Eric Sundwall

A curious political event occurred a few doors down from The Bowery Mission. Amongst the restaurant equipment merchant district just above ChinaTown and just over from the 'Village', is a bar/lounge called the Katrana (I hope). It was the host to the first third party gubernatorial debate in NY. It's participants were the Libertarian's own John Clifton and organized by Jimmy McMillan, candidate for The Rent is Too Damn High party. Or at least what Jimmy McMillan hopes is a new party. In order to be an 'official' party in NY, an individual who has agreed to carry the banner of an interested group must attain 50,000 votes for Governor. Mr. McMillan tells me he collected 15,000 signatures with the help of community activists and volunteers. Despite being on the ballot, he is certainly not being covered as even the other third parties are. He also grouses that New York State is trying to deny him the 'damn' part on the ballot. I was asked at the last minute to video tape this event on Saturday October 28. Here's what happened . . .

While some bemoan the lack of choice between the two mainstream candidates, libertarians are restoring dialogue to the debate. While I know Chris Garvey from my work in the party, I did have the opportunity to participate in the Eminent Domain Rally in Albany in April with Rachel Treichler. Not sure who the Socialists guy is, but hey, who gave him the opportunity to promote his anti-capitalist message ? Libertarians of course ! Here's the new HardFire episode featuring the People's candidates:

One of the reasons I became active in the LPNY was the Senatorial campaign of Dr. Donald Silberger. His radio interview with Alan Chartock confirmed my desire to work with people identifying Liberty as the greatest political goal. This photo of Don and me is at the Catskill Bi-Centennial this last summer. We also worked the Rhinebeck Fireman's parade with Thomas Ruks a few weeks before this. Ruk's once referred to Don as the 'fire' of the LPNY. Don is twice my age and I had trouble keeping up with him during petitioning. He simply asked every human being he came across for the right to be on the ballot. Don's bid for Lt. Governor includes this latest HardFire episode. The cool part about the Net is that this show hasn't even aired yet and will now be available before the Sunday morning yappers start their thing. I miss David Brinkley, he was Don's era also.

Libertarian candidate for Governor in Arizona, Barry Hess, sat down with me in Portland and we discussed many things. Here's our back and forth. They may very well have been discussing the pledge or platform while we were doing this, Barry was kind enough to sit and discuss issues. Hopefully this interview and the speech that follows is not too late to help his effort in Arizona. With any luck we get some future help from Barry & Mr. Hancock breaking up the ballot access requirements in New York. Yes, that's 'StarChild' in the background . . .

A good number of LP candidates across the country are making news this election season. I was happy to see Phil Maymin in CT get into his debates. Phil did a stellar job. He counterd mainstream politics with solid answers and solutions. I especially like how he conserved his time and was able to shred an old MSM bobblehead. Roads. Everyone wants to make Libertarians justify roads. Despite the shortcomings of the Fairtax idea, it's an opportunity for people to consider actually eliminating others. Here's what some other noteworthies this cycle.

Gary Popkin of Brooklyn produces a public access show for Brooklyn CATV which features Libertarian themes and guests. Much like the early days of CNN, these programs talk about issues without commerical interruption and the incessant opinions of obnoxious hosts. This programing offers a unique insight into many of the LP's positions. Join the guests and hosts in an informative talk show format not constrained by media conglomerates or a tepid producer. Watch as we cut to real issues, now. Here's a sample of some recent shows with current candidates.

The Dems seem to be working on their version of the good old boys club. Despite the efforts of the cagey Teasurer from Saratoga, one would do well to look at the LPNY's own John Cain

John's not only an interesting guy, he's a passionate one too. Here's a missive that he's been distributing . . .

Jeff Russell is the LPNY's U.S. Senate candidate for 2006. He's in the toughest possible position this year. He's running against Mrs. Clinton who has gobs of money and every expectation for another grab at the White House.

During the campaign I had the pleasure of working with my old buddy Warren Redlich. He took a real hit for me. He didn't have to go to the mat for me against my three objectors who happened to employ the same lawyer as Congressman Sweeney. But he did. I'm immensely grateful and support Warren's effort whole heartedly.

Libertarian Candidate for Governor of New York, John Clifton is expected at tomorrow’s meeting of the Capital District Libertarian Party at the Branch Restaurant, 40 Maiden Lane, Albany at 6:00 P.M.

I've worked with John on numerous things the last year and look forward to his presence with our hardy group of Liberty minded folk !

Phil Maymin, Libertarian in CT's 4th CD, just sent me an urgent message.

In order for him to participate in the debates, he needs hundreds of donors. He's established a foundation for all the other criteria to participate. This doesn't require anymore than a buck. But he needs it TODAY !

Press Release: August 31, 2006

Congressional Candidates Eric Sundwall (Libertarian -20th district of NY) and Warren Redlich (Republican - 21st district ofNY) announced today that they would work together to keep Sundwall on the ballot in his race.

Jeff Russell, US Senate candidate in NY and Eric Sundwall 20th Congressional candidate, spoke at the August 30th Rally at the Capital. Later they strolled down to the BOE and checked to see who was reviewing the LPNY petitions. After lunch they ran into the Quakers.

Here's the video . . .

This article is pretty good.

Pierce is a strong candidate without pre-applied media labels.

Bob Smithers in TX is starting to get some notice after some Delay.

Libertarian Eric Schansberg will join Republican Rep. Mike Sodrel and Democrat Baron Hill in a 9th District congressional debate set for Aug. 31 at Indiana University's public television station.

Good news. A libertarian on the ballot.

Kudos, Mr. Maymin.

In reponse to a certain TU blog post:

New Paltz, NY 8/15/06: “Are minor party candidates
being quietly excluded from the fall debates, by not
being asked to participate?” asks Libertarian
Candidate for Governor John Clifton. In response to
his (and other minor parties) not being officially
notified of the announced debate schedule, Clifton is
formally requesting inclusion in the fall candidate
debates sponsored by the League of Women Voters of New
York (LWVNY), in order to find out. Libertarian
candidate for Attorney General Chris Garvey has also
formally requested inclusion.

John Clifton & Donald Silberger on Hardfire

LPNY candidates for Governor & Lt. Governor.