Libertarian Party of Wisconsin:
Notables & Quotables
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In addition to current and past elected officials, the Libertarian Party of Wisconsin can claim notable members and activists ranging from authors to heads of think-tanks. Among them: David Ameringer ran for State Treasurer in 1990 and gained ballot status for the Libertarian Party of Wisconsin with his apprximately 19,000 votes (1.45%). Lee Baxandall, author of Lee Baxandall's World Guide to Nude Beaches & Resorts, is the founder and past president of The Naturist Society. Mr. Baxandall, an LPWI member, has documented the high drama of the early days of American naturism; his documentation ultimately evolved into The Naturist Society. Gene Cisewski formed The Liberty Council, a PAC created to help train local LP activists and candidates. He ran for National Chair of the Libertarian Party in both 1996 and 1998. He lost both times, but was recognized by Libertarians across the nation as a talented spokesman and strategist for liberty. James J. Baxter is President of the National Motorists Association. David T. Beito, a stalwart LP petitioner in the late '70s and early '80s (and a 1982 U.S. House candidate) for the Wisconsin Libertarian Party, is now an Associate Professor of History at the University of Alabama. He is author of Taxpayers in Revolt: Tax Resistance During the Great Depression and From Mutual Aid to the Welfare State: Fraternal Societies and Social Services. Robert G. Collison, Chair of the Party from 1998 to 2003, has served or currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Wisconsin Forum, the Brookfield League of Concerned Citizens, and the Independent Business Association of Wisconsin. He was instrumental in the founding of the Brookfield Wrestling Club. Douglas J. Den Uyl (pronounced den-aisle), a past LP member in Wisconsin, is currently a Professor of Philosophy at Bellarmine University in Lousville, Kentucky. He is author of many works, among them Philosophic Thought of Ayn Rand (with past LPWI member Douglas B. Rasmussen). Chuck Eimermann, long-time LP member and activist, holds the record for the most hours spent at the annual Libertarian Party of Wisconsin State Fair outreach booth. He was there all day, every day in the late '70s. Talk about dedication to liberty! Dan Endsley, Chair of the Party in the mid to late '70s and an elected official while he lived in Wisconsin, served as a Representative on the Libertarian National Committee from 1979 (when he moved out of Wisconsin and into Ohio) until 1990. He helped form Home Education League of Parents in Toledo, Ohio and is currently involved in the home schooling movement in California. Sue Fisher, a graduate of the Milwaukee Public School system, hosted "For Which it Stands," a libertarian-themed talk show on Milwaukee radio for a number of years with Constitutional Attorney William Pangman. Fisher is a past President of Wisconsin Term Limits and a former Republican candidate for State Assembly (1994). Sandy Glodowski, an LPWI member, is a model who has competed in such competitions as Bikini USA. By profession, Ms. Glodowski is an attorney. Gerhard Gnirk, LPWI member, was appointed to the Wisconsin Council on Developmental Disabilities by former Governor Tommy G. Thompson before he left state office in 2000. Louise Googins, an LPWI member, is the President of financial planning firm Googins & Co., Inc. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Saint Benedict Center and is a prominent speaker on financial investment. Leslie Graves Key was a Regional Representative on the Libertarian National Committee from 1979 to 1983. Clifford Grohn, LP member as of 2003, is Chairman of the Chippewa Area Food Pantry. Gary Gygax has written and had published over 75 video games, game products, and books. Dawn Hageman of the Metro Milwaukee affiliate was a Regional Alternate on the Libertarian National Committee from 1989 to 1991. Drew W. Heiden, Libertarian activist, was a competitor against former Governor Scott McCallum for the Lt. Governor spot -- as a Republican -- in 1986 at the ripe young age of 18. Heiden sought the LP nomination for Lt. Governor in 2002 against Rep. Marty Reynolds (D-Ladysmith), but failed to get the 1,000 signatures needed to qualify. Dave Howard, long-time LP activist, ran for State Rep. in District 15 in 2000 and wanted to create more media attention for his race. So he convinced friend and neighbor Bob Pritzl to enter the same race as a Libertarian. The duo did get some press; both of them gained five votes on the primary day in 2000. In order to break the tie, the State Elections Board flipped a coin in September, 2000. Howard, the intended candidate, lost the coin toss. Pritzl went on to gain 23.5% in a two-way race against Rep. Tony Staskunas (D-West Allis). Rolf Lindgren, Vice-Chair of the Libertarian Party of Wisconsin, is the co-creator of CaucusScandal.com. He is also creator of RecallDoyle.com, a forum dedicated to removing Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle. Susan Mayer kept and then sent party records from the 1970s to a southern University, which was setting up archives on the Party. She was also the Party historian. Jim Mueller, an attorney and Chair of the Libertarian Party from 1997-1999, convinced Ed Thompson to get involved in the Libertarian Party. Tobin James Mueller, past LP member and activist, has written ten musicals, dramas, ballets, symphonies, lyrics to over 200 songs. He is an award-winning composer, playwright, lyricist, author, digital artist, director and producer. In 1994, he was inducted into the United Nation's 1994 Global 500 Roll of Honor for his work with youths and the environment worldwide. He is author of The New Age Politics: A Contemporary Declaration of Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Dignity (1987). Tim Newman of the North Country affiliate served as President of the Langlande County Area Taxpayers League from 2004 to present. Eric O'Keefe, board member of Americans for Limited GOvernment, was Executive Director of the National Libertarian Party in 1982. Jonathan O'Konek was nominated by U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl to receive an appointment to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. William Pangman became a controversial father's rights and Constitutional attorney after he fought to keep custody of his son in the mid-'90s. He ran for State Supreme Court twice (1994 and 1995) unsuccessfully and State Senate in 1996. Together with Sue Fisher, he hosted "For Which it Stands," a libertarian-themed talk show on Milwaukee radio for a number of years. George Pavliscak, an LP member from Blue Mounds, Wisconsin, is founder and President of the The Blue Mounds Advancement Society, a citizens participation group. Douglas B. Rasmussen, a past LPWI member, is currently Professor of Philosophy at St. John's University (Canada). Prof. Rasmussen, along with his friend Prof. Douglas J. Den Eyl, was the more involved in the Libertarian Party of Wisconsin, but mostly as an intellectual influence. He and Douglas J. Den Eyl are co-authors of Philosophic Thought of Ayn Rand. Marty Reynolds, a Democratic State Representative from Ladysmith, made history when he became the one of two states in the nation (the other being New Hampshire) to have a sitting State Rep. switch from his party to the Libertarian Party while still in office. Reynolds ran for Lt. Governor, with Ed Thompson, and gained 185,000 votes in 2002. Michael Riley, founder and president of Taxpayers Network Inc., has performed public service as an Ozaukee County Supervisor, a candidate for the Wisconsin State Senate, and as a member of the Governor's Commission on Schools. Riley coauthored Strategies for Privatization, a 13-page brief on the concept of privatization as a tool for government managers. Riley launched TNI in September 1992 in order to better educate the general public and TNI members about important public policy ideas. He addressed LP members at Statewide Libertarian Party of Wisconsin Conventions in 1987, 1988, and 1994. Dave Ripp is the longest serving Libertarian in political office in Wisconsin's history. He has served on the Dane County Board since 1984. Kay Rouse, 1988 candidate for State Representative in Racine's 62nd District, ran in 1990 as a Republican for the same office and holds the record for the highest non-Democratic percentage in the heavily Democratic 62nd district. Ms. Rouse is now a Republican. Bob Schilleman, long-time LP member, is a Professor of Mathematics at MSOE in Milwaukee. Carl Schoen, long-time activist and Judicial Committee member of the Libertarian Party of Wisconsin, is an Associate Professor of Mathematics at UW-Eau Claire. Corey Scholtka is a co-creator of CaucusScandal.com. Gerry Shidell, long-time activist, was the Mayor of Rhinelander, Wis. (pop. 8,000) before he became a Libertarian. Rick Skindrud, former State Representative (R-Mount Horeb), was recruited by Rolf Lindgren to join the Libertarian Party of Dane County (LPDC) in 2000. Kenneth Stumpf is one of three living Wisconsin recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor. Daniel J. Travanti, famous for playing Capt. Frank Furillo in the TV show Hill Street Blues, is a libertarian. Mr. Travanti was born and raised in Kenosha. Randy T. Ver Hagen of the Libertarian Party of Wisconsin was one of three Co-Chairs of the National Libertarian Party from 1983 to 1985. Barbara Vroman, an LPWI member, is an accomplished author and publisher. Her most recent book is Small Celebrations. Michael Wilson, director of the film Michael Moore Hates America, grew up in Marshfield. Ken Zollner, former LPWI Life Member, was the state Libertarian Party's only known high school intern. He was 'hired' in January of 1990. He worked as media and field co-ordinator and was released from school for the job every afternoon. LPWI Mission Statement "Privatizing Government in Wisconsin." -- LPW Mission Statement, 1985 LPWI Personality: Ed Thompson "I am happy to have the support of a great community leader like Ed Thompson. He has served the people of Tomah with energy and passion." -- Judge Ed Brunner "If Democrats don't figure out how to answer ... questions, there could be another Gov. Thompson. This one named Ed." -- Ed Garvey, 1998 Democratic candidate for Governor "It's possible that revenues [in Wisconsin] will increase enough to be some help: if the economy picks up, the state will receive more in tax revenues without raising taxes. We can't count on that: even if revenues do grow, it won't solve the whole problem. We'll have to make cuts, and some of them won't be popular. It remains to be seen whether the next governor will have the guts to do that, but here's one bit of evidence that one of them will: Ed Thompson is the only candidate for Governor who has signed the Taxpayer Protection Pledge." -- State Rep. Frank Lasee (Published in "Lasee's Notes," Oct. 24, 2002) Notable Ed Thompson Quotes "I'm no big time Charlie. I'm just a common hard-working man who is dedicated to serving the hard-working people of Wisconsin." "We were in one debate in Eau Claire and after that we jumped up seven points in the polls. I have to have the whole state see who I am and have them realize I am not some nut bartender just trying to rise on my brother's coattails. I have my own agenda." "My approach to government will not be the same as the career politicians. My approach will be just plain common sense -- the same common sense I learned working in my father's grocery store. I learned the value of hard work very young." "Taxes are way too much. Only a fool would believe such insanity -- or a Republicrat." LPWI Personality: Bob Collison "Bob Collison is deeply committed to reducing the size and cost of State government. As a small businessman and informed taxpayer he has the needed courage, experience, and leadership skills to help eliminate the budget deficit and -- finally -- cut taxes." -- Steve Sobiek (Independent Business Association) "Bob Collison is a longtime friend and ally in the fight against corruption here in Wisconsin. Bob will make an excellent legislature who his constituents will be proud of." -- George Watts (Milwaukee Businessman) |