How Romney and Republicans Can Appeal to Libertarians

Mitt Romney is running even now with President Barack Obama in most polls, but all indications suggest this is going to be a tight race. The GOP ticket is going to need every vote it can scrounge up.

Even - and especially - from those of us who are independent, libertarian voters who prize "free minds and free markets." As can be seen from its treatment of Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas) at this year's Republican National Convention in Tampa, the GOP establishment doesn't care much for small-government types until it absolutely has to. Which it does, at least in this election.

Here are three ways Romney, Ryan, and the rest of their party-mates might win over at least some of the 10 percent to 15 percent of libertarian-minded voters who want exactly the same thing the GOP says it stands for: sharp reductions in the size, scope, and spending of the federal government.

1. Get serious about cutting spending.
   Bring home the troops.
   Stay out of our personal lives.

Produced by Meredith Bragg and Nick Gillespie, who also hosts.

Approx. 2:15 minutes long. For downloadable versions, full text, and supporting links, go to http://reason.com/reasontv.

Related: How Obama and Democrats Can Appeal to Libertarians http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOpn3h1cntU