The following press release is from the Libertarian Party of Texas. Note, an earlier version incorrectly stated that Bob Smither received 18% of the vote in 2006.
AUSTIN, TEXAS – Within hours of Rep. Ron Paul’s announcement that he will not seek re-election to Congress to focus on his bid for the Republican nomination for President, three Libertarians announced their intent to seek the Libertarian Party of Texas nomination for the seat.
Beaumont real estate agent Amy Jacobellis, 54, serves currently as Chair of the Jefferson County LP affiliate. She said the 2011 Texas legislature’s congressional redistricting expanded Texas-14 east to include all of Jefferson County. “I’m a resident of this newly-drawn Congressional District, and I’m really pleased to compete for the opportunity to represent the district held by Dr. Paul for more than two decades.” 409.291.2270 or amyjacobelli@gmail.com
Bob Smither, 66, a fifth-generation Texan, holds a Ph.D in electrical engineering from the University of Houston. In 2006 he was the Libertarian Party of Texas’ candidate in the special election to replace former U.S. Rep. Tom DeLay, capturing 6% of the vote. A self-employed engineering consultant, Dr. Smither chairs the Galveston County LP affiliate. 713.443.0130 or bob@smither.net
Dallas attorney Eugene Flynn, 62, serves on the Texas State Libertarian Executive Committee, following terms in 2002-03 and 2008-10 on the body. He was admitted to the Texas Bar in 1980 and is certified in the area of Immigration and Nationality Law by the Board of Legal Specialization of the State Bar of Texas. In 2002 Mr. Flynn was the Libertarian Party’s candidate for Chief Justice of the Texas Supreme Court. He garnered 80,185 votes. 214.821.1661 or ejflynnlaw@gmail.com
Said Libertarian Party of Texas Chair Pat Dixon, “Dr. Paul has served honorably for 12 terms as ‘the Libertarian’ representative in Congress. The Libertarian Party is proud to offer the voters of District 14 a representative in Congress who will continue to uphold the same principles to which Dr. Paul has remained committed, and that are completely absent in the Republican and Democratic parties.”
The Libertarian Party is the third-largest political party in Texas, and stands for constitutional government, free markets, civil liberties and peace. You can find more information on the Libertarian Party of Texas at www.lptexas.org.
