---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Mon, 11 Dec 2006 18:02:09 -0500
From: Libertarian Party <info@lp.org>
To:xxx@xxx
Subject: LP Celebrates 35 Years!

Dear Libertarian,

Happy Birthday!

35 years ago today, the Libertarian Party was officially formed and the first big "L" Libertarians came to be.

Throughout our three and a half decades, we've had our ups and downs but have accomplished a great deal for our nation. To highlight our accomplishments and to provide background on our origins, we've put together a ten minute video that was first shown at our national convention this past summer. Go to http://www.lp.org/35th.shtml for the video.

In between your holiday shopping, please take a few minutes and watch the video. Also be sure to share it with many of your friends and family.

After watching the video, take a minute to reflect about what it means to be a member of the Libertarian Party. What are our responsibilities as a party and what are your responsibilities as a member?

You'll notice throughout this mini-documentary that there is a clear and underlying theme goes hand-in-hand with our mission statement:

"To move public policy in a libertarian direction by building a political party that elects Libertarians to public office."

That's right . . . we're a political party. Together, our job is to create and build the foundation that allows qualified Libertarian candidates the opportunity to run for, and win elections.

Let me be clear in saying that the above is a difficult and hard-fought task that takes the support and cooperation between the national LP, state LP's, local LP's and each individual member of the LP.

By far the most important gear in our political machine is you, the individual supporter of our party. Without the help of individuals like you, nothing at all is possible.

Libertarians provide their support in many different ways. Some volunteer at the national, state or local level. Others choose to take the bold step of running for public office as one of our candidates.

Many more choose to do what they can by making financial donations to the LP.

Without the financial help of tens of thousands of donors over the years, the LP would not have survived for over three decades. More than likely, we wouldn't have ever made it off of the ground.

Our political party is not much different than any small business. The main difference is that our product is something less tangible, it's the hope that our work will one day bring about greater freedom in our nation.

Without question, I believe our work has already advanced freedom in many different ways. Over the years, our state and local parties have fought off tax increases and the further erosion of individual liberty. As importantly, each election cycle, more American voters are awakened to the opportunity of a principled alternative to the Republicans and Democrats. Each year, this awakening grows as does our influence to move public policy in a libertarian direction.

As we close 2006, we have already set our sights on 2008 (while being sure not to overlook the important elections that will take place in 2007).

To make the most impact in the coming year, and especially during the presidential election cycle in '08, we have to be flawless and determined in 2007.

As part of our approved budget for 2007, we need to raise over $1.9 million. This includes $250k for ballot access, $150k for the Ballot Base and GOTV efforts along with significant funds for outreach and prospecting to attract countless new members.

This budget alone reflects a positive change in the LP. We are solidly focused on moving forward with our mission statement.

We're also on much better standing to accomplish this work than in the recent past.

At the beginning of this year, we entered 2006 on rough financial ground. I literally lost sleep on many nights worrying about our immediate future. But thanks to our donors, we not only survived 2006, we were able to thrive.

Today, it is possible to close the books on the year, leaving our financial hardship behind us while looking forward to gains in 2007.

While we started 2006 with nearly $150K in debt, grasping at survival, we were able to reduce spending while increasing our performance throughout the year. Today, we carry only $36,764 in payables.

As we head into 2007, just as you may have helped us throughout the year, I ask that you show your support for us again and let us get a jumpstart on the New Year by making a significant financial contribution today.

This message has been sent to the 39,000 members of our e-mail list. Typically, 20% open and read these messages leaving only 7,800 to respond. If you're reading this now, you're one of those 7,800 people.

I ask that you help the LP make further progress by donating a gift of $150, $75, $100, or $25 today. To donate online, go to http://www.lp.org/members/contribute.shtml.

As the holiday season is always tough for the LP, we need your help to close the year on a positive note. Also, what better way to celebrate the 35th birthday of the LP then by sending a "birthday donation" our way?

Once again, thank you for everything that you do. I mean that sincerely. I am honored to serve as your executive director as I am humbled daily by the generosity, intelligence and passion of Libertarians. If America could see our party from my eyes, I have no doubt that we would live in a prosperous, free, peaceful and Libertarian nation.

Best Regards,

Shane Cory
Executive Director
Libertarian National Committee

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