Every year, hundreds of libertarians around the US try to advance libertarianism by running for office. Why do we do it? What is it really like?

When I ran for the Virginia State Senate in 2007, one of the most common questions I was asked is “why are you running?” It was a much deeper question than I think those asking it realized. This simple question leads down a path filled with fascinating stories.

There is a lot to tell about my story as a Libertarian candidate, and if you’ve ever run for office as a Libertarian or been part of a Libertarian campaign, I’m willing to bet you have a lot of great stories too. Through these stories we can educate each other as well as people outside the libertarian movement.

I want to write about your campaign stories, as well as my own, in a book that I hope will be enlightening and interesting reading to libertarian activists and candidates, political junkies of all stripes, and curious voters.

I want to tell the larger story of Libertarian candidates of all kinds, a story that is both positive and realistic, humorous and serious, educational and inspiring, occasionally sobering, and perhaps even heroic. But to do that, I really need your help!

 Please share your stories using the survey, by contacting me directly, and by participating on the blog. I look forward to hearing about your experiences as candidates!