Libertarian Party of New York: Difference between revisions

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==History==
==History==
{{main|History of the Libertarian Party of New York}}
{{main|History of the Libertarian Party of New York}}
The [[Libertarian Party of New York]] (LPNY) was founded in 1972, initially known as the "Free Libertarian Party." The party's early years were marked by the formation of local clubs and the organization of the first state conventions, where key figures like Ed Clark and Jerome Klasman played pivotal roles in establishing the party's structure and leadership. The party also made its first attempts at fielding candidates for public office, although these early campaigns faced significant challenges, such as difficulties in gathering enough petition signatures to get on the ballot.
The LPNY held its founding convention in March 1973, a significant event that drew around 95 attendees. This convention was notable for its adoption of bylaws and the election of state officers, including Andrea Millen as Chair. The party also selected candidates for various local offices in New York City for the 1973 elections. Despite the enthusiasm and energy at the convention, the party decided not to adopt a formal state platform at that time, reflecting the diverse views within its membership.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the LPNY continued to grow and evolve, with various leadership changes and internal disputes. The party became more organized, establishing a platform committee in the early 1980s and adopting a formal platform in 1983. During this period, the party also engaged in legal battles, such as a lawsuit against the Post Office, and focused on building its base rather than expending resources on statewide campaigns. Leadership during these years included figures like Carl Hastings, Thomas Frederick, and Gary Greenberg.
The 1990s and early 2000s saw the LPNY continuing its efforts to establish itself as a significant political force in New York. Notable events include Howard Stern's brief run for governor in 1994 and the party's increased efforts in organizing statewide campaigns. The party also focused on internal development, with frequent leadership changes and the establishment of new county chapters. The late 1990s and early 2000s were marked by efforts to expand the party's influence and membership across the state.
In more recent years, the LPNY has achieved significant milestones, such as gaining major party status after Larry Sharpe's 2018 gubernatorial campaign, which secured over 95,000 votes. This achievement led to the creation of new party rules and a restructuring of the party's leadership and organizational structure. The LPNY has continued to grow, with the formation of numerous Interim County Organizations and the election of several Libertarians to public office. The party's leadership has also continued to evolve, with new officers elected in 2020 and 2021, reflecting the ongoing efforts to strengthen the party's presence and impact in New York politics.


==Organization==
==Organization==