Reflections on the Libertarian Party National Convention: My race for Judicial Committee.

Thanks to everyone who voted for me, or even considered voting for me, in the recent race for the Libertarian Party’s Judicial Committee.

The following exchange from Shakespeare in Love could have easily been applied to the Libertarian National Convention…

Henslowe (Geoffrey Rush): Mr. Fennyman, allow me to explain about the theatre business. The natural condition is one of insurmountable obstacles on the road to imminent disaster.

Fennyman (Tom Wilkinson): So what do we do?

Henslowe: Nothing. Strangely enough, it all turns out well.

Fennyman: How?

Henslowe: I don’t know. It’s a mystery.

The bad news

I did not win a seat on the committee. But it was a good process. I had many interesting conversations with fellow delegates. One pleasant surprise was that a few people whom I was sure would be impossible to persuade, turned out to respect my positions enough that they were going to vote for me.

The good news

I however was elected Treasurer of the Libertarian State Leadership Alliance (LSLA). Well, not so much “elected” as the incumbent wasn’t running again, and after several individuals declined their nomination, I stepped forward, presented my qualifications and was voted in.

Over the long haul, this is probably the better role. My deciding to run for Judicial Committee was based on my fears of internal party squabbles, as opposed to my participation in the LSLA is more about hopes for the work it is doing, assisting local party chapters, helping the growth of the party at the grassroots levels. Moreover having been treasurer of the LP of Maine, and my professional experience handing company finances, make this a far better fit for my skill set.