What exactly are these states where libertarians win legislative seats? I was using those as examples because they're very sparsely populated. They're also much more conservative thatn the country at large. A state legislative district in some of the western states probably has about 10,000 people. These states are not evidence of libertarian viability. The Presidential races are a measure of Libertarians' real viability nationwide.
If I lived in Massachusetts I'd probably vote for some third party candidates for legislature and governor. For one thing, the GOP is so hopelessly behind in seats in the legislature that it can't be plausibly claimed that voting for a third party is tantamount to giving Democrats control. Secondly, the Republicans in Massachusetts would be considered very liberal in many other parts of the country, like their current Republican Governor. If Mitt Romney runs, I'd vote for him if I lived there.
To some extent yes. However, the playing field on the federal level is not even. The RP and DP have used the force of government to stifle competition making it difficult to progress on that level.
I'd suggest reading What we're up against, by Harry Browne. It details some of the obstacles placed in the way of third parties.
...the Republicans in Massachusetts would be considered very liberal in many other parts of the country, like their current Republican Governor. If Mitt Romney runs, I'd vote for him if I lived there.
By Libertarian standards most Republicans in the country are considered liberal. Often times they differ little in the way they vote from their counterparts in the legislatures. I've been encouraging people to vote for Carla Howell, the Libertarian candidate for governor in Mass.