Jefferson Review

"Your Liberty is Our Interest"

Home /  Archives / Search / Links / Quotes / Book Reviews / Advertise /Contact us / Subscribe / Calendar

A Gottbrath of Fresh Air

By Greg Holmes

            The May 9 meeting of the Jefferson County Libertarian Party was enlivened by an informative and wide-ranging talk given by Linda Gottbrath, the Republican candidate in the November 5 election for State Representative in District 46, located in Southern Jefferson County.  Mrs. Gottbrath is contesting the seat currently held by House Speaker Pro Tempore Larry Clark, the third highest ranking Democrat in the House of Representatives. 

            Linda Gottbrath’s campaign can be contacted via email at gottbrath@kfbol.com or by phone at (502) 969-0018. 

            On an impressive array of public issues, Gottbrath’s views are solidly libertarian.  She has taken the “no-new-taxes” pledge and presented statistics showing that Louisvillians face the fifth highest tax burden in the country. 

             Linda Gottbrath also has a refreshingly principled view of the United States Constitution, even recognizing and respecting the limitations imposed on the federal government by the Tenth Amendment.  She is a firm supporter of Second Amendment rights, strongly condemns such violations of the Fourth Amendment as random roadblocks and warrantless searches of residences, and vigorously insists that government comply with the Fifth Amendment by respecting individual property rights.  She was especially eloquent in rebuking Governor Paul Patton for his recent unprincipled and unsuccessful efforts to seize a Hardin County farm to make land available for the proposed Hyundai factory. 

            A brief moment of controversy occurred when a member of the audience raised the issue of abortion.  Mrs. Gottbrath, a devout Roman Catholic, is staunchly anti-abortion.  Abortion, like capital punishment, is one of those issues that divides Libertarians.  Although most Libertarians are pro-choice (“Libertarians are pro-choice in  everything” being a popular party slogan), about 40 percent of Libertarians are pro-life, meaning that they favor outlawing abortions.  After an animated discussion, there seemed to be a consensus that Mrs. Gottbrath and most Libertarians would agree to disagree on that issue while continuing to work together to win this election in order to advance the overwhelming majority of positions they have in common.

            Linda Gottbrath is optimistic about her chances for election day success.  She cheerfully acknowledges that she has a great deal to learn, being a political newcomer, but her appearance before Jefferson County Libertarians demonstrated that she is a remarkably fast learner.  Indeed, Linda Gottbrath brings a freshness and enthusiasm to the political arena that is undeniably attractive and that will no doubt gain her considerable support. 

            The unseating of Larry Clark, a centerpiece of the Democrat power structure in Kentucky, would certainly send shock waves through this state’s political establishment.  With Kentucky’s Governor, the State House of Representatives, and most of the press hellbent on increasing the size, power, intrusiveness, and tax burden of government at all levels, a Linda Gottbrath victory would be a wakeup call that could not be ignored.  It seems certain that Kentucky Libertarians will do their part this year to make sure that wakeup call is made and received.

Weather (Louisville) / Mapquest / Search / White Pages / Business Search / CNN / Dictionary / E-card / MSN