While political discourse is typically guided by Republican or Democratic stances on the issues, Miami University sophomore Matthew Stymacks encourages students to look beyond the mainstream party platforms.

Stymacks' organization, Miami University College Libertarians, will function as a discussion group rather than as an extension of the national Libertarian Party, he said.

"I just thought it would be another opportunity for something different," Stymacks said. "I thought it would be nice to have a more business-minded political group."

Bill Redpack, national chairman of the Libertarian Party, said that organizations like College Libertarians are vital to the growth of the party as a whole.

"We definitely need more members, particularly youthful members-absolutely," Redpack said. "I think that's an important way to grow the party, to provide

contacts and promote activism on college campuses."

The National Libertarian Party was founded in 1971 and operates on a party platform that emphasizes personal choice and free markets above government intervention. Redpack characterized it as "conservative on economic issues and liberal on social issues."

Former congressman Bob Barr of Georgia is the current libertarian candidate for president, running with Wayne Allyn Root as his vice president. Barr, a former republican, has drawn concern from some

conservatives who worry that Barr will take votes away from Republican nominee Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), especially in swing states like Ohio and Florida, where races are often won by only slim margins.

Barr will be listed as a presidential candidate on the ballot in 31 states.

Read the original post:

Libertarian group offers political alternative