Voters Dissatisfied With Two-Party System; LP Tea Party on Saturday
AUSTIN, TEXAS - November 4, 2009 - Independent voters revealed their dissatisfaction with the two-party system in the voting booth yesterday, according to exit polls.
"The extreme vacillation of independent voters between Democrat and Republican candidates demonstrates their frustration and discontent with both parties," said Libertarian State Chair Patrick Dixon.
Independents in Virginia and New Jersey swung largely for the Republican candidates. Virginia Republican Bob McDonnell captured 62% of the independent vote in his contest for Governor. Meanwhile, 42% of Republican Chris Christie's supporters said they were simply voting against the incumbent Corzine.
In New York's 23rd Congressional race, a Democrat, Bill Owens, won for the first time in over 100 years. A minor party candidate, Doug Hoffman received 45% of the vote after the Republican quit the race to endorse the Democrat.
"We are entering a very turbulent period in American politics," said Robert Butler, Executive Director of the Libertarian Party of Texas. "This is the kind of voter unrest that can lead to a major re-alignment of our political landscape. Voters in New York have shown a willingness to vote for minor party candidates that we haven't seen before."
"We know Texas is experiencing its own political re-alignment," added Butler. "We have seen hundreds of Texans volunteer to run as Libertarian candidates in 2010. We're very excited about that."
On Saturday, November 7th, Hillsboro Libertarian Kevin Tuma is organizing a Libertarian Tea Party in recognition of "National Government Sucks Day". There will be a full day of Libertarian speakers including 2008 Presidential Candidate Mary Ruwart, LPT Chair Patrick Dixon, and ED Robert Butler. The event is scheduled from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM at the Middlefaire Renaissance Festival grounds in Hillsboro at the corner of State Hwy 171 and County Rd 1458.
Dixon and Butler will also be visiting Abilene, San Angelo, and Brownwood; Dallas, Fort Worth, Denton, and Frisco to complete their Texas Tour.
Tour Dates and Locations:
Nov. 7 Hillsboro 11:00 AM Middlefaire Renaissance Festival
Nov. 7 Abilene 7:00 PM El Chico Mexican Restaurant
4310 Buffalo Gap Rd
Nov. 8 San Angelo 1:00 PM Hidalgo West
3108 Sherwood Way
Nov. 8 Brownwood 6:00PM Humphrey Pete's
102 Early Blvd
Nov. 14 Dallas 12 Noon Clear Sky 24
4440 Lawnview Ave.
Nov. 14 Ft. Worth 7:00PM Billy Miner's
150 W. 3rd Street
Nov. 15 Denton 2:00PM La Milpa
820 S. I-35
Nov. 15 Frisco 7:00PM Steve Nichols' Residence
6074 Arboretum Dr.
* Check http://lptexas.org for tour updates.
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