George Phillies presidential campaign, 2008
George Phillies, Ph. D., Libertarian Party activist and Professor at the Worcester Polytechnic Institute, on April 15, 2006, became a declared candidate for the Libertarian Presidential nomination.
Campaign development
Phillies' campaign is based around several concepts; that he is the "serious man for serious times," that he will campaign on issues that everyday Americans care AbOUT (such as opposition to the Iraq War, protection of civil liberties, and eliminating the national debt), and that he will be a serious and organized presidential nominee. Due to the early nature of the campaign, and the limited recognition which Libertarian candidates receive, Phillies has yet to be noticed by the national media, though he has been quoted in the San Antonio Express regarding the implications of Ron Paul's presidential run. Phillies has received the endorsements of several well-known Libertarians, such as former State Representative Don Gorman, and Loretta Nall.
Media Releases
The Phillies campaign has issued several press releases. One such press release, issued July 12 2006, voiced Phillies' opposition to the "Grandchild tax. "The National Debt," Phillies said, "is the ultimate in taxation without representation. We get the spending benefits. The tax is paid by people who haven't even been born yet," stated Phillies.
On September 2, 2006 Phillies voiced his strong opposition to the Kelo Decision, proposing that governments also be required to compensate homeowners for emotional damages.
Another major press releases was issued in January of 2007, in response to President Bush's state of the union address. While Phillies did not directly respond to the President's statements, he did issue his own state of the union.
Campaign Features
Campaign Activities
In a May 22, 2006 interview with the former 2008 Presidential Blog "The Next Prez," Phillies stated that the three most important issues facing the country were the Iraq War/Civil Liberties, Immigration, and the Budget Deficit. He also strongly promoted his credibility as a candidate, describing himself as having "reached a stage in my life when I will have the time and energy to focus vigorously on my campaign."
On another Presidential Blog, Conservative President 2008, Phillies again answered questions about his campaign in a December 13, 2006 interview.
In addition to these online InterViews, Phillies has attended state conventions, including Presidential debates in Nevada and Florida . Phillies and another frontrunner, Steve Kubby, participated in an online debate on the online talk show Liberated Space.
On April 21, Phillies spoke before a [...] legalization rally, called the "Extravaganja," in Amherst, Massachusetts.
Internet Activities
In addition to the official campaign website, the campaign manages a Myspace , Facebook, and a ProBoards Message Board. Further, the campaign has several Yahoo Groups.
Although the campaign does not have a specific YouTube channel, they have posted a number of promotional television and radio ads on their website.
Political positions
Phillies said "Government should take no role in this matter...It should not force women to bear children they do not want.", but against government funding. He supports reducing taxes and federal funding of energy independance.