Bad./Lib.s get coverage in Region 8.

This wouldn't be that big of a deal, if not for the fact that until roughly 1992, Arkansas was virtually a ONE party state.

If you said you were voting for a Republican, people would look at you the way people now look at those who say they're voting Libertarian.

Jonesboro, AR -- Melissa Simas reports

Libertarian Party Works for Support in Region 8

October 6, 2004 -- Posted 4:45 p.m. CDT

Jonesboro, AR -- Many Americans have tuned in to watch the President and Vice Presidential debates, featuring candidates from the Republican and Democratic parties. But in this year's Presidential race, many 3rd party candidates will also be included on ballots across the country.

On the campus of Arkansas State University, the Libertarian Party is rounding up support for their Presidential pick, Michael Badnarik. This 50 year old candidate from Texas designed the computer program for the stealth bomber.

"70% of Americans are against the War in Iraq," said Libertarian Supporter Mark Nuckles. "This is the only candidate that is up against the war."

Badnarik is a member of a political party that was founded in 1971 by a handful of people meeting in a living room in Colorado. Today, the party is organized in all 50 states.

"They are dedicated to a certain ideology," said Political Science Professor Russell Fox. "You bring up drug use, you bring up abortion, you bring up same-sex marriage, consistently down the line, they will back the position that increases the choices of individuals."

On economic issues however, Libertarians are more conservative.

"When you cut the size of the federal government, you add jobs to the market," said Nuckles.

"The government is too big," said Libertarian Supporter Robert Reed. "It is consuming and sucking out blood from taxpayers dollars in America. We need smaller government to be more efficient."

Michael Badnarik is on the Arkansas ballot for this year's election. He's joined by other 3rd party candidates, including Ralph Nader, a member of the Green Party.

"The Libertarian Party is probably stronger than many other 3rd parties. You are certainly not going to see any Libertarian Senators or a Libertarian President," said Fox.

That's something these party members don't agree with.

"When you have evil and evil, you still have evil, so you get another voice," said Nuckles.

Currently, more than 590 Libertarians hold public office across the country.