Gravel now seeking Libertarian nod

Baltimore Sun ^ | March 26, 2008 | Matthew Hay Brown

[West Coast Conservative]

Former Sen. Mike Gravel is leaving the Democratic Party – and his quixotic bid for its presidential nomination – for the Libertarian Party.

“It is a party that combines a commitment to freedom and peace that can't be found in the two major parties that control the government and politics of America," Gravel said in a statement released late Tuesday by America’s largest third party. "My libertarian views, as well as my strong stance against war, the military industrial complex and American imperialism, seem not to be tolerated by Democratic Party elites who are out of touch with the average American.”

Gravel will now pursue the Libertarian Party's presidential nomination. He plans to announce the move today.

Despite two terms in the Senate and a head start in the race – he announced his candidacy in April 2006 – Gravel won no delegates in the campaign for the Democratic nomination. Through Dec. 31, he had raised $428,692 – a little more than Ralph Nader, a little less than Keith Russell Judd, an engineer and musician who is listed on the Project Vote Smart web site as having once been a member of the Federation of Superheroes.*

Ready to welcome Gravel was former Republican Rep. Bob Barr, who made the move in 2006.

"It is a distinct honor to have another former member of Congress within the Libertarian Party," Barr said. "Just as Senator Gravel believes Democrats have lost touch with the American public, I too concluded Republicans had lost their core principles, and could no longer associate myself with the GOP. While coming from opposite sides of the aisle, Senator Gravel and I definitely agree on the fundamental need for systemic change in our political system.”

[RatsDawg]

Yeah, how can Gravel call himself a Libertarian, when he is a big government Liberal?

He wants to tax us on carbon energy, and he wants nationalized health care. Not very Libertarian if you ask me.

[secretagent]

That argument could be justification to any theft.

As long as the thief actually uses what he stole, you deserved it.

You're right, but I can't believe the point has to be made!

Gravel celebrates theft and the LP lets him join?

I hope that LP officials didn't know of the damning quote, but fear that they just grabbed at the chance to acquire a famous name.

[Republic of Texas]

Is he for the legalization of drugs? He’s In!

[KoRn]

"Is he for the legalization of drugs? He’s In!"

There's much more to do with being a Libertarian than legalization of some drugs, and Gravel is inconsistent with most all of those beliefs with his leftist philosophies.

[Republic of Texas]

I’m not referring to libertarian principles, but the party. The only time I see them in the media is defending the legalization of drugs. They are hand in glove with the left on that issue.

[Dog Gone]

I hope that LP officials didn't know of the damning quote, but fear that they just grabbed at the chance to acquire a famous name.

I'm not sure the party had anything to do with it. I think I'm free to seek their nomination.

Gravel doesn't hold Libertarian views, best I can tell.

But it's fitting. Democrats and independents selected the GOP candidate, and Rush Limbaugh is trying to mess (and apparently succeeding) with the Democrat Party process.

Everything is upside down and the only thing that is certain is that we won't have a conservative in the White House next year.