“Someone had to step up and do something to stem the tide in this country,” Libertarian Senate candidate Lucy Brenton said. “Every day, our taxes go up, and our freedoms go down. Everyone complains, and then does nothing. So I decided to put my money where my mouth is.”

In 2016, Lucy Brenton first ran for the U.S. Senate against Todd Young and Evan Bayh. Now she is back to oppose Democratic incumbent Joe Donnelly.

In the wake of a presidential election and two U.S. Supreme Court confirmations, parties are more desperate than ever to have a Senate majority. The case is evident in the constant bickering between Donnelly and Republican challenger Mike Braun, and the stream of political ads to go with it.

On her impression of the Oct. 8 debate, Brenton said, “I’m the only one that answered the questions. It is typical of the old parties, who have tens of millions of dollars invested in their campaign messaging, to simply use the debates as a circus to throw those messages at each other and sling mud.”

Besides this, Lucy Brenton made clear her ultimate goal of protecting personal freedoms, whether it be in the form of lower income taxes, less government or general constitutional rights.

“(The Libertarian Party) is the only party that advocates for all your freedoms all the time,” she said. “It’s only party that says we should stick strictly to the Constitution. It’s the only party that actually makes moves towards reducing the size of government, and keeping people free.”

When asked about what she thought was the most important issue facing America, Brenton chose economics.

“The most pressing issue in America is economics … and that boils down to a number of things. First, we must follow the Constitution. Article 1 Section 8 Paragraph 5 says Congress is supposed to coin money and regulate the value thereof, so I would get rid of the Federal Reserve in favor of having Congress be its constitutional mandate. Second, I would look at the warfare system along with the welfare system, and I would make sure that we are not wasting lives and money waging wars against other countries that have done nothing to us. And on the economic front, I would end these stupid tariffs and put corporate income tax rates down to zero.”

Her view on foreign affairs is particularly unique in the political climate of today, sticking with George Washington’s policy of neutrality described in his farewell address: “It is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world; so far, I mean, as we are now at liberty to do it; for let me not be understood as capable of patronizing infidelity to existing engagements.”

Mooresville resident Frank Perkoski had a question regarding this issue.

“Do you think that the United States should remain in NATO?” he asked.

Brenton was decisive in her answer.

“Absolutely not. NATO was there to end the Cold War. That mission was accomplished, we should be out of NATO.”

So, why should someone vote for Lucy Brenton over classic, two-party politicians Mike Braun or Joe Donnelly?

“I’m the only one qualified to be United States Senator because I’m the only one that has never raised taxes on the American people,” Lucy says. “When I say that I won’t raise taxes, I mean it. When I say that we will bring our men and women home from overseas because we should not be the world’s policemen, I mean it. And I can follow through, because I am the only one who has not accepted money from corporate donors or lobbyists, so I have no strings attached to me. That is not true for my opponents.”

Still, there is a lot of apprehension involving voting for third parties. A common argument is the lesser of two evils view of voting.

Brenton challenges this by asking, “Why would you vote for evil at all?”

When it comes to someone who represents the individual, Lucy Brenton is the candidate to choose. There is nothing unprofessional or polarizing about her opinions or behavior, yet she doesn’t poll as much as the other candidates. Ultimately, it is the two-party system that makes it so difficult. But once Americans start voting based on merit instead of party lines, the absolute best candidates can be chosen, making way for a clearer and happier political system.

See more of the Senate candidates from their Oct. 30 debate, which can be found at indianadebatecommission.com

By Marissa Meador | Guest Column | Published Oct 31, 2018 in The Mooresville-Decatur Times