Posted by ESundwall on 02/03/09 8:51 PM   [Newer: The Spirit of Henry Knox]

Dear Liberty Advocate,

On January 23rd Governor David Paterson announced the selection of Kirsten Gillibrand as the next U.S. Senator from New York. This has created an immediate vacancy in the 20th Congressional District. Once Paterson announces the date of the special election, an independent nominating petition can be circulated within twelve days. Any candidate obtaining 3500 valid signatures will be placed on the ballot.

The Libertarian Party of NY has a candidate, me. Eric Sundwall, current chair of the LPNY.

In 2006, I ran for the same office and was knocked off the ballot despite collecting over 5200 from people in the district. Even after taking the Board of Elections to Federal Court, seeking to have a portion of the law considered 'unconstitutional', we were still denied relief from what we considered an unreasonable burden. This past summer I helped the LPNY organize the ballot access drive and once again get our Presidential ticket on the ballot, continuing a longstanding tradition.

In the last week I've put together an operation that includes a campaign office, revamped the old website and have assembled a campaign team and made two significant media appearances. We've also established a committee with the FEC, obtained a bank account and can accept donations online or by check. Most of this information can be found at http://sundwall4congress.org.

We've also secured petitioners that can guarantee at least 4500 signatures and can put a team immediately on the ground. We have an additional expectation of another two to four thousand signatures depending on other petitioners, volunteers and community response. All of this of course comes at a tremendous cost. We have about $1400 in the bank with an immediate pledged expectation of another 2-3 thousand. We also expect to get a snail mail fundraiser out by the end of the week. We expect a national response once we launch.

Despite the fact that I was happily enjoying my winter hibernation as little as twelve days ago, I'm ready to help the party if I can. Before an official press release goes out this week, I'd like to personally implore everyone on this list to help as they can. This is a special and unique opportunity for the movement and the party to focus on a single race and produce results that would hitherto be unexpected in a larger, longer general election.

With more contributions we can run an already produced commercial, help volunteers come in from all around the country and run a real old fashioned campaign. I'm not saying I'm Mr. Smith, but with free media, low turnout and a frustrated public waiting for better answers about the economy, we might have something here.

Please help. Click on the website to donate or send checks to;

Elect Eric Sundwall
PO Box 503
Niverville, NY 12130

We've had great response so far with very little promotion. I currently have a radio interview in the Albany market lined up once we announce and also a WMHT interview for NY Now. I'm certain the whole country will be watching this race with keen interest.

Follow the website as the campaign evolves. Expect an official announcement sometime this week. Hope to hear from you soon.

Let us know if you can circulate petitions in the district.

Sincerely,

Eric Sundwall
Chairman, LPNY
(518) 857-1731
www.sundwall4congress.org

Posted 02/06/09 10:04 PM MitchAnderson Madison, WI

I noticed this while perusing the pages of other states across the county. Isn't this in appropriate? We don't endorse candidates of any parties, that's not the purpose of the Campaign For Liberty, and our tax status reflects that (we're officially listed as a non-profit lobbying organization). Posting this on here could potentially be construed as an endorsement, thereby getting us in trouble.

Posted 02/07/09 10:21 AM americano HighBridge, NY

I will definitely do what I can to help out in the 20th congressional district in New York. We definitely need change in New York. I am also happy Kirsten Gillibrand was appointed Senator for New York and a big step in the right direction. I hope a lot of people show support in New York.

Posted 02/09/09 8:48 PM Chase Albany, NY

Maybe I missed something, but when is the special election set for?

Posted 02/12/09 09:30 AM Steven Vasquez Ballston Lake, NY

The Special Election is on March 31st, but the election cycle starts on February 23rd. Eric Sundwall will have 12 days to collect 3500 signatures, while the Democrat and Republican candidates do not have to collect any.

Posted 03/06/09 2:52 PM FarSide Troy, NY

Mitch - I should certainly hope the poster, Eric Sundwall, endorses Eric Sundwall for congress. By "we" you mean the entity known as 'Campaign For Liberty'. "I" am not registered as a non-profit, and thus I will say that I completely endorse Eric Sundwall to be my new congressman. In fact, if you look here (http://www.campaignforliberty.com/rulesnregs.php) it clearly says right at the top: "...They are tools for activists to connect with other activists in their area, to spread information, to run successful events, to lobby politicians, to support candidates, and to influence voters."

Posted 03/09/09 2:40 PM Pure Country New Kingston, NY

The petitions are now in the hands of the NY BOE ! More than enough signatures and he is beginning to get media coverage. Keep writing and calling your local press and demand he get the respect the other candidates do. Pray the GOP Lawyers realize that attacking him twice would not be in their best interest, as they already have a bad image right now.