Libertarians gain major-party status

By STEVE POWELL

Herald Writer

EVERETT — "Give me Libertarians or give me death."

Well, no one is taking the Libertarians that seriously, but the party has obtained major party status in Washington state for the first time in its 30-year existence.

It accomplished that goal by having three candidates receive at least 5 percent of the vote for a statewide office in Tuesday’s election. It only needed one person to hit that level, but Ruth Bennett for lieutenant governor (7.57 percent), Chris Caputo for state auditor (5.25 percent) and Steve Layman for commissioner of public lands (5.20 percent) all passed the mark.

The main benefit of reaching that status is that for the next four years Libertarians will no longer be required to have time-consuming and costly nominating conventions in each legislative district. All they have to do is pay the filing fees.

"It was cumbersome getting on the ballot," said Carol Miller, executive director of the Libertarian Party in Washington state.

Power-to-the-people movements such as the increasing popularity of initiatives statewide have brought more voters to the Libertarian Party, she said.

"We are part of the same phenomenon," Miller said, referring to the passage of tax-cutting initiatives such as I-695 and I-722.

Libertarians have always stood for small government and low taxes, while the other two major parties are blending together, she said. Miller said the Democrats are "losing their socially liberal influences," and Republicans talk about less government but "they’re more talk than action."

"Keep your income," Libertarians believe, Miller said. "Private charity works better than public charity."

Erica Merkley, whom Miller called a "stay-at-home mom," had the best Libertarian showing in Snohomish and Island counties, with about 4 percent of the vote in the state House race for the 21st Legislative District Position 1 seat. Incumbent Democrat Mike Cooper won the spot.

Miller said Libertarians are still grass-roots enough that members who want to run for office often can. She said one candidate is already excited about running in 2002.

"He wants to win the next time," she said. "He got a taste of the hunt."

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Customers enter and exit the Costco on Dec. 2, 2022, in Lake Stevens. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Costco stores could be impacted by looming truck driver strike threat

Truck drivers who deliver groceries and produce to Costco warehouses… Continue reading

Two Washington State ferries pass along the route between Mukilteo and Clinton as scuba divers swim near the shore Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Ferry system increases ridership by a half million in 2024

Edmonds-Kingston route remains second-busiest route in the system.

A view of a homes in Edmonds, Washington on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Snohomish County to mail property tax statements this month

First half payments are due on April 30.

Ticket and ORCA card kiosks at the Lynnwood Light Rail station on Thursday, April 4, 2024 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Beginning March 1, Community Transit to reduce some fares

Riders eligible for reduced fares will pay $1 for a single ORCA card tap and $36 for a monthly pass.

The amphitheater at Deception Pass during the 2021 concert series. (Photo provided by Deception Pass Park Foundation Facebook page.)
Deception Pass Foundation seeks Adopt-A-Trail volunteers

If you’re looking for a way to get outside and… Continue reading

Robin Cain with 50 of her marathon medals hanging on a display board she made with her father on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Running a marathon is hard. She ran one in every state.

Robin Cain, of Lake Stevens, is one of only a few thousand people to ever achieve the feat.

People line up to grab food at the Everett Recovery Cafe on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Coffee, meals and compassion are free at the Everett Recovery Cafe

The free, membership-based day center offers free coffee and meals and more importantly, camaraderie and recovery support.

Devani Padron, left, Daisy Ramos perform during dance class at Mari's Place Monday afternoon in Everett on July 13, 2016. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Mari’s Place helps children build confidence and design a better future

The Everett-based nonprofit offers free and low-cost classes in art, music, theater and dance for children ages 5 to 14.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett water, sewer rates could jump 43% by 2028

The rate hikes would pay for improvements to the city’s sewer infrastructure.

The bond funded new track and field at Northshore Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in Bothell, Washington. (Courtesy of Northshore School District)
Northshore School District bond improvements underway

The $425 million bond is funding new track and field complexes, playgrounds and phase one of two school replacements.

A pedestrian is struck and killed by vehicle Wednesday in Everett

The pedestrian was a man in his 60s. The collision happened at 5:30 a.m. Wednesday.

Want coffee? Drink some with the Marysville mayor.

A casual question-and-answer session between mayor and constituents is planned for March 24.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.