Libertarian Party Puts Up Several Candidates In Bergen County

The Libertarian Party is hoping to capitalize on voters’ dissatisfaction with the current political climate and two presidential candidates — especially in Bergen County.

The third largest political party in New Jersey philosophy is one of allowing residents to have sole control over their lives, with as little interference from government as possible.

“Clearly, people are unhappy,” said Patrick McKnight, the New Jersey Libertarian Party chairman. “We’ve seen a rapid acceleration in our growth in the last six months. I can’t remember at any point in my life where people disliked the two presidential candidates as much as they do.”

The number of paid members has increased 26 percent in that time, and 40 percent in 2016, McKnight said. The party is funded exclusively through donations. There are no political action committees funding the party.

There are two libertarians running in the Bergen County freeholder race: Peter Rohrman and Demothenes Backos.

Rohrman has billed himself as a neighbor and advocate of the people, not a politician.

“I believe in maximizing personal freedom,” Rohrman said. “The freedoms our founding fathers passed down to us come from great responsibility. I believe that you cannot fully appreciate the endowment of true freedom without having to endure great personal responsibility.”

There are also libertarian candidates running in New Jersey’s 5th, 8th, and 9th Congressional districts, and for the Allendale Borough Council.

“We’re going to continue to be active and try and capitalize on the dissatisfaction people have with the current political climate,” McKnight said. “We want to show people that there is a real alternative out there who will really work for them.”

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