Dave Walter

Dave Walter was chair of the Libertarian National Committee from 1988 to 1991.

David Walter of Pennsylvania became National Chair of the Libertarian Party when then-Chair Jim Turney was forced out at the 1988 Libertarian National Committee meeting in Oklahoma City. He was elected to the position in his own right at the national convention in Philadelphia in 1989, which he had a large part in organizing and staging, with his compatriot Donald Ernsberger and others. Dave served until the 1991 national convention in Chicago and did not stand for re-election.

Dave was one of the three co-founders of the Society for Individual Liberty in 1969, one of the earliest libertarian movement organizations, which grew out of the libertarians who split from the Young Americans for Freedom. He eschewed a role in overt party politics until the mid to late 1980s when he and another SIL co-founder, Donald Ernsberger, decided to give the Libertarian Party a try. Dave was elected Vice Chair of the LP at the Seattle convention in 1987 and Don was elected to the LNC. Dave’s background was in accounting, with broad experience as chief financial officer and other finance roles at large companies. As such, he brought to the positions of Vice Chair and then Chair of the LP excellent management, financial and people skills that served the LP well. He was professional, well-spoken, principled and a gentleman.

This commentary is drawn from my personal recollections of events that occurred more than 25 years ago, and as such may not be completely accurate. I would welcome any corrections Dave, Don or others familiar with this history might offer.

Bill Hall

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Preceded by: Jim Turney

Libertarian Party National Chair 1988-1991

Succeeded by: Mary Gingell