Accountability
The Libertarian Party is the Party of Principle. As an elected Libertarian legislator, I promise to uphold libertarian principles on every vote that comes before the legislature.
The promise of a politician
I realize that, not yet having held elected office, all I can offer is a promise. And I know what a candidate’s promise is worth. However, I am known for my stubborn integrity; if I were willing to compromise on my principles, I would be running as a Democrat or a Republican, instead of fighting an uphill battle as a third-party candidate.
Pro-freedom votes, every time
I will look at every bill that comes up to vote with one simple rule: does it increase or decrease your freedom?
If a bill increases civil liberties, eases regulatory burdens, or lowers taxes, I will vote for it. If it restricts your freedom, adds regulations, or raises taxes, I will vote against it. And if it’s a pointless resolution or a rearrangement of government burden, I’ll oppose it on the ground that the legislature should not be wasting its time this way.
A vote, every time
As the San Francisco Chronicle has editorialized again and again, it has become increasingly common for state legislators to “take a walk” rather than oppose legislation with which they disagree. I refuse to engage in this practice. If I am opposed to legislation, I will vote against it. Two years hence, you will know where I stand by looking at my voting record; you won’t have to take my promises then.
The incumbent defends the practice, citing the need for “collegiality.” A legislator’s job is not to be collegial; he or she needs to work with his or her colleagues, it’s true, but he or she also needs to take a stand on the issues.