EDITORIAL - The Libertarian Party says that the surge of criticism regarding its potential as a spoiler in the 2008 presidential election is understandable, but that the time for political expediency in American politics is finished.

"Far too long have Americans felt it necessary to waste their vote for the 'lesser of two evils' just for the sake of not crossing partisan lines," says Libertarian Party Executive Director Shane Cory. "That's not how our elections should be. Americans are tired of status quo politics and want a candidate in who they can believe -- not just a candidate who will do the least amount of harm."

Libertarians state that the failure of McCain to capture the conservative base of the Republican Party, and the heated split in the Democratic Party between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, will help advance their agenda of smaller government, lower taxes and maximized liberty.

"True conservatives within the Republican Party are not convinced that John McCain is one of them," says Libertarian Party National Media Coordinator Andrew Davis. "Many people who are both socially tolerant and fiscally responsible are looking to the Libertarian Party, which is much more in line with their core beliefs, as a possible alternative to John McCain in 2008. Additionally, some voters who may typically cast a vote for Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama may choose to support the Libertarian Party due to the current economic crisis and the lack of solutions offered by those candidates."

At the end of 2007, the Libertarian Party announced it had seen a surge in membership of 28 percent. The Party believed the success of Ron Paul's campaign, coupled with growing dissatisfaction with the current political establishment, was driving people away from the major two parties into Libertarian ranks.

"The Libertarian Party has the very real potential to capture principled voters in 2008," says Cory. "It's going to be a good year for America."