Medina spoke at the Dallas chapter of the Log Cabin Republicans (That is the gay Republican group, BTW) and said these words (thanks to GOP 12  for the quote and the Dallas Voice for some background):

Question from audience member: “The Texas Republican Party platform has contained some very offensive language to gays and lesbians, for example equating us to child molesters and rapists. saying that we are against God and our founding fathers, very nonsensical language, how do you feel about that?”

Medina: “I think that one of the things I’ve had to do as a Southern Baptist, right-wing Christian conservative is try to remove myself a little bit from that place, and back up to the proper role of government. It is easy for all of us to find that emotion and to react emotionally to things and I think the challenge to our leadership is to look at the challenges that face us, and try to ask some questions about where do we need to be, what’s the role of government and family and community.

…. I’m a Bible-believing Christian. I’m not going to waver on my view of homosexuality. That’s where I am, and I’d be less than honest to tell you anything different than that. But I also don’t believe it’s the government’s job to get in there and do anything about that. And if it’s not the government’s job, then the party probably needs to stay away from it as well.”

Liberty is great, isn’t it?  It is a coalition that can win elections.  As a fellow follower of Christ, I applaud Medina’s honesty and her outreach to this group.  The other two GOP candidates did not meet with the Log Cabin Republicans according to GOP 12.  While she did not emphasize gay issues in her speech, Medina answered questions like the one stated above.  The Dallas Voice reported that Medina had good support among the Log Cabin group.

It is a good question and it should be resolved.  For both to run splits the libertarian vote and causes an establishment candidate to win.  On the one hand, Gary Johnson has youth and is similar to the ideas of Paul without the social conservatism that turns off some from supporting the Texas congressman.  However, Cong. Paul is clearly the number one movement libertarian, has tremendous name recognition and can raise  money and supporters.  One site dedicated to the internet sites dedicated or supporting Paul, has about 265 pro-Paul sites registered.  (Your blogger just registered THIS site there this weekend.)  Paul is also on the opinion shows almost every night and is a frequent guest on foreign media as well.  It will be hard for Johnson to overcome that.  He would have to establish all of that exposure Paul has now.

Ron Paul and Gary Johnson agree on virtually all of the top issues that are relevant in a nationwide election. The differences come in the emphasis placed on the different issues. Johnson tends to focus more on civil liberties and a non interventionist foreign policy than sound monetary policy and the Federal Reserve.

I agree.  The simple solution is one the author does not state but implies:  Both of them run together as a team.  Let Paul/Johnson be the 2012 ticket for the libertarian movement.  Paul brings the enthusiasm and money; Johnson brings the future voice of the movement.  If they win, Paul would probably only serve one term and then campaign for Johnson as his successor.  If they lose, Johnson would inherit most of Paul’s support and take up that mantle.  He would be the TV king that Paul is now. 

Let Paul and Johnson run together – no drama on running mates BUT two campaigners to stump a state or nation.  Paul/Johnson 2012 is the libertarian dream ticket. 

Somebody might ask:  What about Jindal?  I am conflicted.  Jindal is very intelligent and very much an over-achiever.  He’s been a success in every job he held.  He’s trying to clean up his native state – no mean feat.  I believe he will be a great President and I hope I can help him.  The Conflicted Libertarian is truly nonplussed.

However, I believe 2016 (or 2020) is Jindal’s year after eight years as Governor of Louisiana.

“This is a first-of-its-kind project here in Louisiana, and it ties together two critical areas for our state—economic development and energy exploration,” says Gov. Bobby Jindal, who touted the project in late May along with U.S. Rep. Bill Cassidy and Denbury [Resources] officials.

I am sure that Governor Jindal’s part was more cheerleader than participant; however, the new sense that Louisiana is in the business game to play – ethics laws and more business-friendly taxes surely all helped out.  The post-Gustav effort also counts, too.  Governor Jindal is a leader our nation needs desperately.