Ace of Spades HQ

October 31, 2013

Robert Sarvis, the Fake Libertarian Candidate for Virginia Governor
— Ace

Oh, he's libertarian enough as regards the standard policy preferences of the Democratic Mandarin Class.

But as Charles C. W. Cooke notes, that doesn't make one a libertarian. You'd expect a libertarian to also speak up in favor of some limits of government power over the individual in areas apart from sex, drugs, and rock and roll.

But not this Robert Sarvis character:

In a recent Reason interview, Sarvis explained that he was Â“not into the whole Austrian type, strongly libertarian economics,Â” preferring Â“more mainstream economicsÂ” instead. The candidate expanded on this during an oddly defensive interview with MSNBCÂ’s Chuck Todd, in which he seemed put off not so much by Â“strongly libertarian economicsÂ” as by libertarian economics per se. As governor, Sarvis told Todd, he would be hesitant to cut taxes, unsure as to how he might Â“reduce spending,Â” and open to indulging the largest piece of federal social policy since 1965 by expanding VirginiaÂ’s Medicaid program. I am generally a critic of the tendency of small-government types to try to purge their ranks of those deemed sufficiently impure, but I must confess that this interview left even me wondering whether Sarvis is in need of a dictionary.
Worse yet was SarvisÂ’s rambling interview with the Virginia Prosperity Project, in which the candidate expressed his enthusiasm for increasing gas levies, and for establishing a Â“vehicle-miles-driven tax.Â” It strikes me that it is almost impossible to square such a measure with any remotely coherent Â“libertarianÂ” position on that most sacred of rights: privacy. VirginiaÂ’s mooted VMT plan requires the installation of government GPS systems in private cars Â— an astonishingly invasive proposal. Even if this isnÂ’t what Sarvis has in mind, the fact remains that there is simply no way of determining how far an individual has driven without the governmentÂ’s checking. On Twitter, an amusing fellow with a username not fit for print in this column responded to this idea by contending: Â“IÂ’m no extremist, but if you put a black box in my vehicle and tax me per mile I will burn down everything youÂ’ve ever loved.Â” What sort of Â“libertarianÂ” doesnÂ’t feel this way?

So this is quite something, isn't it? He's not even a real Libertarian drawing votes away from a more libertarian conservative (as Charles C.W. Cooke finds Cuccinelli to be); he's simply a flat-out big-spending, big-government, abortion-absolutist progressive, and yet still he's drawing votes away.

I guess this is why Ron Paul is intervening -- to let actual Libertarians know that the nominal Libertarian in the race is not libertarian at all, and that the conservative candidate actually is libertarian.

Via @rdbrewer4.

Update: Sarvis disputed Charles Cooke's portrait of him and explained himself in an interview. He claims he actually is libertarian on economic issues, but for some reason couldn't express them during TV interviews, or didn't have the time to do so.

Posted by: Ace at 10:00 AM | Comments (175)
Post contains 497 words, total size 3 kb.

1 Sounds like the libertarian brand is hot enough with the kids that there are pretenders.

Posted by: dantealiegri at October 31, 2013 10:02 AM (W6bkf)

2 Libertinr and Libertarian... Not the same stoner moonbats

Posted by: sven10077 at October 31, 2013 10:02 AM (9jfyN)

3 Perhaps Ron Paul can actually do some practical good by intervening.

Posted by: Ian 'Go' Galt at October 31, 2013 10:02 AM (QdOC1)

4 Ron Paul to the rescue? That has to be in the Book of Revelations somewhere.

Posted by: BCochran1981 - Credible Hulk at October 31, 2013 10:03 AM (da5Wo)

5 He's the democrats' ringer.

Posted by: EC at October 31, 2013 10:03 AM (GQ8sn)

6 Va is a blue state now. Get over it.

Posted by: Mr Pink at October 31, 2013 10:03 AM (S2H49)

7 1 dantealiigeri, Yup....Conservatives may need to go help them grow up

Posted by: sven10077 at October 31, 2013 10:03 AM (9jfyN)

8 meh

Posted by: mikeycat989 at October 31, 2013 10:04 AM (Ums2E)

9 I love the "weeping angel" on Drudge.

Don't blink.

Posted by: EC at October 31, 2013 10:04 AM (GQ8sn)

10 6Mr Pink, Nah deep purple unless the dead vote

Posted by: sven10077 at October 31, 2013 10:04 AM (9jfyN)

11 >>>That has to be in the Book of Revelations somewhere.

Pretty sure one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse was called "Fiat," right?

Posted by: Jeff B. at October 31, 2013 10:05 AM (G+Txt)

12 Rand Paul is shouting out to Cuccinelli every chance he gets, as well. Calls him a friend.

Posted by: artisanal 'ette at October 31, 2013 10:05 AM (IXrOn)

13 He is a Dem running to aid a Dem. Everyone knows this.

Posted by: Chaos the other dark meat at October 31, 2013 10:05 AM (oDCMR)

14 9 I love the "weeping angel" on Drudge.
Don't blink.

Posted by: EC at October 31, 2013 02:04 PM (GQ8sn)

Awesome reference!

Posted by: Ian 'Go' Galt at October 31, 2013 10:06 AM (QdOC1)

15 The picture on Drudge of Hillary in the witch outfit is awesome.

Posted by: Ian S. at October 31, 2013 10:06 AM (B/VB5)

16 Luap Nor actually has a strong network here. Still waiting for the Bill Bolling, GOTV email.

Posted by: Jean at October 31, 2013 10:06 AM (fW/Ev)

A politician involved in false labeling. Well, I'll be.

Posted by: Soona: Amiable and fuzzy at October 31, 2013 10:06 AM (oP1/q)

18 If a libertarian or Libertarian can't figure out he's a Liberal or a Progressive, then that person is neither a libertarian or a Libertarian, but an idiot.

Posted by: SFGoth at October 31, 2013 10:06 AM (yaPND)

19 @ 4, good one BC

Posted by: Misanthropic humanitarian, now with 50% more sensitivity at October 31, 2013 10:06 AM (HVff2)

20 Video analogy of Obamacare:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBxSntGGm8U

Posted by: WalrusRex at October 31, 2013 10:07 AM (Hx5uv)

21 he doesn't sound very libertarian. who is he drawing votes away from?

Posted by: X at October 31, 2013 10:07 AM (KHo8t)

22 the comment about burning stuff down its just a cheap reprise of Bruce Willis in the movie red Red.

Posted by: pep at October 31, 2013 10:07 AM (16/ul)

23 Before anything else, I feel compelled to note - baaaaaaaaay olinguito socuteomgsocuteomgsocuteomg it'll claw off your face omg adorbs! Ahem. How did this guy end up with the Libertarian nomination? Was it his turn? Did he piss off the Establishment Libertarians by going to caucus instead of primary? I'm not being (overly) bitchy about that, I just think it would be hilarious if the exact same thing is going on with the libertarians.

Posted by: alexthechick - SMOD. Mmmm. Blondies with whipped cream. at October 31, 2013 10:07 AM (VtjlW)

24 Wonder if the Democrats payed him off somehow to get him in the race?

Posted by: steevy at October 31, 2013 10:08 AM (zqvg6)

25 I'm sure that a close examination of Sarvis' funding will find Democrat fingerprints all over the place.

Posted by: Nighthawk at October 31, 2013 10:08 AM (OtQXp)

26 Is socialist the same as libertarian? I didn't know that.

Posted by: minarchist at October 31, 2013 10:08 AM (9KV0B)

27 Don't blink. Posted by: EC at October 31, 2013 02:04 PM (GQ8sn) Great episode. "Don't Blink. Blink and you're dead. Don't turn your back. Don't look away. And don't Blink. Good Luck."

Posted by: BCochran1981 - Credible Hulk at October 31, 2013 10:08 AM (da5Wo)

28 The Libertarians consist of potheads, goldbugs, and neo-Nazis. You expect them to actually do something right?

Posted by: ejo at October 31, 2013 10:08 AM (GXvSO)

29 Faux-branded candidates can be very effective if the reveal can be held off long enough.

If the reveal happens in the last month, you're gonna still be able to peel off quite a chunk.

The right doesn't use this trick nearly as much as it could.

Posted by: Purp[/i][/b][/u][/s] at October 31, 2013 10:09 AM (4tK7k)

30 I'm not being (overly) bitchy about that, I just think it would be hilarious if the exact same thing is going on with the libertarians.

Posted by: alexthechick - SMOD. Mmmm. Blondies with whipped cream. at October 31, 2013 02:07 PM (VtjlW)

Lemon Square, Your Royal Bitchiness?

Posted by: Sean Bannion[/i][/s][/b][/u] at October 31, 2013 10:10 AM (JpC1K)

31 The Libertarians consist of potheads, goldbugs, and neo-Nazis. You expect them to actually do something right? Posted by: ejo at October 31, 2013 02:08 PM (GXvSO) I consider myself a libertarian and I am none of those things.

Posted by: Oldsailors Poet Palin/Bolton 2016 at October 31, 2013 10:10 AM (XIxXP)

32 But, he thinks he is a libertarian... Libertarians are made up of all kinds, just as dems, republicans, indy's, and greenies are. I'm fine with calling him out as not the standard libertarian standard bearer, but, suggesting he's not goes into the purity test phase. Is he really merely a placeholder for the jackass mcauliffe? To steal votes away from Cucc, then?

Posted by: artisanal 'ette at October 31, 2013 10:10 AM (IXrOn)

33 What? This dude sounds exactly like a libertarian!

Posted by: Bill Maher at October 31, 2013 10:10 AM (NF2Bf)

34 Ballot management purp

Posted by: Jean at October 31, 2013 10:10 AM (fW/Ev)

35 George Soros, take a bow.

Posted by: GnuBreed at October 31, 2013 10:11 AM (wNF3N)

36 With how unpopular Rs and Ds are and how inconsistent the Sarvis coalition is, I would not interpret this as support for a particular third party or different policy preferences. A good number of Sarvis supporters are voting 'none of the above' by voting for him.

Posted by: Paper at October 31, 2013 10:11 AM (1xGW2)

37 Really?!?!??? What difference at this point does it make?!?!??!11?!??!?

Posted by: Hillary Clinton at October 31, 2013 10:11 AM (GjPnA)

38 The main thing wrong with the Libertarian Party is the libertarians.

Posted by: toby928© responds a hundred comments late at October 31, 2013 10:11 AM (QupBk)

39 >>>Va is a blue state now. Get over it.

This is a state that elected Bob McDonnell with 60% of the fucking vote in 2009. That's not a 'squeaker', that's an all-time epic blowout that would be an epic blowout in any red state as well.

It's about the candidate. Cuccinelli 1.) has no money and is being swamped by MacAuliffe on the airwaves; 2.) branded himself as a hardcore social conservative on a whole host of wildly unpopular issues in a state that doesn't EVER elect those types statewide, not just recently. The GOP statewide winner is in the mold of McDonnell, John Warner, George Allen (who had a very non-confrontational, inclusive 'brand' before "macaca"), Jim Gilmore, etc. Not Ollie North, or Mark Early, or Ken Cuccinelli. This isn't a new thing, even though VA's demographics have changed.

Cuccinelli was doomed before he even started by transvaginal ultrasounds, ending no-fault divorce, etc. etc. It isn't quite fair to him, as he's more than just his so-con stances (I'd vote for him in a heartbeat if I lived in VA as opposed to over the river), but he courted that image when it suited his needs and he's paying the price now. As has been often said before, Bill Bolling is nearly as conservative as Cuccinelli (their voting records while in the VA State Senate are basically identical) and he would have destroyed Terry Mac in this race, because he never ran with those sorts of horribly unpopular positions to the forefront.

Candidate quality matters. Fit for a state matters.

Posted by: Jeff B. at October 31, 2013 10:11 AM (G+Txt)

40 Simple. He's a libertine.

Posted by: Generation W at October 31, 2013 10:11 AM (rCS6C)

41 if pot were legalized would all these idiots who call themselves libertarian fade into the smoke? I think so

Posted by: thunderb at October 31, 2013 10:11 AM (zOTsN)

42 Oh, silly, I said I'm a liberalterian. I can't imagine how anyone might get confused.

Now, please excuse me as I head off to my cushy new gig in the McCauliffe administration.

Posted by: Sarvis the Straw at October 31, 2013 10:11 AM (0nYcq)

43 This is BY FAR the most serious problem we have today, the lack of information. Or disinformation. You can pass someone off as a "libertarian"(Sarvis) or a "whacko bird"(Cruz) or a "moderate" (Obama, Hillary!) with ease. No one knows.

Posted by: Margarita DeVille at October 31, 2013 10:11 AM (dfYL9)

44 And, let's not even mention the fact that the dude looks like he drinks the blood of mortals in order to survive. He is one creepy looking dude.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at October 31, 2013 10:13 AM (DmNpO)

45 Common dem tactic, he is a plant pure and simple. We just keep letting dems get away with it.

Posted by: FirewithFire at October 31, 2013 10:13 AM (lcwvr)

46 I'm fine with calling him out as not the standard libertarian standard bearer, but, suggesting he's not goes into the purity test phase.

Be that as it may, even the weirdest beards among the Reasonoids normally believe in at least basic economy liberty, and this guy is DNC party line on that.

Posted by: Ian S. at October 31, 2013 10:13 AM (B/VB5)

47 He is a Dem running to aid a Dem. Everyone knows this.

Posted by: Chaos

YERP.

Posted by: DemCong [/i] [/b] at October 31, 2013 10:14 AM (xz0nG)

48 You can pass someone off as a "libertarian"(Sarvis) or a "whacko bird"(Cruz) or a "moderate" (Obama, Hillary!) with ease. No one knows. Posted by: Margarita DeVille at October 31, 2013 02:11 PM (dfYL9) That's where copied and promoted checklists come in.

Posted by: Oldsailors Poet Palin/Bolton 2016 at October 31, 2013 10:14 AM (XIxXP)

49 44 Vampires are very popular.An actaual vampire would get 95% of the female vote.

Posted by: steevy at October 31, 2013 10:14 AM (zqvg6)

50 So he's about a Libertarian as Bloomberg is Republican.

Posted by: Lizzy at October 31, 2013 10:14 AM (JRmiD)

51 I think this candidate will draw college students, of which there are many in VA, who want to legalize pot. If they don't vote for him, I suspect they will vote for the dem. or not vote at all. I am not so sure he is drawing votes that would go to the pub.

Posted by: thunderb at October 31, 2013 10:15 AM (zOTsN)

52 But, he thinks he is a libertarian...
---

If he's a Libertarian, I'm a ballerina. And believe me, you don't want to see the Walrus in a tutu.

Posted by: WalrusRex at October 31, 2013 10:15 AM (Hx5uv)

53 I forget the guy's name but last year's Libertarian presidential candidate wasn't libertarian, either.

Posted by: rickl at October 31, 2013 10:16 AM (zoehZ)

54 This word, Libertarian: I dunna think it means what you *think* it means. Labels: how do they work?

Posted by: speedster1 on the iPad at October 31, 2013 10:16 AM (yeM7r)

55 Bolling talks Conservative, but he never got the abortion clinic I had to drive past shuttered. Ken did, using whatever method he had use to get it done. Maybe Ken is better suited as WH Chief of Staff then the actual executive, but I am sure Ken would have spammed by inbox to exhort me to vote for Bolling - yet I have nothing from Bolling except some random whining.

Posted by: Jean at October 31, 2013 10:16 AM (fW/Ev)

56 If only there were some correlation between 'gasoline purchased' and 'vehicle-miles driven'...

Posted by: t-bird at October 31, 2013 10:16 AM (FcR7P)

57 That has to be in the Book of Revelations somewhere.

Posted by: BCochran1981 - Credible Hulk at October 31, 2013 02:03 PM (da5Wo)

The Necronomicon actually.

Posted by: HHS Sec Syphilis at October 31, 2013 10:16 AM (MnSla)

The guy is polling at... what, about 7%?

So if he were to cease to exist, then it probably means the Dem candidate would win by 7 points more than he already will.

Yes Virginia, you DO believe in Santa Clause.

Posted by: BurtTC at October 31, 2013 10:16 AM (TOk1P)

59 That is probably the best twitter comment I have ever seen.

Posted by: polynikes at October 31, 2013 10:17 AM (m2CN7)

60 Labels: is there anything they cannot do?

Posted by: Homer Simpson at October 31, 2013 10:17 AM (QdOC1)

61 If only there were some correlation between 'gasoline purchased' and 'vehicle-miles driven'...

Haw haw!

Posted by: Electric cars at October 31, 2013 10:17 AM (B/VB5)

62 I will never understand why people think you need to be pro-abortion if you're libertarian (or conversely why the pro-abortion stance is a libertarian position.) It seems to me that one of the deepest beliefs of libertarianism is that one cannot interfere in the life of another. (Broadly speaking, obviously there are parental rights and the like.) Killing someone before they even get a chance at life seems to violate this principle. So it's entirely consistent to hold that the pro-life position is actually the libertarian one. (As for the freedom reducing aspects of pregnancy in the mother, those are, except in rare cases, the result of choices, and I don't know of any libertarian who holds we must protect people from their own actions.)

Posted by: tsrblke PhD(c) (No Really!) at October 31, 2013 10:17 AM (GaqMa)

63 On Twitter, an amusing fellow with a username not fit for print in this column Masterbatin' Pete?

Posted by: toby928© responds a hundred comments late at October 31, 2013 10:19 AM (QupBk)

64 The Libertarians consist of potheads, goldbugs, and neo-Nazis. You expect them to actually do something right?

Posted by: ejo at October 31, 2013 02:08 PM (GXvSO)

=======

And meth-heads. Can't forget the meth-heads...

Posted by: Nighthawk at October 31, 2013 10:19 AM (OtQXp)

65 >>53 I forget the guy's name but last year's Libertarian presidential candidate wasn't libertarian, either. Posted by: rickl Gary Johnson, Republican Governor of New Mexico.

Posted by: X at October 31, 2013 10:19 AM (KHo8t)

66 Lemon Square, Your Royal Bitchiness? Posted by: Sean Bannion at October 31, 2013 02:10 PM (JpC1K) Yes, please! *noms*

Posted by: alexthechick - SMOD. Mmmm. Blondies with whipped cream. at October 31, 2013 10:19 AM (VtjlW)

67 Killing someone before they even get a chance at life seems to violate this principle. So it's entirely consistent to hold that the pro-life position is actually the libertarian one. (As for the freedom reducing aspects of pregnancy in the mother, those are, except in rare cases, the result of choices, and I don't know of any libertarian who holds we must protect people from their own actions.) Posted by: tsrblke PhD(c) (No Really!) at October 31, 2013 02:17 PM (GaqMa)

Pffffft, it's only a human once it hits the end of Mommy's Slip N' Slide!

Hey, quit bogarting the stash!

Posted by: Typical Libertarian[/i][/s][/b][/u] at October 31, 2013 10:19 AM (JpC1K)

What you are seeing is how tainted the Republican BRAND has become.

Most voters do not have time to delve into every single issue a candidate puts up.... so they go with the broad category...

and face it.... the Republican Brand has not shown that it is either Pro Liberty, OR for Small Government.

Posted by: Romeo13 at October 31, 2013 10:19 AM (lZBBB)

69 He's a plant, and they have done it before.

Posted by: teh wind at October 31, 2013 10:19 AM (B3WUC)

70 The guy is polling at... what, about 7%?

So if he were to cease to exist, then it probably means the Dem candidate would win by 7 points more than he already will.

Yes Virginia, you DO believe in Santa Clause.

Posted by: BurtTC at October 31, 2013 02:16 PM (TOk1P)

------------------------------------------------

'Tis the season.

Posted by: Soona: Amiable and fuzzy at October 31, 2013 10:19 AM (oP1/q)

71 Virginia will get the government it deserves.

Posted by: Iblis at October 31, 2013 10:20 AM (9221z)

72 Calling oneself an Independent, and by extension voting Libertarian ( or any minor Party) , is a very easy thing to do. You can claim no responsibility for anything, and blame the "system", forever. I think 5% of the voting population is so shallow as to vote their ego over Party or policy, no problem. And lots of races swing on less than 5%. Just seeing the Libertarian Party on the ballot gives them a free pass. There are principled Libertarians, and there are phony Libertarians, but there are also idiot Libertarians.

Posted by: Lincolntf at October 31, 2013 10:20 AM (ZshNr)

73 Yes, please! *noms*

Posted by: alexthechick - SMOD. Mmmm. Blondies with whipped cream. at October 31, 2013 02:19 PM (VtjlW)

It's the least I can do.

I am only now recovering from this morning's blonde with whipped cream.

Posted by: Sean Bannion[/i][/s][/b][/u] at October 31, 2013 10:20 AM (JpC1K)

Pffffft, it's only a human once it hits the end of Mommy's Slip N' Slide!

Hey, quit bogarting the stash!

Posted by: Typical Libertarian at October 31, 2013 02:19 PM (JpC1K)

Wow.... how wrong can you get....

Posted by: Romeo13 at October 31, 2013 10:21 AM (lZBBB)

75 51 --- He'll draw a lot of "none-of-the-above" votes. Some of those would have been no-shows, but the rest would be hold-the-nosers for Cuccinelli. McAuliffe is garbage. If Sarvis weren't taking votes from Cuccinelli, the Dems would not be funding him. And they are.

Posted by: Margarita DeVille at October 31, 2013 10:21 AM (dfYL9)

76 In a recent Reason interview, Sarvis explained that he was Â“not into the whole Austrian type, strongly libertarian economics,Â” preferring Â“more mainstream economicsÂ” instead.

I stopped reading right there.

Posted by: Phinn at October 31, 2013 10:21 AM (EKQk0)

77 You still up, Ace? Are you feeling any better?

Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at October 31, 2013 10:21 AM (zF6Iw)

78 You would think he'd have brushed up enough on the lingo in order to pull off an interview, but no - too lazy to do even that much.

Posted by: Mikey NTH - Get Your Vitriolic Harangues At The Outrage Outlet at October 31, 2013 10:21 AM (hLRSq)

79 It seems to me that one of the deepest beliefs of libertarianism is that one cannot interfere in the life of another. (Broadly speaking, obviously there are parental rights and the like.) Abortion is the ultimate expression of the Powerful over the Powerless. It's one of the things that made me leave the official Libertarian movement. I remember 25 years ago answering the question of When will abortion be illegal with When Fetuses get to vote.

Posted by: toby928© responds a hundred comments late at October 31, 2013 10:21 AM (QupBk)

80 I am only now recovering from this morning's blonde with whipped cream. Posted by: Sean Bannion at October 31, 2013 02:20 PM (JpC1K) I..just....really Bannion. Leaving one hanging right over the plate there are we.

Posted by: tsrblke PhD(c) (No Really!) at October 31, 2013 10:21 AM (GaqMa)

81 Candidate quality matters. Fit for a state matters.

Posted by: Jeff B. at October 31, 2013 02:11 PM (G+Txt)

Uh he was elected as Virginia's Attorney General a couple of times. A statewide election.

Posted by: polynikes at October 31, 2013 10:22 AM (m2CN7)

82 even the weirdest beards among the Reasonoids normally believe in at least basic economy liberty

Not after the big Gillespie purge.

Posted by: SpongeBobSaget at October 31, 2013 10:22 AM (epxV4)

83 63 On Twitter, an amusing fellow with a username not fit for print in this column Had to be one of us

Posted by: Jean at October 31, 2013 10:22 AM (fW/Ev)

84 There are Olinguido all over New Jersey.

Posted by: garrett at October 31, 2013 10:22 AM (1LH7M)

I will never understand why people think you need to be pro-abortion if you're libertarian

I certainly don't know how prevalent the pro-life position is among them, but I've certainly read several self-described libertarians promoting it, for pretty much the reasons you listed.

Though I can't recall where they come down when the vagina goalies don't work. I would assume they would usually fall in the pro-life with rape/incest exemption camp.

Posted by: Lurking Canuck at October 31, 2013 10:22 AM (NF2Bf)

86 49 44 Vampires are very popular.An actaual vampire would get 95% of the female vote.

Posted by: steevy at October 31, 2013 02:14 PM (zqvg6)

He'd be a dead lock to get the teen vote if he sparkles too.

Posted by: HHS Sec Syphilis at October 31, 2013 10:22 AM (MnSla)

87 and face it.... the Republican Brand has not shown that it is either Pro Liberty, OR for Small Government. Posted by: Romeo13

True, but probably moot after Barry shows up in person to campaign for Terry. Obama is Big Government personified. And dropping like a rock in the polls.

Posted by: mrp at October 31, 2013 10:22 AM (HjPtV)

88 I dunno Jeff, wasn't Cuccinelli recently elected Attorney General? Statewide (obviously)?

Posted by: Damn Sockpuppet at October 31, 2013 10:22 AM (YmPwQ)

89 And meth-heads. Can't forget the meth-heads... Are they Libertarians too? The only former meth-head I know was pretty much apolitical. He was so consumed by his addiction he didn't pay attention to anything. The ones I knew that fell into meth are now either dead, in jail, in programs, or just fell off the grid.

Posted by: bonhomme[/i][/b] at October 31, 2013 10:22 AM (sByIH)

Correction, elected AG once. Previously a State senator for 8 years.

Posted by: polynikes at October 31, 2013 10:23 AM (m2CN7)

91 One of my lawyer friends who does primarily divorce work was bitching to me yesterday about a case he has. Before they split, the couple lived with no running water, no heating other than a wood stove, no electricity etc. He is emulating an 1870s blacksmith and living in a hippie commune in Boulder County. He's in his early forties so this isn't merely an extended childhood. They are extremely anti-government and have hippie police and a hippie counsel so they don't have to deal with the government. (The wife refused to abide by the hippie counsel's decision so that is why it is in grown up court.) As I said, they are extremely anti-government with one exception. It seems wife suffered a head injury twenty years ago that is not truly debilitating but she sure likes her that sweet, sweet government disability money.

Posted by: WalrusRex at October 31, 2013 10:23 AM (Hx5uv)

92 Ron Paul to the rescue?

That has to be in the Book of Revelations somewhere.

Posted by: BCochran1981 - Credible Hulk at October 31, 2013 02:03 PM (da5Wo)

"...And the sky turned as if to ash and the sunn and moon as covered in sackcloth

And he stood before the masses in one hand bearing a vinegar spray bottle and in the other a bag of silver dimes..."

I'll be darned, it is in there.

Posted by: Mikey NTH - Get Your Vitriolic Harangues At The Outrage Outlet at October 31, 2013 10:24 AM (hLRSq)

93 56 If only there were some correlation between 'gasoline purchased' and 'vehicle-miles driven'...

Posted by: t-bird at October 31, 2013 02:16 PM (FcR7P)

Yeeah..... Tax Gas MORE...

Posted by: Chevy Volt at October 31, 2013 10:24 AM (lZBBB)

94 what sort of vote stealing B.S. is this supposed to be, anyways?

Posted by: Ross Perot, now with extra Crunch at October 31, 2013 10:24 AM (qM5uD)

95 I..just....really Bannion. Leaving one hanging right over the plate there are we. Posted by: tsrblke PhD(c) (No Really!) at October 31, 2013 02:21 PM (GaqMa)

You're a Cardinals fan. I know you couldn't hit it anyway.

Posted by: Sean Bannion[/i][/s][/b][/u] at October 31, 2013 10:24 AM (JpC1K)

Fuck GPS tracking for cars for the gas tax, especially in VA. Car has to go in annually for state safety inspection, if you're going to charge per mile just read the odometer then.

Posted by: dudenolongerinsantacruz at October 31, 2013 10:24 AM (gKGI0)

97 @89: No, you're right, meth does too much damage for users to have a coherent movement.

Posted by: Ian S. at October 31, 2013 10:25 AM (B/VB5)

98 If I don't have Powerpoint, where else can I place a screencap for safe keeping?

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at October 31, 2013 10:25 AM (DmNpO)

99 There are Olinguido all over New Jersey.

Posted by: garrett at October 31, 2013 02:22 PM (1LH7M)

-------------------------------------------

Is there garlic sauce too?

Posted by: Soona: Amiable and fuzzy at October 31, 2013 10:25 AM (oP1/q)

100

Bill Bolling is nearly as conservative as Cuccinelli (their voting records while in the VA State Senate are basically identical) and he would have destroyed Terry Mac in this race, because he never ran with those sorts of horribly unpopular positions to the forefront.

Except he decided to be a twat and have a tantrum after he lost. A trait common among the 'moderate' choices.

And it ain't conservatives peeling off from the GOP to vote for this 'libertarian' clown.

Funny how unity is only a thing when the moderate guy wins.

Posted by: Bevel Lemelisk at October 31, 2013 10:25 AM (TpXEI)

101 dammit, call the exorcist

Posted by: Figgy Puddin', now with extra Ross Perot at October 31, 2013 10:25 AM (qM5uD)

102 @96: They'll want to send the GPS logger data to Obamacare so you can get a discount if you drive safely. The aptly-named "Progressive" Insurance (the CEO is a big Dem and Obama donor) already has a program like that.

Posted by: Ian S. at October 31, 2013 10:26 AM (B/VB5)

103 If I don't have Powerpoint, where else can I place a screencap for safe keeping? You can paste it into a word document, or even just a wordpad document.

Posted by: toby928© responds a hundred comments late at October 31, 2013 10:27 AM (QupBk)

104 Posted by: Sean Bannion at October 31, 2013 02:24 PM (JpC1K)

The designated hitter is crap. That's all I'm saying.

Posted by: tsrblke PhD(c) (No Really!) at October 31, 2013 10:27 AM (GaqMa)

105 Somebody mentioned Progressive insurance,now I want to go scour the web for naked pictures of Flo.

Posted by: steevy at October 31, 2013 10:28 AM (zqvg6)

106 Is socialist the same as libertarian? I didn't know that.
---

Also the same as anarchists.

Posted by: WalrusRex at October 31, 2013 10:28 AM (Hx5uv)

107 You're a Cardinals fan. I know you couldn't hit it anyway. Posted by: Sean Bannion at October 31, 2013 02:24 PM (JpC1K) Ohhhh and again with the me level bitchy! *views inventory* You want a brunette or a ginger with your whipped cream?

Posted by: alexthechick - SMOD. Mmmm. Blondies with whipped cream. at October 31, 2013 10:28 AM (VtjlW)

108 dammit, call the exorcist Whoa there buddy. There's a process here. Now, how long have you felt you need an exorcism? Wait, I skipped a step, do you have insurance?

Posted by: Il Papa[/i][/b] at October 31, 2013 10:28 AM (sByIH)

109 Correction, elected AG once. Previously a State senator for 8 years.

Posted by: polynikes at October 31, 2013 02:23 PM (m2CN7)

My impression was that Cucinelli's big mistake was that he jumped in line, that it was Bolling's 'turn' and that now the GOP would rather lose than win to punish him and make sure they keep a firm hold on things.

Posted by: Bevel Lemelisk at October 31, 2013 10:28 AM (TpXEI)

110 The designated hitter is crap.
That's all I'm saying.

Posted by: tsrblke PhD(c) (No Really!) at October 31, 2013 02:27 PM (GaqMa)

Careful! We don't want to stir up too much controversy now.

But you are right.

Posted by: Ian 'Go' Galt at October 31, 2013 10:28 AM (QdOC1)

111 Posted by: dudenolongerinsantacruz at October 31, 2013 02:24 PM (gKGI0 And people who drive mostly out of state? I'm sure someone would be ready and willing to challenge any law like that.

Posted by: tsrblke PhD(c) (No Really!) at October 31, 2013 10:28 AM (GaqMa)

112 >>>105 Somebody mentioned Progressive insurance,now I want to go scour the web for naked pictures of Flo. someone mentioned baseball too and Flo is certainly the Mendoza Line.

Posted by: X at October 31, 2013 10:29 AM (KHo8t)

113 I was a big-L county chairman in 1973. Libertarians, in case you haven't heard, sometimes argue a little among themselves. It's inconceivable that this guy could have gotten the actual party nomination without a lot of noise leaking out.

Sarvis endorsing mileage-based use tax is believable; libertarians like user fees. The secret plot is to make the highway system stand on its own revenues, then contract it out or sell it off. Now you know. FWIW, there's a fairly non-intrusive way to assess that without Flo and her black box. But for that tax to be an addition to existing tax schemes is not believable.

The rest of his just-revealed bag of tricks is in direct conflict with his party's established platform. Not airy notions or pipe dreams, mind you, but their published platform. They have one, and they're historically serious about it.

It looks like his candidacy came out of nowhere (they had not planned to endorse a candidate, and had to call a hurry-up convention when he volunteered). Somebody stacked that committee meeting, like the Paulite pollsters packed the primary caucuses. He's manchurian, for sure.

Posted by: Stringer Davis at October 31, 2013 10:29 AM (JNUY4)

114 now I want to go scour the web for naked pictures of Flo. Without all the creepy makeup she's actually pretty.

Posted by: bonhomme[/i][/b] at October 31, 2013 10:29 AM (sByIH)

115 The designated hitter is crap.

Posted by: tsrblke PhD(c) (No Really!) at October 31, 2013 02:27 PM (GaqMa)

Are you kidding? With enough steroids, anybody can do it.

Just look at David Ortiz!

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at October 31, 2013 10:29 AM (oJ5Fd)

116 The designated hitter is crap. That's all I'm saying.

Posted by: tsrblke PhD(c) (No Really!) at October 31, 2013 02:27 PM (GaqMa)

Works for me!

Posted by: David "Big Papi" Ortiz - Batting .733 in the Series[/i][/s][/b][/u] at October 31, 2013 10:29 AM (JpC1K)

117 110 Well,the Commish just made noises that the DH may be coming to the NL soon.

Posted by: steevy at October 31, 2013 10:30 AM (zqvg6)

118 Libertarian ? Librarian? Liberian?

Who knows?
I mean we're not like label geeks or anything.

Posted by: Joe Biden at October 31, 2013 10:30 AM (5ikDv)

119
OT video ICYMI:

http://reason.com/reasontv/2013/10/30/remy-healthcare-mash

Posted by: Guy Mohawk at October 31, 2013 10:31 AM (nKUHR)

120 Posted by: steevy at October 31, 2013 02:30 PM (zqvg6) WTF? Pass. (I've actually heard the exact opposite rumors.)

Posted by: tsrblke PhD(c) (No Really!) at October 31, 2013 10:31 AM (GaqMa)

121 Anyone else's internet on the fritz?

Posted by: Boss Moss the Redskin Savage at October 31, 2013 10:32 AM (Kud5A)

122 Biden is from Scranton...he should run instead of this fraud.

Posted by: torabora at October 31, 2013 10:32 AM (WLbax)

123 You want a brunette or a ginger with your whipped cream?

Posted by: alexthechick - SMOD. Mmmm. Blondies with whipped cream. at October 31, 2013 02:28 PM (VtjlW)

Ginger this time, please.

With Pumpkin Pie Spiced Whipped Cream.

Mmmmmmmmm.

Posted by: Sean Bannion [/s][/i][/u][/b] at October 31, 2013 10:32 AM (JpC1K)

124 >>>>Funny how unity is only a thing when the moderate guy wins.<<<

Heh, the "Castle Doctrine".

Posted by: the guy that moves pianos for a living... at October 31, 2013 10:32 AM (P/gm7)

125 My impression was that Cucinelli's big mistake was that he jumped in line, that it was Bolling's 'turn' and that now the GOP would rather lose than win to punish him and make sure they keep a firm hold on things.

Posted by: Bevel Lemelisk at October 31, 2013 02:28 PM (TpXEI)

cutting your nose off to spite your face is never a good plan and the GOP likes to do that it seems. Except for that twitter guy that can't be named. I like his plan.

Posted by: polynikes at October 31, 2013 10:33 AM (m2CN7)

126 Ginger this time, please. With Pumpkin Pie Spiced Whipped Cream. Mmmmmmmmm. Posted by: Sean Bannion at October 31, 2013 02:32 PM (JpC1K) There you go.
*sprinkles cinnamon on top*

Posted by: alexthechick - SMOD. Mmmm. Blondies with whipped cream. at October 31, 2013 10:33 AM (VtjlW)

127

111

not a serious policy proposal, just saying that there are less stupid ways to attempt to come to the "right" answer. Besides, in current system one who lives in NoVa and commutes to DC or Maryland but always buys gas in VA would be under the same situation.

Posted by: dudenolongerinsantacruz at October 31, 2013 10:33 AM (gKGI0)

128

@56If only there were some correlation between 'gasoline purchased' and 'vehicle-miles driven'...

---------------

Since vehicles are becoming more fuel-efficient, gas taxes aren't quite as great as a source of income as they once were. So these new "miles driven" tax schemes end up appealing both to the politicos who want more tax money, and the ones who want to stop people from using their cars (yes, I know, the former includes pretty much all of the latter; but the reverse isn't necessarily true).

Posted by: junior at October 31, 2013 10:33 AM (UWFpX)

129 I think Sarvis is planted for the Ross Perot effect. He'll draw away just enough votes to help mcawful win.

Posted by: Willy at October 31, 2013 10:33 AM (tE4EO)

130 Or the "Lugar Doctrine".

Posted by: the guy that moves pianos for a living... at October 31, 2013 10:33 AM (P/gm7)

131 100 ---Funny how unity is only a thing when the moderate guy wins. Posted by: Bevel Lemelisk at October 31, 2013 02:25 PM (TpXEI) ------------------ That's it. I held my nose and supported John McCain in 2008. We all got behind him. But he doesn't have to support any "whacko birds." It's all a one-way street. So WHO are the purists and fanatics?

Posted by: Margarita DeVille at October 31, 2013 10:33 AM (dfYL9)

132 Bolling has been Lt. Gov for ages. I wonder what skeleton in his closet keeps him from the higher office?

Posted by: Boss Moss the Redskin Savage at October 31, 2013 10:34 AM (Kud5A)

133 Virginia does have a GOP Super Majority in the State House, I believe. Most analysts say that the GOP will only lose a few next week. Senate will stay 20-20 with no seats up until 2015. McAwful will have no free ride

Posted by: Myron at October 31, 2013 10:35 AM (4WesI)

134 Or the "McCain Doctrine" I suppose. He did spend 8 years knifing W in the back every chance he got just to get even for South Carolina.

Posted by: the guy that moves pianos for a living... at October 31, 2013 10:35 AM (P/gm7)

135 The Lt. Gov is the Senate tie breaker.

Posted by: Boss Moss the Redskin Savage at October 31, 2013 10:35 AM (Kud5A)

136 132. Agreed,what is the deal with Bolling? Rumours are he is helping McAwful as sour grapes

Posted by: Myron at October 31, 2013 10:36 AM (4WesI)

137 Nood

Posted by: Sean Bannion [/s][/i][/u][/b] at October 31, 2013 10:36 AM (JpC1K)

138 129 I think Sarvis is planted for the Ross Perot effect. He'll draw away just enough votes to help mcawful win. Posted by: Willy at October 31, 2013 02:33 PM (tE4EO) ------------------- Well, he is a premier Clintonista. In fact, his sole job as governor will be to deliver Virginia for Hillary. That and his usual graft and corruption.

Posted by: Margarita DeVille at October 31, 2013 10:37 AM (dfYL9)

139 Virginia does have a GOP Super Majority in the State House, I believe. Most analysts say that the GOP will only lose a few next week. Senate will stay 20-20 with no seats up until 2015. McAwful will have no free ride
------------------------

Good. I was wondering about the state house and senate composition in VA.

Posted by: Willy at October 31, 2013 10:37 AM (tE4EO)

140 135. True, but State Senate will still be tough for Dems even with Tiebreaker. Couple of Dem Senators are in southern Va

Posted by: Myron at October 31, 2013 10:38 AM (4WesI)

141 Here's the piece I saw.Bud Selig. http://tinyurl.com/n5q3u3a

Posted by: steevy at October 31, 2013 10:38 AM (zqvg6)

142 "A good number of Sarvis supporters are voting 'none of the above' by voting for him."

I've voted for third party candidates a goodly number of times for just that reason.

Sometimes I'll even vote for Lefty J. Moonbat if that candidate has a strong enough candidacy that they might actually get mentioned and noticed in the returns rather than being lost in the noise.

The idea is to attempt to communicate the idea that, hey, there are a fair chunk of the electorate who feel that neither of the duopoly candidates are any good.

In 2000, I cast a protest vote. I obviously wasn't going to vote for Gore, and I had long since had it with the Bush family. I said that if Bush were elected it would be an eventual total disaster for the Republican Party and, mirabile dictu, it was precisely that.

I would walk over red-hot razor wire to get a formal, binding NONE OF THE ABOVE installed as an option on all federal and state ballots. As a toilet-flush measure. If NOTA comes first on Election Day? New special election to follow with all previous candidates from the previous ballot banned from participating in that race.

Posted by: torquewrench at October 31, 2013 10:38 AM (gqT4g)

143 133 Virginia does have a GOP Super Majority in the State House, I believe. Most analysts say that the GOP will only lose a few next week. Senate will stay 20-20 with no seats up until 2015. McAwful will have no free ride Posted by: Myron at October 31, 2013 02:35 PM (4WesI) ------------------- God willing.

Posted by: Margarita DeVille at October 31, 2013 10:38 AM (dfYL9)

144

115 -

Don't be silly, Ortiz is just following in the same footsteps as other naturally gifted athletes like Barry Bonds, Sammy Sosa, Alex Rodriguez, and Mark McGwire.

Posted by: BurtTC at October 31, 2013 10:38 AM (TOk1P)

145 True, but State Senate will still be tough for Dems even with Tiebreaker. Couple of Dem Senators are in southern Va

Posted by: Myron at October 31, 2013 02:38 PM (4WesI)

-------------------------------------------------

Well that's good.

Posted by: Soona: Amiable and fuzzy at October 31, 2013 10:39 AM (oP1/q)

146 124 >>>>Funny how unity is only a thing when the moderate guy wins.<<< Heh, the "Castle Doctrine". Yeah, where is the GOP "establishment"?

Posted by: Iblis at October 31, 2013 10:39 AM (9221z)

147 138. Actually it could go the other way also. McAwful could damage old thunder thighs, as he gets nothing passed thru legislature. Anyway, GOP governor McDonnell did not help Romney.

Posted by: Myron at October 31, 2013 10:40 AM (4WesI)

148 now I want to go scour the web for naked pictures of Flo.
CAPITAL idea, old boy!

Posted by: Figgy Puddin', now with extra Apes crunchin at October 31, 2013 10:41 AM (qM5uD)

149

Fuck GPS tracking for cars for the gas tax, especially in VA. Car has to go in annually for state safety inspection, if you're going to charge per mile just read the odometer then.

--------------

Sure! Except then it won't just be used car salesmen adjusting the odometer.

Posted by: junior at October 31, 2013 10:41 AM (UWFpX)

150

Bolling has been Lt. Gov for ages. I wonder what skeleton in his closet keeps him from the higher office?

-------------

He agreed to run for a second term as Lt. Governor in 2009 as a way to give Bob McDonnell some national visibility with an eye toward elevating him to, say, running mate status for the 2012 GOP Presidential nominee. The deal was Bolling would run this year and get the hopefully-coveted McDonnell endorsement in the primary.

It was kind of working, until McDonnell got embroiled in some mini-scandals here and the whole plan went to hell.

Posted by: @JohnTant at October 31, 2013 10:41 AM (eytER)

151

147124 >>>>Funny how unity is only a thing when the moderate guy wins.

Heh, the "Castle Doctrine".

Yeah, where is the GOP "establishment"?

---

Throwing money at Bolling, I'm thinking, while undercutting Cuccinelli.

Posted by: Brandon In Baton Rouge at October 31, 2013 10:42 AM (/Crba)

152 I used to be opposed to the DH, but seeing enough pitchers go up there and not being able to bunt, make any contact or move a runner over its just an easy out.

I would also make it so you do not have to waste actually throwing four pitches wide for an intentional walk. Just tell the umpire you want to walk the batter and move the game on.

Posted by: Mallamutt, RINO President for Life at October 31, 2013 02:38 PM (OWjjx)

---------------------------------------------------

I'm not a baseball fan, but that sounds reasonable.

Posted by: Soona: Amiable and fuzzy at October 31, 2013 10:43 AM (oP1/q)

153 McDonnell scandals did not help us either in Va, but the big problem is the women vote against Cuccinelli, not Sarvis. Moderate GOP women always cross lines on the Abortion issue. Sad to say

Posted by: Myron at October 31, 2013 10:43 AM (4WesI)

154 151. Thanks for the info John. Any truth to the rumors on Bolling helping McAuliffe?

Posted by: Myron at October 31, 2013 10:44 AM (4WesI)

155 I know the MSM types are hyping this election, but the Governor of VA is one of the weakest Governor positions in the US. Its a one and done tour. If you have no legs in the Senate/House, you are a lawn ornament. VA has generally traded between Ds and Rs since the late 1960s. The interesting change has been the tolerance for out of state candidates. VA is normally very protective of its natural born sons - with the advent of Northern VA turning into a Federal Government Worker suburb we now have to deal with the import's taste for more government and racial hucksterism. Having said this, I expect Cuccinelli to win. Most in NOVA will forget to vote while down state they will remember to do so. Can anyone get all that excited about Terry? He reminds me of a wimpy Ted Nugent.

Posted by: Chaos the other dark meat at October 31, 2013 10:47 AM (oDCMR)

156

Thanks for the info John. Any truth to the rumors on Bolling helping McAuliffe?

-----------

Just rumors really. But a refusal to endorse (really, if Bolling were "nearly as conservative" as Cuccinelli you'd think he'd be all over endorsing him) coupled with frank statement saying Cuccinelli isn't qualified to be governor really does give that impression.

My opinion - the VA GOP is just being very passive aggressive over the whole thing. I don't think there's formal help going on, but by refusing to significantly help Cuccinelli the end result is the same.

Posted by: @JohnTant at October 31, 2013 10:50 AM (eytER)

157

He's the democrats' ringer.

Posted by: EC at October 31, 2013 02:03 PM (GQ8sn)

As the Losertarian Party candidate usually is.

Posted by: steveegg at October 31, 2013 10:53 AM (o44nj)

158 Bolling is finished then, by not endorsing Cuc. What a fool

Posted by: Myron at October 31, 2013 10:54 AM (4WesI)

159 158. Steve, what does the GOP do about the spoiler liber's? Nothing. They should have a strategy to educate right wing voters early on these closet DEMS.

Posted by: Myron at October 31, 2013 10:55 AM (4WesI)

160

Steve, what does the GOP do about the spoiler liber's? Nothing. They should have a strategy to educate right wing voters early on these closet DEMS.

Posted by: Myron at October 31, 2013 02:55 PM (4WesI)

Their stragedy is to do nothing if the guy carrying the GOP banner is actually conservative (see the 2002 Wisconsin gubernatorial campaign).

Posted by: steveegg at October 31, 2013 10:57 AM (o44nj)

161 I live in Maryland and last year our future representative must have gotten spooked because he had an "Independent" who attacked the distant second place Republican for not being conservative enough. In Maryland! Whatever.

By the way, where's Palin? I thought she was AWESOME at endorsements. Clearly she would help Cuccinelli.

Posted by: Shoot Me at October 31, 2013 11:03 AM (qiXMt)

162 Let's also not forget about the pseudo-Libertarians who think swallowing Alex Jones's conspiracy theories whole makes them "Libertarians". Those nutjobs won't actually vote for any candidate, including the Democrat running as a Libertarian. They'll just stay home. Unless they're women. Female conspiracy nutjobs tend to believe that if Cuccinelli were to win, he'd personally come to their house and install cameras to make sure they aren't having oral sex. These women are so whacked out that they'd vote for the guy who left his sobbing wife and infant son in the car to go rub elbows at a fundraiser. (Hint: it's the guy who uses the War on Women scam to his advantage among female LIVs and deadbeat dads)

Posted by: Saber Alter at October 31, 2013 11:03 AM (ohtdI)

163 68 What you are seeing is how tainted the Republican BRAND has become. Most voters do not have time to delve into every single issue a candidate puts up.... so they go with the broad category... and face it.... the Republican Brand has not shown that it is either Pro Liberty, OR for Small Government. Posted by: Romeo13 at October 31, 2013 02:19 PM (lZBBB) True. Thank you, W, for the Dhimmicrat Congress of '06 and SCOAMF. Cheney wants his daughter to be a WY senator, because she can't run in red-now-purple VA. It has nothing to do with social issues or pot. It's because the Architect and his buddies destroyed the GOP brand. "Let it burn," to borrow a phrase. Yeah, it's smoldering ashes on the ground. That's your America. These shitbags robbed the till and didn't bring you any receipts.

Posted by: Tattoo De Plane at October 31, 2013 11:04 AM (Y92Nd)

164 sounds like Sarvis is a Dem. plant.

Posted by: Shoey at October 31, 2013 11:13 AM (jdOk/)

165 " It has nothing to do with social issues or pot. It's because the Architect and his buddies destroyed the GOP brand. " This, exactly. Squishes want to keep blaming SoCons for their failures, but that dog don't hunt. People are getting fed up with having to hold their noses for "compassionate conservative" and "moderate" Establishment squishes who talk a good game and then turn around to keep feeding the Leviathan once in office.

Posted by: Saber Alter at October 31, 2013 11:22 AM (ohtdI)

166 By the way, where's Palin? I thought she was AWESOME at endorsements. Clearly she would help Cuccinelli.

Posted by: Shoot Me at October 31, 2013 03:03 PM (qiXMt)

If asked , she shows up.

Posted by: Temper Tantrum at October 31, 2013 11:31 AM (AWmfW)

167 I bet the olinguito is endangered by rich people wanting exotic pets by this time next year, if it is not already.

Posted by: Beagle at October 31, 2013 11:38 AM (sOtz/)

168 Yeah, because Compassionate Conservatism doesn't appeal to SoCons at all. At. All.

Posted by: Shoot Me at October 31, 2013 12:00 PM (qiXMt)

169 Some guy with the Sarvis campaign's moniker was on the Daily Caller yesterday extolling the "godliness" of open borders - showing how he's in favor of separating church and state. I'm sure all of the restaurant owners and slum lords really appreciate share his compassion towards the undocumented.

Posted by: Wendy at October 31, 2013 01:01 PM (4uSYN)

170

I know some of Rob Sarvis's family (I grew up in Northern Virginia). He is not a plant.

Some of what has been written about him is misleading. Yes, he wants to raise sales taxes, gas taxes, and tolls. He also wants to eliminate the income tax. If you support the Fair Tax or any sort of national retail sales tax, then you have a similar view. If you think the cost of government should be transparent and borne by people who are using the particular service or facility, then you have a similar view.

As for where he would cut government, I think he has listed a couple of areas already -- getting the state out of the liquor business, dramatically expanding school choice (I think he might have expressed support for vouchers, but I'm not sure).

Regarding abortion, I guess he's opposed personally (based on his and his wife's decisions) but is uncomfortable with the government restricting the decisions of others. I think it's a bad position, and I've heard that about a third of Libertarians are pro-life. We need to continue making the case for our side.

Gay marriage is both an easy win and a huge vulnerability for our side. "Win" because the people generally don't want it. "Vulnerability" because the other side's case can be expressed succinctly: "Government should not discriminate." (Ignoring, of course, the fact that the left wants government to discriminate over *everything*.) Ours is more subtle. Do we want to argue that the government shouldn't even be involved in deciding who can marry? (Some conservatives argue that.) Or do we want to argue that there is a compelling state interest in "blessing" certain unions and not others? I believe the latter, but this is still an argument that takes more than four sentences, let alone four words, so it's tough to get the point through to people who don't spend the time to listen to the case, especially given the social stigma of being considered anti-gay. And it doesn't help when some people on our side make nasty references to anal sex in their rants.

I hope Cuccinelli pulls this off, since he seems to be an extremely decent guy who tries to do the right thing, and I agree with him on almost every issue. And because McAuliffe is a sleaze and is the exemplar of everything wrong with politicians.

I also hope Sarvis gets as many votes as possible without costing Cuccinelli the election, as a message to Republicans that they need to get back to a small-government platform. If there were one electoral reform I'd like to see, it would be to allow multiple parties to nominate the same person, without splitting the votes. I would like to cast a vote for the Republican candidate via a Conservative or Libertarian nomination, without electing a Democrat as a consequence.

Posted by: boomstick at October 31, 2013 01:16 PM (0CAWA)

171 I visited his campaign site the other day when someone commented the libertarians better vote for the Republican or get a Virginian communist. He's for open immigration. And posts his multi-ethnic genetics, marriage and breeding as reason to be Governor. So he's not for upholding rule of law, but rather supports comprehensive legislative reform packages that dissolve the Constitution.

Posted by: panzernashorn at October 31, 2013 02:07 PM (MhA4j)

172 Chicago Democratic Machine does this all the time. They put a shill on the Republican and Libertarian ticket, then fix the election for the Democrat.

Posted by: Jeff at October 31, 2013 02:52 PM (MOSsR)

173

Does anyone put it past the scumbag McAuliffe to have deposited funds in an account somewhere for this guy?

One thing scum sucking corruptocrat McAuliffe knows is how to launder money.

Posted by: bobbymike at October 31, 2013 03:41 PM (YFPAQ)

174 Yeah, because Compassionate Conservatism doesn't appeal to SoCons at all. At. All. Posted by: Shoot Me at October 31, 2013 04:00 PM (qiXMt) Not anymore. You can't thank Bush II for that. Now SoCons know that "compassionate conservatism" is just code words for "Establishment squish trying to appeal to LIVs who think compassion means giving someone else's paycheck to charity".

Posted by: Saber Alter at November 02, 2013 06:29 PM (ohtdI)

175 *can, not can't

Posted by: Saber Alter at November 02, 2013 06:29 PM (ohtdI)

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