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Incumbency over Good Ideas: Begging Libertarians to Quit

In Texas, the Austin American-Statesman reports that a former GOP state representative called two (or three) Libertarian party candidates, and asked them to drop out of legislative races, lest the siphon votes from the GOP and elect Democrats to office.

I see nothing unlawful about asking another candidate to drop out of a race. I can think of several incumbents in Whitewater, Wisconsin who have been in politics too long.

It’s telling, though, that an incumbent party would rather beg Libertarians to quit running than to adjust its ideas in a more free market, more classically liberal direction.

The Statesman reports that Texas Libertarian Director Wes Benedict “told Libertarian candidates to “sit tight and stay in the race” after the calls were made. “I told them that Republicans need to earn those votes,” he said.”

That’s right.

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