Maine's liberty movement pours efforts into grass roots

Posted: 9:22 PM Updated: 9:54 PM A group that began as Ron Paul and tea party supporters evolves into a libertarian political action committee focused on grooming local candidates.

By Michael Shepherd mshepherd@mainetoday.com Staff Writer

PORTLAND After Maine's Ron Paul delegation was denied seats at the Republican National Convention in August, supporters of the libertarian-leaning Texas congressman's presidential campaign had no other choice but to go home.

click image to enlarge

Ron Paul talks to supporters in Portland on Feb. 11 after coming in second to Mitt Romney in the Maine Republican presidential caucuses. The "liberty movement," combining elements of the leftover Paul network in Maine with new supporters, has been focusing its efforts on boosting candidates in legislative and local races.

2012 File Photo/Gordon Chibroski

"I think the federal government, they're not fixable," said Pete Harring of Auburn, founder of the Maine tea party movement and a Paul delegate at the convention. "We need to take care of our own backyards."

Though members of the "liberty movement" haven't been out front for higher-profile federal candidates here, there's been a focused effort to boost candidates in legislative and local races, combining elements of the leftover Paul network here with new supporters.

While many in the movement praise some of those unique candidates and the movement's energy, some wonder whether that energy can be harnessed for future political success.

'WE GOT PUSHED AROUND'

Read more from the original source:
Maine's liberty movement pours efforts into grass roots