Several individuals have announced their campaigns for the Libertarian Party’s 2016 nominee for President of the United States. The nominee will be elected by delegates to the national convention in May 2016. The Iowa delegation is seeking input from Libertarians in the state as to who should be the nominee. Comments may be submitted to this post or sent to keith@lpia.org. Below is a summary of the declared candidates.
JACK B. ROBINSON, JR.
Residence: South Carolina
Born: Information not found in an Internet-based search
Profession: businessman, inventor
Other Campaigns: None identified
2016 Campaign Themes: economic-based campaign themes centered on “birth-loop” economics to shift programs from government funding to private enterprise, supports universal healthcare, equalizing incomes, immigration amnesty
Campaign Strategy: donate option on website has standard campaign options and limits
Other: There were several other Jack Robinsons encountered during an Internet-based search, including a Jack E. Robinson who has run for several offices in an eastern state
Website/Social Media: robinsonforpresident.com; www.facebook.com/jackbrobinsonjr
Residence: San Antonio, Texas
Born: Ranger, TX, June 3, 1950 (65 years old)
Profession: private security officer
Other Campaigns: 2012 – U.S. House from Texas (as a Green), 2006 & 2010 – U.S. House from Texas (as a Democrat) – some reports also list him as a Republican candidate and having sought other elected positions
2016 Campaign Themes: 2016 campaign themes could not be located in a limited Internet-based search
Campaign Strategy: None identified; website has very little content
Other: Libertarian since 2013
Website/Social Media: rhettforpresident.com; www.facebook.com/Rhett-Smith-for-President-2016-8356986698
SHAWNA JOY STERLING
Residence: Kentucky
Born: Long Beach, California, December 29, 1972 (43 years of age)
Profession: pastor (Elohim), held various jobs, including a summer as a STEM Engagement intern for NASA, and as a professional educator
Other Campaigns: 2014 – U.S. Senate (Kentucky)
2016 Campaign Themes: “Pro America,” anti abortion, against Genetically-Modified Organisms (GMOs)
Campaign Strategy: None identified; her website links to Vote Smart for most of the content
Other: Announced her candidacy for the Libertarian nomination on 1/25/2016. She previously was running as a Republican and then as an Independent.
Website/Social Media: shawnasterling.org
BARBARA JOY WAYMIRE
Residence: California
Born: June 11, 1952 (63 years old)
Profession: ranch foreman, has held a variety of other jobs from non-profit CEO to managing partner in a convenience store
Other Campaigns: 2014 – California governor; 2012 – sought Libertarian nomination for president
2016 Campaign Themes: the theme of low-budget campaigns carries over to the theme of low-budget government, including making Congress part-time, cutting the President’s salary, and giving citizenship of a child’s parents to the child born on U.S. soil instead of building fences
Campaign Strategy: does not believe in donations, but will provide door hangers and other promotional materials “within a tight budget”
Other: Army veteran; has volunteered with the California Libertarian Party since 2007
Website/Social Media: joy4thepeoplesvoice.com; www.twitter.com/musicaljoy
