Libertarians nominate state slate

The Libertarian Party of Iowa has nominated Eric Cooper of Ames as its candidate for Iowa Governor.

The Libertarians met April 24 in Ames to nominate a slate of candidates for the November election.

Under Iowa law, the Libertarian Party can gain major party status if its gubernatorial candidate gets 2 percent of the vote in the general election. Cooper said the party's goal is not to win, but to get the 2 percent needed for major party status.

“The message of liberty, of smaller government is sounding in the hearts and minds of more Americans,” said party Chairman Ed Wright. “The Libertarian Party is gaining favor with voters and the media.”

In addition to Cooper, the party nominated Nick Weltha of Des Moines for lieutenant governor, John Heiderscheit of Bettendorf for U.S. Senate and Rob Petsche of Manchester and Gary Sicard of Robins for U.S. House 1st and 2nd Districts respectively.