Date: Wed, 30 May 2001 11:40:32 -0500 From: steve@trinwords.com (Steve Trinward) Subject: [lpaz-discuss] [Fwd: Fw: You and the LP] To: TnLP@yahoogroups.com (lptn) Cc: tlknapp@free-market.net (Tom Knapp), DCarew@mleesmith.com (David Carew), lpaz-discuss@yahoogroups.com (Arizona), mg4u@oasis.net (MG Gilson), dnc@multipro.com (Deryl Martin) Reply-To: lpaz-discuss@yahoogroups.com
As one who has been spreading the idea that Richard Cowan was chased out of the 1996 race before he even began it, this clarification seems in order. Apparently, l'affaire Willis did NOT have a bearing on his decision not to run, although he does say he was aware of a strong pro-Browne energy emanating from LPHQ at the time, well BEFORE the nomination had been decided officially.
I apologize for any part I had in making this more of an issue than it was, and thank Rick for "Rooting out" the fuller story ...
- Steve Trinward
-------- Original Message -------- Subject: Fw: You and the LP Date: Wed, 30 May 2001 09:07:03 -0700 From: "RL Root" <rlroot@prodigy.net> To: "Steve Trinward" <steve@trinwords.com>
Steve, FYI....
-----Original Message----- From: Richard Cowan <marijuananews@home.com> To: RL Root <rlroot@prodigy.net> Date: Monday, May 21, 2001 11:41 AM Subject: Re: You and the LP
Dear Rick, First, thanks for the very kind words.
For the record, I was not discouraged from running by anyone at the LP nor by any perceived bias by the staff. Obviously, I knew that there were other candidates who had their wn backers and ambitions. That is perfectly acceptable. I was also aware that the Washington office staff may not have been entirely neutral, but that was not a factor in my decision, although I was somewhat concerned about the infighting . Had I decided to stay in the race, the factors that you mentioned might have become a concern. Had that concern arisen, I would have made an issue out of it and would have fought it. I would not have withdrawn from the race because of it. I decided to withdraw after Dr. Grinspoon asked me not to run, because he felt that my presence at NORML was necessary at the time. That was my sole reason for my decision.
Frankly, I took very little persuading because I was so swamped at NORML and I had wanted to stay at NORML at least until the convention. Consequently. I would not have been able to campaign for the nomination as effectively as I would have liked.
Whether or not this was the right decision is something to which I have not devoted much thought. I do think that the LP could do much better if it placed more emphasis on the "social" issues and that is where I would have concentrated my campaign.
I think that subsequent election results -- or lack thereof -- suggest that I may have been right. I have been urged to run again in 04, but I have not given it much thought at this time.
You may feel free to make my response public.
Best wishes, RC
----- Original Message ----- From: "RL Root" <rlroot@prodigy.net> To: <mjnews@earthlink.com> Sent: Monday, May 21, 2001 9:35 AM Subject: You and the LP
Dear Dick,
I was fortunate to have met you at the LP convention this past July in Anaheim having been introduced by Steve Kubby. I have a tremendous amount of respect for you and the work you have involved yourself with over the years. That is why I was quite troubled by some news I read this weekend.
As you may or may not know, there is quite a stir within the LP over some ethics issues going back to 1995. Having joined the LP in 1998 there is much I am not fully aware of from previous years. In the ongoing ethics debate it was charged that you may have been discouraged from seeking the LP presidential nomination in 96 by some people in positions of leadership who had a preferred candidate.
Of all the charges I have read, I consider this the most serious charge. The potential for harm to the party through such action is great and I am very concerned that the direction the party has taken has been accomplished through manipulation.
I would be very appreciative if you could offer me your perspective on the events leading up to the 96 nomination. I would understand fully if you prefer to not involve yourself. If you wish any comments you have to offer be kept in confidence, I assure you they will be kept so. By the same token, if you would like your comments to be made public within the current discussion I will be more than happy to forward your take on the events.
For your information I will include below the post that referenced your consideration of the LP nomintion.
Best regards, Rick Root
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