Libertarian N.C. gubernatorial candidate visits campus
Online Exclusive
By: Eric Painter, Staff Writer
Issue date: 4/22/08 Section: State & National
Michael Munger, a Libertarian running for the state's highest office, attacked the Democratic and Republican gubernatorial candidates during an appearance at UNC.
Munger discussed why he is seeking office in front of about 20 people Monday night in Murphey Hall.
"I am running for governor because I have been a political scientist for 20 years," he said, adding that restrictions on third-party ballot access drove him to run.
"I think that third-party candidates should be given easier ballot access after hearing this lecture," said Matthew James, a Student Congress representative from South Campus.
"Now I know North Carolina has exceptionally restrictive ballot access laws, and I would like to see this changed."
Munger also said the Republican Party is shying away from supporting candidates with Libertarian values.
He said that he had approached the Republican Party about running on its ticket but that he was turned away.
He added that he would like to see conservatism come back into politics.
"Robert Orr is a fine man, but not much of a politician. It is clear Libertarians are the only conservatives left."
Munger also said that Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue, a Democratic candidate for N.C. governor, is unfit for politics.
"Beverly Perdue would only be a compliant governor for the Democratic Party, not for the people of the state," Munger said.
"Perdue spends money that benefits politicians, and she is a creature.
"Perdue talks about experience, but what does that really mean? She has worked as lieutenant governor, and has basically sat down doing nothing with a gavel in hand. Her only true job is to break a tie in the senate."
Sophomore William Griffin, a member of College Republicans, said he enjoyed hearing Munger speak.
"I thought he sounded a lot like a conservative ought to," Griffin said. "I would consider voting for him in the race between the Democrats and the Republicans if it is not close, because I do not want the Democrats to win."
He added that third-party candidates do not get enough exposure in the state and that ballot access laws must change.
"Most people do not know who he is; he is low in the polls, and he does not have enough money to be a viable candidate to win," Griffin said.
Munger also made predictions about who would win in North Carolina's May 6 primary.
"Beverly Perdue is probably going to win the Democratic nomination. Pat McCrory will get the Republican nomination, because Robert Orr and Bill Graham do not have much backing," Munger said.
He wrapped up his speech by showing distrust for the presidential candidates.
"If John McCain, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama were on a bridge and it collapsed, America would be saved."
Contact the State & National Desk at stntdesk@unc.edu.
Munger discussed why he is seeking office in front of about 20 people Monday night in Murphey Hall.
"I am running for governor because I have been a political scientist for 20 years," he said, adding that restrictions on third-party ballot access drove him to run.
"I think that third-party candidates should be given easier ballot access after hearing this lecture," said Matthew James, a Student Congress representative from South Campus.
"Now I know North Carolina has exceptionally restrictive ballot access laws, and I would like to see this changed."
Munger also said the Republican Party is shying away from supporting candidates with Libertarian values.
He said that he had approached the Republican Party about running on its ticket but that he was turned away.
He added that he would like to see conservatism come back into politics.
"Robert Orr is a fine man, but not much of a politician. It is clear Libertarians are the only conservatives left."
Munger also said that Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue, a Democratic candidate for N.C. governor, is unfit for politics.
"Beverly Perdue would only be a compliant governor for the Democratic Party, not for the people of the state," Munger said.
"Perdue spends money that benefits politicians, and she is a creature.
"Perdue talks about experience, but what does that really mean? She has worked as lieutenant governor, and has basically sat down doing nothing with a gavel in hand. Her only true job is to break a tie in the senate."
Sophomore William Griffin, a member of College Republicans, said he enjoyed hearing Munger speak.
"I thought he sounded a lot like a conservative ought to," Griffin said. "I would consider voting for him in the race between the Democrats and the Republicans if it is not close, because I do not want the Democrats to win."
He added that third-party candidates do not get enough exposure in the state and that ballot access laws must change.
"Most people do not know who he is; he is low in the polls, and he does not have enough money to be a viable candidate to win," Griffin said.
Munger also made predictions about who would win in North Carolina's May 6 primary.
"Beverly Perdue is probably going to win the Democratic nomination. Pat McCrory will get the Republican nomination, because Robert Orr and Bill Graham do not have much backing," Munger said.
He wrapped up his speech by showing distrust for the presidential candidates.
"If John McCain, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama were on a bridge and it collapsed, America would be saved."
Contact the State & National Desk at stntdesk@unc.edu.
Viewing Comments 1 - 5 of 5
A Supporter
posted 4/22/08 @ 5:14 AM EST
I was one of the few that attended. It's too bad that there were not more there. Dr. Munger was a breath of fresh air in comparison to the corrupt Democratic and Republican establishment of North Carolina. (Continued…)
Chris T.
posted 4/22/08 @ 12:19 PM EST
I support Michael Munger's candidancy for governor, but the exposure he receives his unfair. I believe that each candidate should be given the same amount of contributions to target voters. (Continued…)
Shane Savoie
posted 4/22/08 @ 1:04 PM EST
Carl Munger is an intelligent man guided by principle, which automatically makes him better suited for office than anyone likely to win.
Tom VanAntwerp
posted 4/22/08 @ 2:27 PM EST
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Dr. Munger yesterday. I actually learned quite a bit about the political situation in North Carolina. Dr. Munger is an intelligent and experienced man whom would make an excellent governor. (Continued…)
Steve Kwon
posted 4/22/08 @ 7:16 PM EST
Mike Munger gave a great speech yesterday, informing those who were there how broken our political system is. If you compare our political system and the old Soviet system, we basically have just one more choice. (Continued…)
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