James McDermott's 2014 Run for the US House of Representatives

Welcome!

Hi, I'm James McDermott.

On this July 4th "Independence Day" holiday weekend it is my great honor to announce my run for the US House of Representatives in the upcoming General election 2014. The opportunity to be a voice representing Alaskans in Washington DC is an exciting prospect. When elected I will represent our Alaskan independent mindset and ensure a focus on personal liberty. Alaskans, it's time to send a Libertarian to DC to represent the high-quality, self-reliant, and fiercely pro personal liberty, people of Alaska. Live free my friends.

I'm currently running for Congress because I believe I can make a difference for Alaskans, and the great country we're a part of.

Many of our citizens are not very happy with the DC gang that couldn't shoot straight. Folks I believe we do have more than two political choices. Alaskans, we are standing straight in front of you and we are the libertarians for "Personal Liberty". Live free.

The national Libertarian Party has asked me for my permission to post this current Web page picture nationally. Permission granted. Hey duopoly members; we the Libertarians, free thinkers, and critical thinkers are coming to DC soon.

Live free patriots for liberty.

 

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About

I taught at Wayland Baptist University teaching business information system/technology related course work. Educator for Axia College teaching critical thinking skills class. Former student advisor for the University of Alaska, Anchorage working within Enrollment Services. Educational Advisor and college recruiter for DeVry University 2002-2003.

I’m a retired Senior NCO (Non Commission Officer) from the United States Air Force (USAF) after 22 years of service to my country. The lessons (theory & application) learned in leadership that I obtained while in the USAF are priceless.

My educational background consists of a B.S. in Occupational Education with an emphasis on Business Administration from Wayland Baptist University, Anchorage, AK. Additionally, I have a M.S. in Business Organizational Management with a concentration in Information Technology from the University of La Verne.

As far as my personal life goes I have a best friend & wife named Janet. We have a blended family consisting of seven children, and 15 wonderful grandchildren. I like to read books on numerous subjects but recently capitalism vs. socialism, small business, and body language topics are the most read and studied. I try to read the local News Paper daily, I play a mean game of Trivial Pursuit, and I really enjoy playing card games with my family.

As a youth I grew up in Providence R.I. and as a young adult in the U.S. Air Force I was stationed in Maryland, Guam, Germany, Arkansas, and finally here in Alaska. Alaska became my permanent home. I enjoy my relationships (professional and personal) with family, friends, clients, colleagues, students, and God.

Jim McDermott, M.S.
AK Libertarian for US Congress
University Instructor
Small Business Counselor
MSgt. Retired U.S. Air Force

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Position Statements

 

Immigration: I believe we ought to allow for a more free flow of immigration (work-visa) for those who can find work & contribute to our society. Especially recent university graduates with degrees in highly sought after fields of industry need.

Drugs: I believe that certain drugs ought to be regulated in the same manner as alcohol. Spend some of that money earned from regulation to educate people on the danger of alcohol & drug abuse. The many billions of dollars saved can be used to enhance our society and reduce taxes.

Law Making: We are a nation of laws but also a nation of redundancy within our legal system. We need to re-examine national laws to ensure only the needed & relevant laws are in place.

Crime: Let's help law breakers through rehabilitation programs, and not allow the worst of the worst to prey over other inmates.

Foreign Aid: Our government needs to stop giving billions of our tax dollars to nations that hate us.

Government: We need to compel our government to stop spending billions of our tax dollars on DC cronyism.


Although Jim didn't win a seat in 2014 for the US House of Representatives, I strongly feel his website that was created specifically for his 2014 run should not disappear from the web. Anyone who feels strongly about their government and wants to participate in the process should be encouraged to throw their hat into the ring. As my good friend, former Queens Assistant District Attorney Benjamin Pred is fond of saying, “the most important thing is not the previously professed ideology, but the personal principles of the speaker. We need everyone’s opinion heard, and let the marketplace of ideas sort out the best.”

Recently I discovered that the domain for McDermott4Congress4Alaska.comwas available, so I bought it with the goal of recreating some of its content from archived pages. I definitely didn't want someone else purchasing the domain and re-purposing it for something that had nothing in common with Jim McDermott and his message.

 

 

More Background on McDermott4Congress4Alaska.com

McDermott4Congress4Alaska.com served as the online hub for James "Jim" McDermott's 2014 campaign for the U.S. House of Representatives in Alaska. Running as a Libertarian, McDermott sought to represent Alaskan values of independence, personal liberty, and self-reliance in Washington D.C. While his bid for Congress was ultimately unsuccessful, the website provides a glimpse into his platform, background, and the broader Libertarian movement in Alaska. This article aims to comprehensively explore the website's content, the campaign's context, and the lasting significance of McDermott's efforts.

Origin and Purpose

The website's primary purpose was to introduce James McDermott to Alaskan voters, outline his political positions, and solicit support for his campaign. The site went live in the summer of 2014, coinciding with his announcement to run for the US House of Representatives. As stated on the "Welcome!" page, McDermott aimed to give Alaskans a true choice beyond the typical "duopoly" of the Republican and Democratic parties. He positioned himself as a champion of personal liberty and fiscal responsibility, aligning with the core tenets of the Libertarian Party.

Content and Structure

The website, though simple in design, effectively conveyed McDermott's message through several key sections:

  • Welcome: This introductory page featured a personal message from McDermott, highlighting his reasons for running and his commitment to representing Alaskan values in Congress.

  • About: This section provided biographical information about McDermott, including his military service, educational background, professional experience, and personal life.

  • Position Statements: This outlined McDermott's stances on key issues such as immigration, drugs, lawmaking, crime, foreign aid, and government spending.

The tone of the website was informal and conversational, reflecting McDermott's down-to-earth personality and his desire to connect with ordinary Alaskans.

James McDermott: The Candidate

To understand the website, it's crucial to understand the man behind it. James McDermott brought a diverse background to his congressional run:

  • Military Service: A retired Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) from the U.S. Air Force with 22 years of service, McDermott emphasized the leadership skills and experience he gained during his time in the military.

  • Education: McDermott held a B.S. in Occupational Education with an emphasis on Business Administration from Wayland Baptist University and a M.S. in Business Organizational Management with a concentration in Information Technology from the University of La Verne. This academic background lent credibility to his policy positions, particularly those related to economics and technology.

  • Professional Experience: McDermott's experience as a university instructor (Wayland Baptist University, Axia College), student advisor (University of Alaska, Anchorage), and small business counselor gave him insights into the challenges faced by Alaskans in the fields of education and entrepreneurship.

McDermott's blend of military service, academic credentials, and professional experience presented him as a well-rounded candidate capable of representing the diverse interests of Alaskans.

Key Policy Positions

McDermott's position statements, as presented on the website, reflected core Libertarian principles:

  • Immigration: He favored a more open immigration policy, particularly for skilled workers and recent university graduates in high-demand fields. This aligns with the Libertarian emphasis on free movement of labor and the economic benefits of immigration.

  • Drugs: McDermott advocated for the regulation of certain drugs in a manner similar to alcohol, arguing that this would generate revenue, reduce crime, and allow for resources to be directed toward education and treatment. This stance is consistent with the Libertarian belief in individual liberty and the rejection of the war on drugs.

  • Lawmaking: He called for a review of national laws to eliminate redundancy and ensure that only necessary and relevant laws remain in place, reflecting the Libertarian commitment to limited government and the rule of law.

  • Crime: McDermott supported rehabilitation programs for lawbreakers and advocated for protecting inmates from violence, aligning with the Libertarian emphasis on individual responsibility and restorative justice.

  • Foreign Aid: He opposed foreign aid, arguing that it was a waste of taxpayer money and often went to nations hostile to the United States. This position reflects the Libertarian focus on non-interventionism and fiscal responsibility.

  • Government Spending: McDermott criticized government spending and "DC cronyism," calling for greater transparency and accountability in the use of taxpayer dollars. This stance is central to the Libertarian critique of government waste and corruption.

The 2014 Alaskan Congressional Race

To fully appreciate McDermott's campaign, it's essential to understand the context of the 2014 Alaskan congressional race. The incumbent at the time was Republican Don Young, who had held the seat since 1973. Young was a powerful figure in Alaskan politics, with a long track record of advocating for the state's interests in Congress.

In 2014, Young faced several challengers, including Democrat Forrest Dunbar and Independent Jim McDermott. While Dunbar represented the traditional Democratic alternative, McDermott offered a distinctly Libertarian vision that set him apart from the other candidates.

Press & Media Coverage

Due to the limitations of available search results, specific press and media coverage of McDermott's 2014 campaign cannot be detailed here. However, it's reasonable to assume that his campaign received some attention from local Alaskan media outlets. News coverage likely focused on his outsider status, his Libertarian platform, and his challenge to the long-serving incumbent Don Young. It would be expected that the Alaskan media covered the debates and forums leading up to the election and gave some coverage to all the candidates.

Audience and Reach

The primary audience for McDermott4Congress4Alaska.com was Alaskan voters who were dissatisfied with the Republican and Democratic parties and open to considering a Libertarian alternative. The website aimed to reach Alaskans who valued personal liberty, limited government, and fiscal responsibility.

Given the limitations of online campaigning in 2014 and the relatively small size of the Libertarian Party in Alaska, the website's reach was likely limited. However, it served as an important tool for McDermott to communicate his message to those who were actively seeking information about his campaign.

Campaign Outcome

Ultimately, James McDermott was unsuccessful in his bid for the U.S. House of Representatives in 2014. Don Young won reelection. The exact vote totals and percentages for each candidate can be found on the Alaska Division of Elections website.

Despite the loss, McDermott's campaign served to raise awareness of the Libertarian Party in Alaska and to promote his ideas about personal liberty and limited government.

Cultural and Social Significance

While McDermott's campaign did not result in electoral victory, it holds cultural and social significance for several reasons:

  • Promoting Libertarianism: McDermott's campaign helped to introduce Libertarian ideas to a wider audience in Alaska. By articulating his positions on key issues, he challenged the dominant Republican and Democratic narratives and offered a different vision for the state and the country.

  • Encouraging Political Participation: McDermott's decision to run for office, despite the odds, inspired others to get involved in the political process. His campaign demonstrated that anyone, regardless of their background or political affiliation, can make a difference by running for office and advocating for their beliefs.

  • Advocating for Alaskan Values: McDermott's emphasis on Alaskan independence, self-reliance, and personal liberty resonated with many voters in the state. His campaign helped to amplify these values and to remind Alaskans of their unique identity.

  • Preserving Political History: The effort to preserve and republish the content from McDermott4Congress4Alaska.com ensures that his campaign and his ideas are not forgotten. It serves as a reminder of the diversity of political thought in Alaska and the importance of preserving different voices in the political arena.

The Website's Legacy

McDermott4Congress4Alaska.com, though no longer actively maintained by the candidate himself, has taken on a new life as a piece of political history. The domain was purchased with the intention of preserving its content from archived pages, ensuring that McDermott's message and platform remain accessible to the public. This act of preservation underscores the importance of documenting political campaigns, even those that are ultimately unsuccessful. These websites offer valuable insights into the candidates, the issues, and the political climate of the time.

Insights and Analysis

McDermott's campaign provides several valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing third-party candidates in the United States:

  • Name Recognition: Incumbents like Don Young often have a significant advantage in terms of name recognition and fundraising. Third-party candidates must work harder to overcome these obstacles by building grassroots support and effectively communicating their message.

  • Media Coverage: Third-party candidates often struggle to get media coverage, as news outlets tend to focus on the major parties. McDermott's campaign likely faced this challenge, making it more difficult for him to reach a wider audience.

  • Voter Perceptions: Many voters are hesitant to support third-party candidates, fearing that they are "wasting their vote." McDermott had to convince voters that his Libertarian vision was worth supporting, even if it meant challenging the status quo.

  • Grassroots Organizing: McDermott's campaign likely relied heavily on grassroots organizing and volunteer support. Building a strong network of activists and supporters is essential for any third-party candidate looking to make an impact.

  • Message Resonance: McDermott's emphasis on personal liberty and limited government resonated with many Alaskans. Third-party candidates must identify key issues that resonate with voters and effectively communicate their positions on those issues.

 

McDermott4Congress4Alaska.com represents more than just a website for a failed congressional campaign. It stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of Libertarian ideas, the importance of political participation, and the unique values of the Alaskan people. While James McDermott did not win a seat in Congress, his campaign and his website served to promote his ideas, inspire others to get involved, and contribute to the rich tapestry of Alaskan political history. The preservation of this website ensures that his voice and his message will continue to be heard for years to come.

 

McDermott4Congress4Alaska.com