treatment under the law regardless of race, gender, religion, sexuality, or personal characteristics.
• own a firearm. Self-defense is a right, not a political favor.

With over 60 elected Libertarians in California and over 600 officeholders countrywide, we’re a real and growing choice.

Call 1-877-884-1776 or go to http://www.ca.lp.org. Join us today!

Libertarian Party of California
14547 Titus Street, Suite 214, Panorama City, CA 91402-4935
1-877-884-1776 (California Headquarters)
E-mail: gro.pl.ac|rotcerid#gro.pl.ac|rotcerid Website: www.ca.lp.org

2002

The Libertarian Party is America. We are people just like you. We want a better America. We’re the only political party fighting for everyone’s individual rights against a huge government that spends too much, taxes too much and interferes with your personal life. If you describe yourself as socially liberal and fiscally conservative, call us today.

The Libertarian Party supports your right to:

• keep what you earn. Reduce or eliminate taxes whenever possible.
• run your own business and enjoy your property. Reducing regulations and paperwork means more jobs, higher wages, and lower prices for everyone.
• educate your children as you see fit.
• choose your own lifestyle. The government should not treat you as a criminal because of your personal choices: in love; entertainment; recreation; medicine; or how you choose to die.
• truly equal treatment under the law regardless of race, sex, religion, sexuality, or other personal characteristics.
• own a gun. Self-defense is a right—not a political favor.

The Libertarian Party. With more than 60 Libertarians in office in California and over 525 office holders nationwide, we are the real choice. Call 1-877-884-1776 or go to www.lp.org and join us today!

Libertarian Party of California
14547 Titus Street, Suite 214, Panorama City, CA 91402-4935
1-877-884-1776
E-mail: gro.pl.ac|eciffo#gro.pl.ac|eciffo
Website: www.lp.org

2000

The Libertarian Party, founded in 1971, is one of the most successful third parties in U.S. history. Dozens of Libertarians hold office across California, including Mendocino County District Attorney Norman L. Vroman, Calaveras County Supervisor Thomas Tryon, and Moreno Valley City Councilmember Bonnie Flickinger.

Libertarians are neither liberal nor conservative. Libertarians believe that you have the right to decide for yourself what’s best for you and your family, and to act on that belief, so long as you respect the right of other people to do the same and you deal with them peacefully and honestly.

The Libertarian Party of California is dedicated to:

• Improving education by empowering parents, not bureaucrats, to make the important decisions for their children
• Increasing health care quality and access by removing government controls and instituting proven free market solutions
• Safer neighborhoods by punishing violent criminals rather than wasting resources prosecuting victimless crimes
• A cleaner environment through innovative property rights solutions
• Sharply reducing California’s bloated $81 billion state government

Increasingly, voters frustrated with the status quo are turning to the Libertarian Party. We invite you to join us as we fight for everyone’s liberty on every issue, all the time.

MARK W.A. HINKLE, Chair
Libertarian Party of California
400 Capitol Mall, Suite 900, Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 449-3941
E-mail: gro.pl.ac|eciffo#gro.pl.ac|eciffo
Website: www.ca.lp.org

1998

Around the country, more than 230 Libertarians are in office today, proving that libertarians can be idealistic, yet practical, and still get elected.

In California, Simi Valley and Moreno Valley City councilwomen Sandi Webb and Bonnie Flickinger are fine examples, as is Calaveras Board of Supervisors member Tom Tryon.

Do libertarians represent your viewpoint? Here's a simple test. In the 1996 election, did you support both Prop 209 (to end racial preferences) and Prop 215 (to legalize medical marijuana)? If so, you're a natural libertarian. Are you annoyed at incumbent politicians who keep trying to overturn these votes? Do you believe, like most people, that government usually does the wrong thing?

Join with us. Help us end the state income tax. Help us reduce crime by ending the War on Drugs. Help us privatize education and safeguard the right to keep arms. Libertarians stand for free, peaceful citizens taking responsibility for their lives, their families and their communities. Libertarians support all ten of the Bill of Rights. Libertarians stand for freedom of choice.

If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always gotten. Are you satisfied with the government you're getting? If not, vote Libertarian.

MARK W.A. HINKLE, Chair
Libertarian Party of California
655 Lewelling Boulevard, Suite 362
San Leandro, CA 94579-9980
1-800-682-1776
E-Mail: gro.pl.ac|riahc#gro.pl.ac|riahc
Web Site: http://www.ca.lp.org/

1996

The Libertarian Party of California believes in economic freedom and personal liberties. You have the right to do whatever you want — as long as you take responsibility for your actions and don't violate the rights of other people. From gun regulations … to seatbelt and motorcycle helmet laws … to civil asset forfeiture … to new regulations of the Internet, the Libertarian Party of California says NO! We need to cut government back — way back. Governments exist to protect our lives, liberty and property from criminals and foreign invaders. Allow Americans to live their lives and help one another in peace and prosperity. There is a Libertarian Party candidate on your ballot. Register and vote Libertarian. For answers to any questions, please call us toll-free at 1-800-637-1776.

GAIL LIGHTFOOT, LPC Chair
P.O. Box 598
Pismo Beach, CA 93448
(805) 481-3434
Fax: (805) 481-9083
E-Mail: moc.loa|riahCCPL#moc.loa|riahCCPL
Web Site: http://www.lp.org/lp/ca/lpc.html

LP Presidential Primary - Candidate Statements

Feb 2008: George Phillies

I am a Libertarian. I believe Americans want peace, freedom, and prosperity, not illegal wars, warrantless wiretaps, and crushing national debt. I believe Americans want Uncle Sam out of our bedrooms and out of our wallets. Peace: As President, I will end the war in Iraq immediately. I will bring our soldiers home from around the world to secure our borders. I reject the idea of war with Iran. Freedom: Warrantless wiretapping and torture are felonies. I will vigorously prosecute those who committed them. Uncle Sam should not regulate morals: I will end marijuana prohibition and legalize internet gambling. I will repeal the Defense of Marriage Act and keep the government out of medical decisions on abortion and near-death terminal care. Prosperity: I will balance the budget and restore budget surpluses. I'll pay down the national debt, freeing trillions of dollars for factories, homes, jobs, lower mortgage interest, and lower taxes. Prosperity begins with education. I will free our wonderful teachers by repealing No Child Left Behind. I'll give each child a $5000 annual education tax credit. Renewable energy protects our environment. I will make the government buy its energy from new, renewable sources to move America toward energy independence. The choice is clear: If you think America is on the wrong track, you need to act. You need to vote for real change. You need to vote Libertarian! Make me our Presidential candidate, and I'll give our Libertarian Party the Presidential campaign we've always dreamed about.

The Competition

2008 Feb

Republican

Short and vanilla statement that every party could agree with, except the lefty parties might quibble with the part about "limiting taxes". Eliminates all the talk of Schwarzenegger from the 2006 GOP statement.

Democrat

Leads off with "Iraq in a quagmire". Lists "accomplishments and priorities" of Pelosi's Congress — mainly nanny-state handouts to rent-seekers. "Democrats are the only major party to allow Independents to vote in our presidential primary."

Green

Simply a 12-point list introduced by "the only national party that:". (Two or three are lies, as the LP supports them too.) Handouts include "universal healthcare" and "living wages". Big change from the 2006 statement.

American Independent

Condemns "lawless oppression of Liberal rule". LP would only quibble with "protect all human life", "a nation under God", and "oppose all illegal immigration."

Peace and Freedom

"The role of government should be to make sure that everyone has jobs, housing, education, health care, and equal rights". Offers "universal single-payer health care" and to "double the minimum wage". Opposes wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Doesn't use all 200 words.

2006

Republican

All about Schwarzenegger's plans and alleged accomplishments. "Hold the line on taxes."

Democrat

Claims legislative accomplishments in education, police/fire, "assault weapons", and "HMO reform". Promises to fight for seven things, including "protection of Social Security and Medicare benefits", "affordable prescription drugs for seniors", and "eradication of hate crimes".

Green

Exclusively about the party as an organization, with "thousands of officeholders worldwide". "GPCA caucuses include Labor, Disability, Lavender, Black, People of Color, Ethnic Minority, Rural, Candidates, Women’s, Campus, and Secular Greens." (The list of rights in their platform is organized by type of person, too.) GPCA "offers voters the attainable politics of peace, ecological wisdom, and social justice." Pitch against wasted-vote problem: "Vote your conscience. Vote Green."

American Independent

"The only party fighting for a return to Constitutional government". Devoted to a 13-point pledge, of which we only disagree with: 1) "reduce immigration", 2) "defend America’s moral values; keep God in the pledge of allegiance", 3) "protect the innocent unborn", 4) "uphold traditional marriage and family values".

Peace and Freedom

P&F "saw through the lies and opposed this war from the beginning." "Vote for decent jobs for all, for doubling the minimum wage, to end poverty and homelessness. Vote for us to support taxing the wealthiest Americans and their corporations to provide a decent life for the working people who create all of America’s wealth. We need free quality education from preschool to the university level. We need
good medical care for everyone." Having already promised all possible benefits, devotes remaining space to listing their candidates.