Aaron Russo is seeking LP's presidential nomination
Aaron Russo: "I believe I will be the highest-visibility presidential candidate we've ever had."
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Colorful former Hollywood producer and political provocateur Aaron Russo has jumped into the race for the Libertarian Party's 2004 presidential nomination.
Russo, who rose to prominence in the 1970s and '80s when he produced such hit movies as Trading Places and The Rose, said he is running because he "can't stand what is happening to America."
"I believe we're heading to totalitarianism," he said. "The best thing I can do is try and get the word out to the public about what's happening to America, and give them an opportunity to try to change things."
Russo, 60, said in late December that he would seek the LP's nomination, after originally announcing that he would run as an independent candidate.
"I was originally planning to end up as a Libertarian anyway," he said about the switch.
Russo said he planned to campaign first as an independent to try to attract unaffiliated voters, Green Party members, Reform Party supporters, Republicans, and Democrats -- and then "end up running as a Libertarian."
But, he said, "Too many Libertarians wanted to know that I was running as a Libertarian. The people in the LP sort of forced me to show my hand now, rather than later."
Russo has already qualified to appear on the non-binding Libertarian presidential primary ballots in California and Massachusetts, and said he will attend LP state conventions around the country to stump for support.
If he wins the LP's presidential nomination, Russo said he will use his Hollywood connections, his "semi-celebrity" status, his high-octane speaking style, and his media savvy to attract attention.
"If I get the nomination, I believe I will be the highest-visibility presidential candidate we've ever had," he said. "I can bring more attention to the party than ever before. I think I have the ability to elevate the LP to another level."
His presidential campaign will have three goals, he said: To get into the presidential debates, to win the presidency, and to "enlighten people in America what freedom really is."
To qualify for the debates, Russo said he knows he needs to be at 15% in the polls -- which he said is "doable."
"The most important thing is to get in the debate," he said. "I intend to make the debate. If I get in the debate, I can win. It's a long shot, obviously, but I could win."
Russo also said his website -- www.russoforpresident.com -- has a petition to stop any proposed military draft. He's promoting the petition with 25 million video e-mails, which he said should increase traffic to the site.
When people visit the website, they are asked "to join the LP and support my campaign for president," he said. "I want to bring people to the party who have never been there before."
When talking to voters, Russo said he tells them that as president, "I will bring our troops home from every corner of the globe. I'll revoke the Patriot Act. I'll cut taxes, cut spending. I'll cut the size of government. I'll stop corporate welfare.
"I'll engage all nations in trade and commerce. I'll protect our air and water, and I'll protect our borders, but most importantly, I will protect our Constitution and Bill of Rights. If you continue to vote for one of the two major parties, nothing will change, and you're wasting your vote. "
However, said Russo, "My campaign is not about any single issue; it's about government's proper role in your life. I have a sincere belief [in] the Constitution and Bill of Rights as envisioned by Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and Ben Franklin.
"Unfortunately, neither political party respects the vision of our founding fathers, and these documents have been relegated to the dustbin. I want to dust them off and restore them to their proper role in our lives. That is why I am running for president."
Russo has run for public office once before: In 1998, he challenged Republican Kenny Guinn for the GOP gubernatorial nomination in Nevada, garnering 25.9% of the primary vote in a four-way race. (Guinn later won the general election.)
In 1999, Russo became a member of the Libertarian Party, saying it was his "true political home." In 2000, he delivered a fiery speech at the Libertarian National Convention, calling Libertarians the "last, best hope for freedom in America."
In 2002, Russo almost ran for governor in Nevada as a Libertarian. However, three months after announcing his intention to run, Russo pulled out of the race after being diagnosed with malignant bladder cancer. He underwent surgery and was declared cancer-free later that year.
Before entering politics, Russo was a major force in the movie business. He produced such box office hits as Trading Places (1983) and The Rose (1979), and, at one time, commanded a $1 million-a-picture producing fee.
His movies received six Academy Award nominations and two Golden Globe nominations. He also won an honorary Tony Award for a Broadway musical review.
Russo was also the manager of Bette Midler, guiding "The Divine Miss M" to platinum album stardom and a successful film career.
Upon leaving Hollywood, Russo created and attempted to syndicate a one-hour politically themed television program entitled Aaron Russo's Mad As Hell.
The show -- part stand-up comedy monologue, part high-energy political rant -- presented a libertarian look at Social Security, NAFTA, the federal budget, and the IRS.
In the race for the LP's presidential nomination, Russo will face off against Gary Nolan, a former syndicated radio talk show host, and Michael Badnarik, a Texas resident who offers classes on the U.S. Constitution. Both are running active campaigns around the USA.
Other announced candidates for the nomination include Louisiana musician Jeffrey Diket, Texas maintenance man Ruden Perez, and past California LP candidate for U.S. House, David Hollist.
The party's 2004 presidential and vice presidential candidates will be selected by delegates at the Libertarian National Convention, which will be held May 27-31, 2004 in Atlanta, Georgia.
For information about the Russo for President campaign, visit: www.russoforpresident.com. Or write: Russo for President, Box 48066, Los Angeles, CA 90048. Or e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
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