April 2008

A Successful St. Louis Area Libertarian Caucus Meeting

By Tom Knapp

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Libertarians from several eastern counties -- and farther afield -- kicked off the 2008 election season on February 23rd, gathering in at the Best Western Airport Hotel and Conference Center for the second biennial St. Louis Area Libertarian Caucus. Long-time Missouri Libertarian and St. Louis radio talker Lloyd Sloan served as master of ceremonies, introducing speakers and lightening the tone with interstitial humor and music.

Lloyd Sloan entertaining the audience.

On hand to wind things up and set the tone for a great election year was Libertarian National Committee member -- and former US Representative -- Bob Barr of Georgia, who gave a stirring speech on the American political situation and the LP's potential role in this year's elections.

Bob Barr, former US Representative and Libertarian National Committee Member.

Bob Sullentrup, former LPMO chair and now secretary to the Libertarian National Committee, presented on his current project, "Rock-the-Debates," and encouraged Libertarians to attend the 2008 Heartland Libertarian Conference in April and the LP National Convention in May. St. Louis County LP Chair Tamara Millay encouraged attendees to seek public office in 2008, describing her own experiences as a candidate and officeholder and briefly explaining the mechanics of a Libertarian candidacy.

Bob Sullentrup, former Missouri LP Chair and Libertarian National Committee Secretary.

In a special segment of the program, Missouri State LP Chair Glenn Nielsen introduced guests representing like-minded interest groups: Tim Asher of the Missouri Civil Rights Initiative, Ron Calzone of Missouri Citizens for Property Rights, and Terri Brennan of FreedomWorks Missouri gave short presentations on the pro-freedom work their organizations are doing.

Glenn Nielsen, Missouri Libertarian Party State Chair.

Nielsen then introduced declared and prospective candidates for public office, leading off with Chris Bennett of Illinois, who is seeking the Libertarian Party's 2008 presidential nomination. Also speaking were Peter Van (a prospective gubernatorial candidate from Kansas City), US House candidates Robb Cunningham and Caleb Bartlett, and State Senate candidate Robert Christophel.

Chris Bennett, Libertarian Party Vice Presidential Candidate.

Finally, Nielsen took the long-delayed opportunity to present Frank Gilmour, the Missouri LP's 2006 nominee for US Senate, with the party's "Champion of Freedom Award." Gilmour's performance in the 2006 elections preserved the LP's ballot access for an additional four years, and also arguably played a key role in wresting control of the US Senate from Republican control.

Frank Gilmour (right) with his Champion of Freedom Award.

The St. Louis Area Libertarian Caucus began in 2006 as an initiative to foster cooperation among LP affiliates in the St. Louis area and to encourage greater activism among local party members. This year's event was hosted by a planning committee including representatives from affiliates in St. Louis County, St. Louis City, St. Charles County, Lincoln County and Jefferson County.

As of press time, the Caucus has already borne fruit: At least one new party activist introduced to the LP at the event has filed with the Secretary of State as a candidate for the state legislature.