In a recent Human Events article, David Boaz and David Kirby, analyze the Republicans’ loss of Libertarian votes. In a 2006 Zogby poll commissioned by Boaz and Kirby, 59% of voters identified themselves as fiscally conservative and socially liberal. One may take issue with their definition, but it does describe an ideology that shares significant common ground with Libertarianism. Moreover, 44% continued to identify with this label when it was specifically described as Libertarianism.
Additionally, their analysis of polling data including the Zogby poll indicated that Libertarians accounted for 15% of the votes in the 2002, 2004 and 2006 elections. Boaz and Kirby make the point that Republicans must find a way to regain Libertarian votes lost to Democrats.
However, there is another story in these statistics. This story is not about gaining influence in a two party system, but of a strong independent Libertarian party ready to emerge on the political scene. Let’s review.
15% of voters are Libertarians.
44% of voters are not opposed to the label Libertarian.
59% of voters hold at least some Libertarian views.
If these numbers are to be believed, a majority of American voters likely share the core Libertarian values of smaller government, lower taxes and greater personal freedom. A large minority of voters share these values and identify with Libertarianism. A smaller minority are outright Libertarian.
The only remaining question is how to mobilize these folks to affect positive change in government. These answers are in forthcoming articles but here is a hint: What is being done today in not working.
Discuss smaller government, lower taxes and personal freedom at a path less traveled .
