How Romney and Republicans Can Appeal to Libertarians

Mitt Romney is running even now with President Barack Obama in most polls, but all indications suggest this is going to be a tight race. The GOP ticket is going to need every vote it can scrounge up.

Even - and especially - from those of us who are independent, libertarian voters who prize "free minds and free markets." As can be seen from its treatment of Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas) at this year's Republican National Convention in Tampa, the GOP establishment doesn't care much for small-government types until it absolutely has to. Which it does, at least in this election.

Here are three ways Romney, Ryan, and the rest of their party-mates might win over at least some of the 10 percent to 15 percent of libertarian-minded voters who want exactly the same thing the GOP says it stands for: sharp reductions in the size, scope, and spending of the federal government.

1. Get serious about cutting spending.
   Bring home the troops.
   Stay out of our personal lives.