While trying to start a LP party chapter in Columbia County in 2005, I found that many people did not know what a Libertarian is. While making claim to being America's third largest party, few people think outside the two party boxes. While finding nominal success in doubling a registration of six, little interest in party politics seems to be the norm. In the last month I've found that people perk up when I tell them I'm running for Congress. Issues like the 'war', healthcare and the many other things start flowing rather freely.
Having studied political science and history as an undergraduate and over the last fifteen plus years, I have no allusions about victory in a Congressional bid. Indeed as a Libertarian there is little opportunity to be successful on a local level, let alone Congress. It would be my sincere hope that word of mouth and innovative technical efforts might render a sore in the bi-polar worlds of the Donkeys and Elephants that rule the roust.
The first rule of political success is what you promise and subsequently deliver to your constituency. As a Libertarian one stresses less government, opposition to war and reduction of entitlements. This is not a popular stance in a world of benefits, wars and favors. There are some who feel very strongly about these issues and get very little attention in the form of a candidacy.
A recent inquiry asked about a country or politician that reflects Libertarian values or policies. Truthfully, not much is out there. Ron Paul R-TX comes the closest in the US. Costa Rica recently had a chance to increase its Libertarian representation in its government and was not has successful as the LP community had hoped. With a little help we might have some more hope here in the USA.