A Political Party Over-Budget?

From Eric Dondero:

While both the DNC and RNC, and their congressional-elect committees, are in the red, the Nation's third largest party seems to be doing rather well.

From a press release, LP.org:

In its most recent FEC report, for the period ending March 31, 2011, the Libertarian Party reported $284,882.95 in cash with $0 in debt. At the same point four years ago, the party reported $21,962.37 in cash with $31,589.74 in debt.

Libertarian Party Chair Mark Hinkle said, "Four years ago, we were $10,000 in the red. Now we're almost $300,000 in the black. That's a big step forward for the LP, and should help us a lot going into the 2012 campaign.

"If our candidates, volunteers, and donors keep it up, 2012 may be one of the biggest years ever for the Libertarian Party.

Anyone who has been around the Libertarian Party or for a few years, or decades, knows how unusual this is. In the late 1990s going into the early 2000s during the Harry Browne years, the Party was constantly plagued by financial hardship, and even a few fundraising scandals.

Hinkle seems to be steering the LP ship to stable financial waters. Which puts the party in an excellent position to gain 50 state ballot acess for 2012.

Note - I served on the Libertarian National Committee for two years, 1986/87. LR Senior Editor Clifford Thies served on the LNC for over a decade, including National Treasurer. He made a failed attempt in 1985 for LNC Chairman.

Photos - LNC Chair Mark Hinkle (CA), Vice-Chair Mark Rutherford (IN), Ballot Access Chair Bill Redpath (VA).