Nominated for Wyoming Legislature

[mndrix]

This weekend at the Wyoming Libertarian convention, I was elected as the party's candidate to run for Wyoming House District 47 in the election this fall.  Because of my history with Bitcoin, I thought some might be interested.  One platform of my campaign is to make all state business licenses optional (hair salons, restaurants, etc).  This is similar to how the state handles concealed carry permits.  The proposal also makes optional the licenses required by the Wyoming Money Transmitters Act.

I'm still learning the details of local campaign finance laws.  I'd like to accept Bitcoin donations to my campaign, but need to make sure I can meet all the necessary reporting requirements.

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[Raize]

Iowan here also involved in state politics.

I'm jealous you guys get to do more interesting things in a state with lower population. People seem far more open to the idea of trying something new.

[mndrix]

Politics in Wyoming has definite advantages.  Since the legislature only meets 60 days every two years, normal citizens can participate without making it a full time job.  Many of our elections have a great, small town feel.  For example, my district has only 9,000 people in it.  They're spread out over 20,000 square miles, but at least I have a chance to meet nearly every one of them during the campaign.

[stochastic]

You should propose to do like Utah did for gold.  Make bitcoin an official currency of Wyoming.

[DublinBrian]

You should propose to do like Utah did for gold.  Make bitcoin an official currency of Wyoming.

Even better, just propose the Competition in Currencies Act that Ron Paul introduced into congress. That would allow people to use any currency they want. Gold, silver, Bitcoin etc.

[mndrix]

Thanks for the suggestions.  I'm a big fan of competing currencies. I plan to have that discussion during the campaign and in the legislature.  I think conditions are right for changes in that area.

[TECSHARE]

What you need to do is find some one to form a PAC for you, and they can accept Bitcoins all day long anonymously for your support, 100% within the law.

[steelhouse]

You might also adopt the end of building permits, or at least the fees for building permits.  You might also try to get bitcoin and silver to be used as currency like Utah did.  gl and hope you win.

[ErebusBat]

Michael,

Where are you located?  I am in WY too (Casper).  Even if you are not in my district I would love to donate to the cause, did you get that sorted out?

[mndrix]

Where are you located?

I live in Hanna.  My district includes all of Carbon County outside of Rawlins and some rural areas of Sweetwater and Albany counties.

I am in WY too (Casper).  Even if you are not in my district I would love to donate to the cause, did you get that sorted out?

It's great to hear of more Bitcoiners in Wyoming.  I'm currently waiting for the Wyoming Secretary of State to certify my position on the ballot.  Once that's done, I'll have more details about collecting contributions and the associated reporting requirements.

I'll post to this thread again once I know more.

[ErebusBat]

It's great to hear of more Bitcoiners in Wyoming. 

Likewise.

I'm currently waiting for the Wyoming Secretary of State to certify my position on the ballot.  Once that's done, I'll have more details about collecting contributions and the associated reporting requirements.

I actually work on the elections here in Natrona county and I bet that the SoS is busy getting read for Aug 21, so I wouldn't expect to hear anything until after the canvass for the primary.

Does your district have a good libertarian support?  I know here you are an almost shoe in if yu have an R next to you.  Also do you know about your other third party opposition?  We have heard of people running on all sorts of non-standard parties this cycle (constitution, liberty, etc).  That would be bad as it would cannibalize your vote.

I also have some ideas for signs too if you are interested.

[mndrix]

Does your district have a good libertarian support?  I know here you are an almost shoe in if yu have an R next to you.  Also do you know about your other third party opposition?

I'm the first Libertarian to run in this district in a long time (ever?).  State and National LP candidates likewise haven't done well in this district in the past.  As you mentioned, having R by your name pretty much guarantees you'll win.

As best I can tell, I'm the only candidate besides the Republican.  He's an unpopular county commissioner and there's no Democrat running, so those could both help my chances.

[mndrix]

The Wyoming Secretary of State notified me that I'm officially on the ballot for this fall.  My website is now available with details about me and my positions on various issues.

My reading of Wyoming campaign rules suggests that I can accept small Bitcoin contributions (less than $100) anonymously under the "pass around a donation jar" rule.  You can send those donations to 1K31DHAgY2beZ53PaaU9YpqfGVZPNDJVFv  If you want to contribute more than that via Bitcoin, email me and I'll give you a special donation address.

Contributions will help defray the cost of yard signs and campaign flyers.

[chrisrico]

I don't normally contribute to political campaigns, but you seem to be a pretty cool guy, I can sort of get behind the shrink government from within methodology (though I don't think it will provide widespread, lasting change it may work on a smaller scale), and... BITCOINS! Fare well.

[8668]

The Wyoming Secretary of State notified me that I'm officially on the ballot for this fall.  My website is now available with details about me and my positions on various issues.

My reading of Wyoming campaign rules suggests that I can accept small Bitcoin contributions (less than $100) anonymously under the "pass around a donation jar" rule.  You can send those donations to 1K31DHAgY2beZ53PaaU9YpqfGVZPNDJVFv  If you want to contribute more than that via Bitcoin, email me and I'll give you a special donation address.

Contributions will help defray the cost of yard signs and campaign flyers.

Congratulations and good luck

[Vernon715]

How did the election go?

[TheButterZone]

http://www.rawlinstimes.com/news/article_a3cffd5c-28c1-11e2-a92e-001a4bcf887a.html

So goes liberty in elections... flush...

[21after2]

Libertarians have it hard in my state for one big reason, I believe: straight-party voting. I was looking at election results for state congress, and every election had the democratic and republican candidates almost 50/50 split, with the libertarian candidate getting just a couple thousand votes at most.

I thought it was strange, but my state tends to be very moderate (presidential elections have us swinging back and forth). I figure that a big portion of people here vote straight party, and since the libertarians usually don't have major candidates it leaves them not standing any chance in winning. Nothing to do with people not agreeing with their ideas, but more to do with people not wanting to take the time to review the full list of candidates.

I guess that's why some libertarians run as republicans. It gives them a chance to actually get in.

[Monster Tent]

If a few bitcoiners become multi millionaires they will be able to buy elections lol.

[Timep34]

Best of luck, are you running under the flag of any party or as an independent?