Libertarian: Secure the Border, at the Border

From Eric Dondero:

The Libertarian Party of Texas may have chosen a libertarian-conservative as their nominee for Governor. Oddly, Kathie Glass appears closer to Rick Perry in ideology than some more purist Libertarians may be comfortable with.

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram is reporting that Glass has taken what could be described as more of a Jan Brewer approach to border security.

Glass, a Houston lawyer, is the Libertarian Party's candidate for governor. At a meeting of local Libertarians on Thursday night, she presented herself as the ideal replacement for Gov. Rick Perry.

Yet earlier this year, Glass and her husband were staunchly backing Medina, a Republican candidate for governor who earned almost 19 percent of the vote.

"We were very hopeful that she would win, and if she had, I wouldn't be running this race," Glass said.

Speaking to about 30 people in the backroom of Billy Miner's in downtown Fort Worth, Glass, 56, touched on the themes that allowed Medina to strike a chord with many Republican voters, including nullifying intrusive federal legislation, protecting the border and preserving property rights.

On Illegal Immigration from Glass's campaign website:

Secure the border at the border by using the Texas State Guard. No one will cross the border other than at a valid U.S. port of entry where they can be assessed by U. S. immigration officials.

No sanctuary cities, no refusal to process those accused of crimes based on their illegal status, and no more looking the other way when an uninsured illegal alien is involved in a traffic accident.

Illegal aliens commit a form of theft when they receive taxpayer-funded benefits such as food stamps, health care services, and education... Illegal immigration dramatically increases the cost of education. 20% of Texas students are here illegally.

Perry briefly supported Seccesion, Libertarian Glass opposed

The Star-Telegram goes on to report on a confrontation later in the meeting with known Texas Seccesionist Larry Kilgore. Ironically, Glass took a more "conservative" approach to the matter than incumbent Rick Perry. Sounding like a true blue Reagan Conservative she expressed her love of country and said forthrightly that she would not support seccesion under any circumstances.

Glass chimed in. "I was born in America and I intend to die here. And I'm not leaving her in her hour of need. I'm not turning my back. She's not going to fall. Not on my watch."

Glass tried to keep speaking, but Kilgore hollered over her.

"Will you sit down and shut up for a minute?" Glass finally yelled.

Perry in 2009 flirted with the seccsion idea at a Tea Party rally in Austin. Though, later on he also rejected the proposal.

Note - Kilgore was a candidate for Governor himself briefly last year, and then backed off and endorsed Medina

A Libertarian opposed to Gay Marriage?

On another issue which divides most Libertarians - Gay Marriage - Glass has come out on the conservative side.

Dave Jennings of BigJollyPolitics described meeting Glass at a small function in June:

Where she came up short was on the issue of gay marriage, saying that while it isn't important to her, marriage is between a man and a woman and she would veto any legislation that came across her desk stating otherwise. Again, although I would agree with her, that is more of a Republican position than a classical libertarian one.

Of course, there's a down-side for Perry. Kathie Glass's vote total will come straight out of the GOP column.

In an article July 15, at Burnt Orange, "Libertarian Gubernatorial Nominee Kathie Glass Chasing Tea Party Voters" Glass's strategy for reaching more conservative voters is outlined:

Texas Libertarians have a decent amount of overlap with the Tea Party. The concept of limited taxes, small government, and states rights blend into both "party" platforms. And politically it makes sense for Glass to try to tap these voters... if Glass manages to get some of these voters as well as Debra Medina Republicans, she very well may be able to increase the statewide Libertarian share by a couple points at the expense of Rick Perry.

However, there's an upside for Republicans, as well. Having her in the race will force Democrat Bill White to defend his rely on government for everything approach against not one but two hardened limited government advocates.