With the Michigan Green Party convention coming up in Marshall the weekend of July 26, I thought I would do a quick check of the other minor parties. First up: the Libertarians.

The Libertarian Party, arguably the most successful "third party" of the last few decades, has been getting a great deal of attention from the media following the presidential nomination of former Congressman Bob Barr. In Michigan, they consistently field candidates in most (if not all) of Michigan's political contests.

In 2002, the Libertarian nominee for the 7th District was Ken Proctor. He received 3,508 votes, or 2 percent.

In 2004, Ken Proctor was the Libertarian nominee once again. He received 3,034 votes, or 1 percent.

In 2006, Ken Proctor was not the Libertarian nominee for the 7th District. Instead, he was the nominee for the 1st District in the UP and northern Lower Peninsula. The 7th District nominee was Robert Hutchinson, who, despite the endorsement of the Detroit News, still only received 3,787, or 2 percent.

Now, in 2008, the Libertarian nominee for the 7th District is... Ken Proctor! He is apparently back from the 1st District, although it looks like his website is still focused on the 2006 election.

Proctor's website doesn't have any biographical information, but Politics1 describes him as:

Auto Worker, Vietnam War Veteran & Frequent Candidate

During the 2006 debate at Siena Heights University, I actually enjoyed listening to 2006 candidate Robert Hutchinson. I didn't agree with him, but he was honest, seemed friendly, and had some interesting ideas. I'll be curious to see more of Ken Proctor.

So, will this finally be the year Proctor and the Libertarians break out of minor party status and win some elections? Will the momentum created by Ron Paul carry over to Bob Barr and further down the ticket?

Maybe. But I'm predicting that Ken Proctor will probably get between 3,000 and 4,000 votes, and one to two percent. Then again, I could be wrong.

As of July 09, 2008, I have been working with the Schauer for Congress campaign in Lenawee County. My thoughts and writings are my own opinions, and I do not speak for Senator Schauer or anyone else in his organization.

Labels: 2008 Election, Ken Proctor, Libertarian Party, Robert Hutchinson