I am declaring my intent to run for Congress

[jdmyprez_deo_vindice]

But first I need your help. Simply, should I switch parties and run as a Libertarian, should I stay a Republican and fight to restore the party or should I simply not do this at all?

[LibertyEagle]

Good for you. Do it. From what I've seen you post, I think you'd be great.

[Roxi]

pick which one whos platform and ideals best match yours.

[Golding]

But first I need your help. Simply, should I switch parties and run as a Libertarian, should I stay a Republican and fight to restore the party or should I simply not do this at all?

Realistically, running Republican would make your chances of winning higher than you could ever have running as a Libertarian. If you really want to be Libertarian in Congress, there's always the option of changing parties while in office...

[sailor]

Run as republican or as an independent. Running as a Libertarian is strategicaly a dead end.


But don`t run with a view that you are going to reform something (like the Republican party), because you will only end up disappointed. Be content with small victories and run with a view to promote more liberty, to convert a few more people and to score a few symbolic victories (like auditing the fed).

[sailor]

That was Ron Paul`s view when he first ran too. He was actually conviced he had no chance of getting elected and was going to lose. He just ran to make a bit of a stand.

[Theocrat]

I think you should switch parties and run under the Constitution Party. Even though it has the same economic philosophies as the Libertarian Party, the Constitution Party is more conservative than the Libertarian Party when it comes to moral/social issues like abortion and same-sex "marriage." This puts itself closer to the ideas and convictions of the Founders than the Libertarian Party, in my opinion.

Besides, we might as well start promoting new party candidates while we're in a season where both Republicans and Democrats are continually disappointing the political culture. Congressman Paul set a precedent when he endorsed Dr. Chuck Baldwin from the Constitution Party for President last election cycle. I find great hope in that.

[Rael]

I think you should run as a republican because it is too hard to win as a third party. But don't bother with trying to restore the party. Make it clear than you are a RINO and offer something different from the 2 parties.

[evilfunnystuff]

i think that if both would be comfortable for you then repub is the way to go and if ya want to distinguish yourself from neo-cons you can always brand yourself as a ron paul republican or strict constitutionalist...

while i support and respect libertarian runs/candidates it is really a shame to see them put all of their rescources into securing ballot access

[LibertyEagle]

I think you should run as a republican because it is too hard to win as a third party. But don't bother with trying to restore the party. Make it clear than you are a RINO and offer something different from the 2 parties.

Bad advice.

Actually, the term RINO, is associated with people like McCain, Lindsey Graham and the like. It is NOT a good thing. Don't call yourself a RINO, if you want to be viewed positiviely.

[nobody's_hero]

Run as a Jefferson Republican.

[ClayTrainor]

Do it man, run as a republican!

You can do it!

[krazy kaju]

You definitely should stay Republican. You'll reach out to more people that way. If you fail in the Republican primaries, you might be able to switch to LP. Just be a member of both parties, like Ron Paul was.

[Kludge]

Which district (do you intend to run for House or Senate?), and how well-known are you in your local/state GOP?

[jdmyprez_deo_vindice]

Which district (do you intend to run for House or Senate?), and how well-known are you in your local/state GOP?

I will be running in Maryland's 1st Congressional District. I am not well known in my local GOP but that could be a good thing. People around here are getting fed up with the good ol' boys in charge of the GOP around here.

[torchbearer]

I will be running in Maryland's 1st Congressional District. I am not well known in my local GOP but that could be a good thing. People around here are getting fed up with the good ol' boys in charge of the GOP around here.

What is amazing about this statement... you will find out later...
Everyone in your district can say they are tired of the good ol' boys in charge, then come election day, you get 2%.
The guy with the most TV ads wins. American Idol style.

[dgr]

The term RHINO and neo con are now as irrelavent as conservative
Rhino means non social conservative to most conservatives
neo con means Bush republican not Reagan republican to some and what Bush represents to others.
you see discontented republicians are caught in the "who's on first" and running in circles
trying to figure out who is who and what the really mean.

But I really liked that Constitution Party Suggestion. It's not Ron Paul who is giving Libertians a bad name it is Bob Barr and the C span's broadcast of their last convention.
But with Virgil Goode as their guest speeker this year all that may change.
When do you have to deciede? The political winds are still going in a circle for now

[Natalie]

Run as a Republican. Then you'd actually have a shot at getting elected.

[jdmyprez_deo_vindice]

The term RHINO and neo con are now as irrelavent as conservative
Rhino means non social conservative to most conservatives
neo con means Bush republican not Reagan republican to some and what Bush represents to others.
you see discontented republicians are caught in the "who's on first" and running in circles
trying to figure out who is who and what the really mean.

But I really liked that Constitution Party Suggestion. It's not Ron Paul who is giving Libertians a bad name it is Bob Barr and the C span's broadcast of their last convention.
But with Virgil Goode as their guest speeker this year all that may change.
When do you have to deciede? The political winds are still going in a circle for now

I still have quite awhile before the deadline to file but I have already requested the papers I need to become a candidate. I am ready to make this official a.s.a.p. as soon as I get my ducks in a row. A lot of you guys are bringing up good points and I am taking it all in. I never would have done this had it not been for the inspiration of folks like you so I hope I can count on your support throughout this process.

[specsaregood]

I will be running in Maryland's 1st Congressional District. I am not well known in my local GOP but that could be a good thing. People around here are getting fed up with the good ol' boys in charge of the GOP around here.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marylan...ional_district

Politically, the district leans Republican, despite the fact that the number of registered Democrats and Republicans are even. The largely rural population is more akin to the South than the more urbanized Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan Area.

United States House of Representatives elections, 2008: Maryland District 1
Democratic Frank Kratovil 177,065 49.1
Republican Andrew Harris 174,213 48.3
Libertarian Richard J. Davis 8,873 2.5

Currently represented by a democrat, was represented by a republican prior to this year. Last year was the first time a Libertarian has ran (at least in the wiki info) and he got 2.5% of the vote. If you want to win it seems running as a Republican is the way to go; chances are that if you run even remotely close to a RonPaul-esque platform you are going to pick up that 2.5%libertarian vote anyways, so at least with a Republican title you have a chance at getting those Republican votes.....

If you just want to run as an academic excercise then by all means run as a Libertarian....

HAH! After looking again at those numbers above.
The Libertarian got 8,873votes and the Republican lost by only 2,852. That's gotta chaff those Republican asses....

[Bman]

RINO=Republican in name only.

[Romantarchist]

Maryland Republicans from what I see, can get away with being alot less neo-connish than Republicans from the South, Midwest or Mormon West. I mean they had Wayne Gilchrest (anti-war and fairly liberal socially) and Roscoe Bartlett (semi-Ron Paul Republican), so don't be afraid to promote what might be seen as more controversial positions.

[reduen]

Way to go Jdmyprez. I know that you have gotten many votes to stay GOP but I will tell you from my prospective, I will not donate much if you do. If you run third party however that is a different story.... ($1 = 2 cents..)

The GOP is dead, let it die and bring life to another. I personally went Constitution but it matters not wich one you choose. Do like ventura did and prove to everybody it can be done. The best thing that we can do for our country is bring more and more parties into the picture!!!!!!!!!!!

[satchelmcqueen]

to even have a chance or get on most ballots, youll have to pick a party. so pick one and just run as you would anyway, with a fake title so to speak.

[idiom]

It is easier to restore the Republican party than the LP.

[tekkierich]

Most of the political energy of the State will be focused on this district in 2010. I suggest this is not an exercise that will bear much fruit. I ran in MD district 2 last year as a Republican. PM me and I will give you a lay of the land how I see it. I was in your shoes November of 2007.

[Old Ducker]

But first I need your help. Simply, should I switch parties and run as a Libertarian, should I stay a Republican and fight to restore the party or should I simply not do this at all?

By your question, I guess that you're a newcomer to politics. If so, I suggest running for a state office first, which will allow you to build a power base and name recognition. Politics is a business and to be successful you need lots of money and the source of those funds will expect "payment." What platform and party you represent will also need to be tailored to your constituency. If yours is incompatable with your own views, you should move to one that is. Ron Paul is extremely fortunate to reside in a district that respects his minority positions.

If you want to be the second Libertarian in congress, find a district that is similar to Paul's. A "conservative" rural district in an otherwise liberal state might be a place to start, since the expectations will be less, if elected.

[TastyWheat]

You don't have to "toe the party line" just because you're a Republican. Run in whatever party you think will give you the best chance of winning.

[torchbearer]

You don't have to "toe the party line" just because you're a Republican. Run in whatever party you think will give you the best chance of winning.

This.

[Austin]

I voted for you to stay Republican.

Either that, or go independent. I also agree that the LP is a dead end.