One little problem.  That only takes care of part of the issues that Libertarianism raises.  Those Libertarians who came to the Party of Individual Freedom and Personal Responsibility from the other side of the aisle do not see even this new instantiation of the GOP making any headway towards stopping government intervention in the personal lives of its citizens.  Yes, there are comments about getting the Federal government out of our lives, but just by moving the problem down to lower levels; not by getting government out of our personal choices altogether; not real separation of church and state.

We need a candidate that represents more of the Libertarian message, and one that sticks to their principles, and sticks to their party when it really counts.  We need a Libertarian candidate.  Anyone not already in the GOP camp can't do anything to guarantee a nomination there (caucuses are set), and having another entire party available to continue the discussion of principles in detail, as all of the campaigns go around the country,  will get the word out in even more places that this country is ready for a far more Libertarian government.

The other little problem is that there is a massive optimism about the ability of one person to make substantive changes in our massive and currently corrupt government.  While there may be changes made in the GOP to support some of the new directions, there are so many powerful interests allied against real change, that we desperately need a party not held in place by corporate donations (which cannot be said of the major parties any more), capable of fielding candidates for Congress who can be there to push in new, more Libertarian directions, and who are not beholden to corporate interests.

We can't change how a broken racecar behaves by putting a different person at the wheel.  The engine needs overhauling; the tires need balancing; the oil needs to be changed;  the windshield wipers and their washer fluid need to work so we can see ahead clearly.   In the case of a broken race car (or a government out of control), the driver needs a good pit crew; he can't be a specialist in everything, and if he's going to out-maneuver the rest of the contenders trying to knock him out, he (whoever is elected president)  can't get out of the car and do all this himself and expect to come out ahead.  And lots of fans can't make it happen either.

And, if you follow racing at all, you must know that pit crews are made up of folks you TRUST.  When you are a candidate for President and find the folks in Congress all belonged to a previous pit crew, who've been funded by your opponents in the past, are you sure you trust them?

We have a lot of folks who understand Libertarian principles in the LP.  Many have already run for office, without much support from other Libertarians.  Now that the public is starting to show respect for Libertarian values, suddenly there's a push to let the LP die off.  Convenient for those who are seeing it as a new threat to their power.  

If you aren't fond of the current LP (you meaning any libs out there, not just the writer I'm responding to), then get off the typewriter and volunteer to DO something about it.  Those who are supporting the non-Lib candidate have at least gotten off their duffs and are out there fighting for their choice.  

If you believe that major party will do the right thing and get us a libertarian in the White House, go for it.  

If you don't, then take out your calendar, and your checkbook and get registered for National LP Convention where you can get things re-oriented as your Libertarian values dictate; or consider running for office yourself (sign up for the pit crew).  Talk won't work for this one.  Even if you support a non-Lib candidate, you need to find people for Congress to help, or you're just replacing the race car driver and cheering from the stands.

The LP won't go away.  Too much is at stake, and we are finally seeing some real interest out there in the public.  I talk to a LOT of people, and I have not heard more than 5% who are registered  in a major political party tell me they are happy with their choices.  They all say they'd be Libertarian except for (their pet concern here), and when I ask if their major party covers all of their issues, they get nervous, and finally say no.  People are SO close.  Walking out on those who are starting to see a glimmer of hope would be playing into the hands of Liberty's enemies at a time when the people really want what we have to give.