Why I’m Running

I want to give people an option besides the two major parties.

I want to lay out principles, not just say that “the other side” is bad.

I hate what president Trump is doing now, but being against his policies is too low a bar, we have to be for something.

Why Vote For A Libertarian?

It’s vitally important to overturn the current Republican majorities in congress, which are mere rubber stamps for the worst excesses of the current president. I would vote to impeach Trump (and several of his appointees) and stop his terrible, illegal policies. I would work to scale back illegal and immoral policies now in place.

But just not being a MAGA Republican is not enough to deserve your vote. A representative needs to stand up to excesses in all parties and have a vision for this country that goes beyond party loyalty. Democrats who deplore ICE raids, “double-tap” strikes in Venezuela without congressional approval, and reckless spending too often don’t mind when a Democratic president does the same thing. Harris promised more spending for ICE, Obama authorized double-tap strikes in Syria that hit civilians, and Biden pushed inflationary spending.

My name is Joe Shea and I hope you will take a moment to consider voting for a libertarian for your representative in congress. I believe a libertarian voice in congress could be a refreshing change in the discussions which all too often just ask which sector of our society needs more government control.

What does it mean to be a libertarian?

Like any party or movement, two people can claim the same title and mean two different things. I don’t agree with every libertarian on every policy, but there are a few things that are typical of a libertarian.

We believe that each person owns their own body, their own mind, and–within limits–the fruits of their own labor. When problems arise, libertarians first look to see if there is a government policy that is creating the problem or making it worse. Sometimes “undoing something” is a better path than just “doing something.” Click on “Policies” to see some examples of what that means to me.

Is voting for me a useless or counterproductive vote?

Absolutely not. It’s overwhelmingly probable that a Democrat will win this election and take that as a mandate to do whatever the Democratic leadership thinks is best. I am not running for dictator and would vote to impeach anyone who acts like one. I’m just running for the opportunity to be one voice to ask if there are some laws and policies that we have that are causing problems and to point out hypocrisies in all parties (including my own when I see them). Every vote I get, even if I lose, will be a vote for reining in government.