Story originally printed in the Tomah Journal or online at www.tomahjournal.com
Published - Thursday, June 26, 2008
Thompson staying neutral in Libertarian primary
Tomah Mayor Ed Thompson said Wednesday he isn’t endorsing either Libertarian candidate in the 3rd Congressional District primary.
Thompson, arguably the state’s best-known Libertarian because of his run for governor in 2002, has been a guest several times on candidate Kevin Barrett’s Internet radio shows, talking about Barrett’s 9/11 conspiracy theories.
Thompson said he’s not as well-acquainted with businessman Ben Olson III of Wisconsin Dells, though Olson worked on his gubernatorial campaign.
Both candidates are still collecting signatures needed for ballot access. If both get on the ballot, the winner of the Sept. 9 primary takes on incumbent U.S. Rep. Ron Kind, D-La Crosse, and Republican homebuilder Paul Stark of Eau Claire.
Thompson said he thinks the outcome of the primary will be decided by “how people feel about 9/11.”
Thompson said it’s “hard for me to believe” the U.S. government was involved in the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, as Barrett has argued. But he agrees with Barrett on the need for a more thorough investigation.
Olson is running because he doesn’t think Barrett represents Libertarian Party beliefs about less government, in part because he support of a single-payer health care system.
Thompson said he thinks Barrett is a Libertarian on social issues, including medical marijuana, but not so much on economic issues.
Thompson described Olson as “a nice, intelligent young man” who he doesn’t know as well as Barrett.
Thompson said he’ll support whoever wins the primary. But he also faces a problem.
“I really do like Ron Kind,” Thompson said. “I think he’s done a good job.”
All stories copyright 2006 Tomah Journal and other attributed sources.