 |
The LP WIre- News and Views of the Libertarian Party of Wisconsin -June 2025
From the Chair Fellow Libertarians, It’s been just over a month since our convention at Treehaven, and the energy and purpose we left with still resonates. I’m honored to serve as Chair of the Libertarian Party of Wisconsin—and even more honored by the trust you’ve placed in me to help lead this party forward. Our mission now is threefold: rebuild trust, amplify voices, and win real influence for liberty-minded Wisconsinites. Rebuilding Trust The past year has not been without controversy. But from those challenges comes clarity: we must be transparent, responsive, and consistently accountable—not just to our bylaws, but to each other. That’s why I’ve committed to meeting with every member who’s willing. One-on-one, open dialogue is the first step toward unity. You can schedule your meeting with me here: calendly.com/lpwichair/30min Amplifying Our Voice Libertarianism isn’t a slogan. It’s a worldview grounded in self-ownership, voluntary cooperation, and skepticism of concentrated power—governmental or otherwise. Over the next year, we’ll use newsletters, town halls, and digital platforms to better articulate our values. And we won’t just speak up—we’ll speak plainly. Building Real Influence A party without candidates is just a club. That’s why we’re launching a structured candidate recruitment program, identifying local races where we can make an impact. We’ll offer support to every Libertarian who steps forward. And we’ll celebrate those who do. Join Us This Summer We have a packed summer calendar. Don’t miss the 4th Annual Candidates and Campaign Workshop, the LPWI River Cleanup, Loverboy with Dr. Jo Jorgensen—and many more. Our first LPWI Town Hall is scheduled for June 18th at 7pm, live via Facebook, and will include 45 minutes for open Q&A. Find a full calendar of events at lpwi.org. Whether you’ve been with us since 1973 or joined last week, your role matters. Let’s make 2025 a year of growth, grit, and principled action. In liberty, Reese Wood Chair, Libertarian Party of Wisconsin State Convention Review – as presented by Tyler Danke What an incredible weekend at the Libertarian Party of Wisconsin State Convention! We kicked things off Friday night with a very impressive chair debate — both candidates gave thoughtful and passionate answers. The cafeteria-style dining at Treehaven was a big hit, and the convention almost unanimously voted to return there again next year! Between the smooth business meeting inside, the bonfire outside, and the stunning natural habitat all around us, it was truly an unforgettable setting. Saturday’s convention was light on drama and light on heavy parliamentary procedure — just enough to stay focused without bogging us down. All elections were completed in a single round! I’m thrilled with the team we chose, both in contested and uncontested races. Congratulations to: Reese Wood, Chair Aaron Kammer, Vice Chair Tom Petrowski, Treasurer Amanda Griffiths, Secretary Austin Bond and Michael Schisel, At-Large Members
We’ve got the right people on the bus — and the right driver at the wheel! It was also great to see so many caucuses represented and welcomed. The Classical Liberal Caucus, the LP Radical Caucus, the Mises Caucus, and the LP Alliance all had booths and were given time at the microphone to share their specific flavors of liberty. I was proud to represent the Radical Caucus both with a booth and at the mic, sharing the importance of an unapologetic libertarian party and candidates. The Wisconsin Radicals also met Friday night to discuss strategies for bold action going forward. Speaker Jenn Gray was absolutely fantastic and is exactly what every state party convention should have as a speaker. Special thanks to Tim Krenz (Acting Chair), Nathan Gall (Chair Pro Tem), Bryan Voss (Convention Planner), Michael Conard (Bylaws Chair), Tom Petrowski (Secretary), Brian Bell (Treasurer), Michael Chianese (Teller and Projectionist) for executing their roles with professionalism and heart. You kept the convention running smoothly and successfully. I’m especially proud of the progress we made on our bylaws and the strong resolutions we passed — standing firmly against the authoritarian tyranny of the Trump administration and supporting Defend the Guard. HOT Government and Press Secretary Tim Johnson continue to do outstanding work in Wisconsin, and their awards this weekend were well deserved. Best of all — the convention was financially profitable! Another huge highlight was hearing about the exciting growth happening in our local affiliates, especially the Waupaca County Libertarians, Fox Valley Libertarians, and Central Badgerland Libertarian Party — the three closest to me. The energy at the local level right now is electric! On a personal note, I had the honor of serving as Parliamentarian and Teller throughout the weekend. Midway through Saturday, I started feeling a little under the weather and realized that prioritizing my physical health needs to be a bigger focus for me to serve at my best. (Also, next time we go midnight hiking through a freezing stream, I’ll definitely wear better shoes — Crocs and shorts were...an adventurous choice! LOL.) Right now is a beautiful time to be a libertarian in the United States — and especially in Wisconsin. I left the weekend feeling energized, proud, and deeply grateful for everyone standing shoulder to shoulder in the fight for liberty. Let’s keep building together! #WisconsinLP #LibertyInAction #RadicalForLiberty #ForwardTogether
Note to readers: first person articles often contain personal opinions. The WIre believes its readers can tell. Tyler writes so joyously here the editor did not change a word.
Also at the Convention
After working on combining our party’s Constitution and Bylaws for nearly a decade, the Constitution and Bylaws Committee, as chaired by Michael Conard, finally succeeded. The new document, our governing document, will hence forth be known as The Bylaws. Our CBL Committee will be known as the Bylaws Committee. Michael Chianese has been elected as the Bylaws Committee Chair to prepare for the 2026 convention. Mr. Conard will continue on as a member of the committee, “Much work still needs to be done.” Two Policy and Procedure proposals were submitted and approved. The first suggested activities for the Congressional Representatives of the party to engage in. Among them were assisting and recruiting candidates, hosting or attending meetings, and contacting members in their own district. The WIre hopes cover the CD Reps activities and will post their email address’s soon. The other proposal stated the authorities of the delegates we elect and send to our national party’s convention. Prior to this policy being in place there was some ambivalence about the state party, at convention or via the ExCom, being able to command the delegates how to vote. Those powers now rest solely with the delegates. In an amazingly fast bit of word smithing Jordan Andrew was able to get this resolution pasted with mere minutes remaining at the convention. The LPWI renounces the Trump administrations deportations without due process, the reckless tariffs, use of ICE, attack on free speech and cancellation of student visas, his proposal to abolish birthright citizenship, his invocation of the Alien Enemies Act, weaponization of the Justice Department, and consolidation of authoritarian power.
Kickapoo River Clean Up
The Kickapoo River Clean UP will be held again this year on July 11 and 13. Camping, kayaking, possibly canoes, and trash pick up. Despite the trash it is a lot of fun, cause you will be doing it with other libertarians. For info please contact Nate Gall [email protected] or Chris Nass [email protected]
4th Annual Candidates & Campaign Workshop Our Candidates & Campaign Workshop will be held July 19, 2025 from 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM at the Village Pizzeria in Dresser, WI. There is no fee, you will need to buy your own lunch and free-will donations are appreciated to offset cost of materials. This years topic will be, Clausewitz vs. Gandhi – The Prophet of War and the Paladin of Peace. An immersive program asking candidates why we run, what we hope to achieve, and how we best hope to accomplish our goals, viewed from a historical / philosophical perspective. At the conclusion of the conference, the group will adjourn to the Wannigan Days Festival, nearby in St. Croix Falls, WI. Come and have interesting conversation, fellowship, and fun. For more information and updates please visit www.cepiaclub.com or contact [email protected] directly.
Join the Conversation – Connect on Discord Looking to connect with fellow liberty lovers across Wisconsin? The Libertarian Party of Wisconsin now has an official Discord server, a lively hub where members and leaders come together to share ideas, plan events, and build the future of freedom in our state. Whether you're a seasoned activist or just getting started, this is your space to get plugged in and help us spread the message of liberty, one conversation at a time.
Join us today and let’s make freedom louder, together!
Our Libertarian Lifestyle
On Duty and Democracy: Reflections from a Cross-Party Journey
I came to the People's Party in 2021, bringing with me what some might call socialist leanings. Now, writing to you, my Libertarian colleagues, I find myself reflecting on the peculiar path that has led me here. The current arrangement, if one may call it that, seems designed with almost architectural precision to maintain what they refer to as a "two-party system." The donation limits that somehow never quite apply to their PACs, the labyrinthine ballot access requirements, the media's studied indifference to alternative voices - one might almost admire the thoroughness of it all, if it weren't so damaging to our democracy
- submitted by Fanny Behrens – active Fox Valley Libertarian
|
