LP files Suit To Stop State Funding Of 3rd Debate

Mike Oliver writes "Arizona Libertarians have filed a lawsuit that could stop Arizona State University from sponsoring the third presidential debate between George Bush and Sen. John Kerry, scheduled for Oct. 13. The lawsuit maintains that by spending up to $2 million to sponsor the event in Tempe, the university is making an illegal campaign contribution to the Republican and Democratic parties."

Comments

What am I not surprised?

[ElForesto]

I doubt the lawsuit would hold too much water, but it's good press coverage. The Libertarians certainly seem to know how to do that much. I personally agree with their points, but the courts often seem to be stacked in the favor of the ruling party (parties?).

Re:What am I not surprised?

[KilobyteKnight]

I doubt the lawsuit would hold too much water, but it's good press coverage. The Libertarians certainly seem to know how to do that much. I personally agree with their points, but the courts often seem to be stacked in the favor of the ruling party (parties?).

Yes, because the ruling parties make the laws and appoint the judges. It's easy to get "bipartisan" legislation passed that makes thing hard for the other parties - as long as there aren't too many people who see it for what it is.

I seriously doubt they will win the lawsuit, but I hope they do.

Re:The real test

[twoflower]

but will Bush and Kerry debate if they have to face a third candidate?

Of course not -- they signed a contract specifically excluding all third-party candidates. To do otherwise might risk breaking the hegemony of the current two-party system.

why should the Uni bear any of the cost?

[cheezus]

the CPD is well funded by both parties and numerous corporate backers. They should be paying the school! (leasing the venue, paying for support staff, etc)

Re:Its reasonable

[crackshoe]

The LP is the only third party inthe country to have gotten on the ballots in all 50 states in recent memory (this year they only have 48 or so, i think). The requirements to get on a ballot (put in place by the republicans and democrats) shunt out many third parties. Arizona recognizes three parties on its ballot (democrat, republican, and Libertarian. If Arizona State, which is a state runorganization, only gives 2 out of 3 recognzied parties a chance to debate, theres a problem - they're in effect giving goods and services (in this case, they're spending 2 million dollars and providing a location to broadcast the debateinternationally) while the arizona consitution prevents gifts or donations of state funds to individuals, groups, or corporations - and because they're excluding the third recognized party, they're promoting 2 of the parties over the third. hence, problem. You, the satanists, the green part, nader, that dude of fark, and c'thulu are not on the arizona ballot.

Re:Hmm..

[NoMoreNicksLeft]

Of course the republicrats can restrict their debates however they wish. They can't accept federal funds to pay for all the setup, and then exclude other candidates however. Which is what this university is doing. If it were private money, that would be different...