For Immediate Release:
Date: 7/29/2005
For more information contact:

Doug Leard (Media Relations)
David Jahn (Chair)
1-800-R-RIGHTS

Libertarians Focus on Eminent Domain

The Libertarian Party will help any State legislator drafting a bill to remedy the recent Supreme Court decision on eminent domain. "We would like to ensure that any eminent domain legislation properly protects the citizens of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania," said Ken Crippen, Chair of the Legislative Action Committee of the Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania. " We urge any legislator that values civil liberties and personal property to contact us for help in writing legislation to remedy the damage born out of this errant Supreme Court decision."

The United States Supreme Court betrayed the constitutional sanctity of property rights in its Kelo v. City of New London ruling. The court found 5-4 that local governments hold the power to widely interpret what "public use" means for their purposes. As witnessed by the Kelo case, this expanded power comes at the expense of tax paying property owners.

"The Supreme Court said local governments can seize private property and transfer it to developers of shopping centers, office complexes, hotels and sporting arenas for no more reason than the wishful hope of an increase in local tax revenues" said David Jahn, Chair of the Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania. "The 'public use' clause of the Fifth Amendment was just blighted by corporate welfare."

The Libertarian Party plans to make eminent domain and the protection of private property rights a key campaign issue in 2006.

The Libertarian Party is the third largest political party in the United States with over 600 officials serving in office throughout the nation. Please visit www.LP.org or www.LPPA.org for more information on the Libertarian Party.

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