One of the useful things the Libertarian Party does, just by being involved in the political process, is monitor the two big parties. Jeff Trigg, executive director of the Illinois LP, is one of the best at it. Last year he discovered that the Republican nominating process was illegal under Illinois law, meaning G. W. Bush should not be allowed on the ballot there in 2004. Here's what happened, according to Jeff:
In typical, sickening, Springfield fashion, the Republicans were forced to compromise so President Bush could be on the Illinois ballot in 2004. The Reps had to agree to wipe out some $900,000 in fines, mostly for Sec. of State Jesse White, that were levied for failure to follow Illinois campaign laws. So Bush gets on the ballot after failing to follow the rule of the law, and Jesse White is off the hook for $797,600 after failing to follow the rule of law. Folks, that is Illinois politics.
And as Libertarian candidates around the nation know, we don't get to make those kind of deals. If our candidates don't follow procedure, they don't get on the ballot. If our campaigns don't follow the law, we pay fines. Period.
And as we also know, the legislative process isn't the only ugly part of politics. Jeff says, "Bush gets on the ballot and I don't even get a lousy t-shirt."