Local Libertarians Gain in Popularity This Election

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — One political group we don’t hear as much about, but is gaining a following, is the Libertarian Party.

And the group here in Hamilton County is growing.

New member David DuBose tells News 12 he was a longtime Republican, but he is voting Third Party this election.

He says more folks like himself are becoming Libertarians, because both the GOP and Democratic party are moving away from America’s core values.

DuBose says voting Third Party is not a wasted vote, or a vote against Hillary or Trump.

“In a practical sense of things, we don’t really expect to win the whole presidential election,” DuBose said. “That would be a big surprise. But what we hope to do is establish that the Libertarian Party is a viable alternative for voters, and use this as a base to build on. What we really want to do is build awareness at both the state, local and national levels.”

DuBose says polls show Libertarian presidential candidate Gary Johnson’s supporters are made up of both Democrats and Republicans.