Reagan, especially measured against other Republicans of his era, definitely had a libertarian streak.
Sarah Palin is very much along the same lines in that regard.
Neither Reagan or Palin were/are exactly libertarians, but a particular brand of western small-government conservative, of which we could use more.
It'll be interesting to see if this 'brand' of conservativism sells well in states with large populations of government dependents.
In a country of 'Haves' and 'Have Nots' the next three years under Obama seem to be inclined toward generating more 'have nots'- given his inattention to small businesses, tax reforms, and his healthy dose of public initiatives: health care reform, reducing greenhouse gases taxes, etc.
It's as though the concept of 'small government' has never been considered by many currently in government and lately, by the people at large. There ought to be a penalty for those who perpetuate the neglect of such a concept. It is lying by omission and a fine would be nice.
They want a fairness doctrine, well, they can have it when they decide to get 'fair' about the various types of governmental intrusion into our lives.