I've been in Denver since Wednesday now for the Libertarian National Convention.

Activity has been focused on the Presidential candidates. For those who haven't followed the race to date, here are the top candidates...

Bob Barr, former Republican Georgia Congressman
Mike Gravel, former Democratic Alaska Senator and recent Democratic Presidential hopeful
Mary Ruwart, long-time Libertarian communicator whose book, "Healing our World" was endorsed by Ron Paul
George Phillies, a physics professor from Massachusetts which lots of Libertarian cred
Wayne Allyn Root, a Vegas odds maker and recent convert from the GOP as evidenced by his book, "Millionaire Republican"
Steve Kubby, largely responsible for California's Prop 215 and California Governor candidate
Mike Jingozian, a self-made media business owner
Christine Smith, describes herself as a singer, speaker, model, chess player, whiskey drinker and freelance writer.

Of these hopefuls, there are only two I had not seen speak in person prior to this convention, those being Gravel and Smith. My opinion as to who I want to win the nomination has changed more than once since I left Sac Int'l.

Most of the candidates have been hosting meet-n-greets to acquire tokens from delegates like me which allow them to make it onto the debate on television. Ruwart, Barr and Root were practically tied for first while Gravel, Jingozain, Phillies and Kubby were bunched up about 10% from each other. Smith didn't make it onto television but is not precluded from being voted.

My biggest thrill so far has been chatting with David Nolan, the founder of the Libertarian Party. Perhaps you've heard of the Nolan Chart? It is the one we use for Operation Poltically Homeless to show which political party one might be most closely aligned with. I had some
tip cards with the chart on them so I had him sign one.

Meeting libertarians whose names I know but whom I have never met, is a lot of fun. I spoke with Les Antman tonight who has been a member of the party for 30 years. I got an autographed copy of "The Probability Broach: The Graphic Novel" by L. Neil Smith & Scott Bieser and met Sharon Harris of Advocates for Self-Government.

I've attended two debates, the televised one (on CSPAN) and another where Barr was the only candidate missing. At one point Gravel said the PATRIOT Act had been in the works for a long time before 9/11 and they used the fear of the American people to finally pass it because they had been waiting for just the right moment.

It has been hard to stay on the diet - I've had elk and many other more common fare, but I have been doing lots of walking, so hopefully I'll weigh less when I get home ;-) I suggest if you're ever in Denver, the Appaloosa Bar and Grill where I had the elk and the Paramount which has a great happy hour and attracts a young hip crowd.

Oh, and the night I got here, I won a costume contest (no prize) with one I put together last minute at the gift shop... I bought a tshirt that said, "Homeland Security - Fighting Terrorism since 1492" with a picture of Apache Indians on it, a feather headdress and a toy tomahawk. I will share some of the pictures later.

In 2006 in Portland, the LP platform was, most felt, eviscerated and while it was not returned to it's much more comprehensive 2004 form, the platform committee's recommendations were all considered with most passing.

Brian