Hugh Downs

He's one of America's most beloved TV personalities. He's had an extraordinary career -- announcer on Sid Caesar's Hour (1956-57), host of The Today Show (1962-72), and co-host of ABC's 20/20 (1978-99). In 1985, he made it into the Guinness Book of World Records for logging more hours on U.S. television than anyone in history. In 1997, Downs famously said, "All the really good ideas belong to the Libertarians."

Read more about Hugh Downs.

Robert Ringer

He's the author of the libertarian classic, Restoring the American Dream -- one of the most influential (and largest-selling) books ever written about libertarianism. He's the author of three #1 bestsellers, and is widely hailed as one of America's most captivating speakers. And he's making his first appearance at a libertarian event in a quarter-century!

Dr. Ron Paul

He's arguably the most libertarian politician in Washington, DC. Elected as a Republican from the 14th Congressional District of Texas, he has scored at or near the top of the Republican Liberty Caucus's "Liberty Index" for the past decade. In 1988, he was the Libertarian Party's candidate for president. A medical doctor by trade, Paul is also the author of Freedom Under Siege.

Harry Browne

He's a best-selling author, investment advisor, and political activist. His 12 books include Liberty A-Z (2004), The Great Libertarian Offer (2000), and Why Government Doesn't Work (1995). In 1996 and 2000, he was the Libertarian Party's candidate for president. Currently, he is director of public policy for the Downsize DC

Foundation.

Marshall Fritz

He founded the Advocates for Self-Government and created the World's Smallest Political Quiz. The Advocates has gone on to become one of the USA's leading libertarian groups, while the Quiz has helped define the new map of politics. In 1994, Fritz launched the Alliance for the Separation of School and State, which works to end government involvement in education.

David Nolan

He is one of the principle founders of the Libertarian Party, arguably the most successful third party of the past 50 years. He also invented the "Nolan Chart," an enhanced map of politics that became the basis of the World's Smallest Political Quiz. In 1999, he was named one of the "2,000 Outstanding Intellectuals of the 20th Century" by the U.K.-based International Biographical Centre.

James W. Lark, III

He is one of the country's leading experts on organizing libertarian campus groups. A professor at the University of Virginia, he serves as advisor to two such groups and as a mentor to libertarian students across the country. He served as Chair of the national Libertarian Party from 2000-2002, is currently on the National Committee of the LP, and serves on the Board of the Advocates.

Ronald Bailey

He's the science correspondent for Reason, and has written about longevity, global warming, and the environmental movement. He's the author of ECOSCAM: The False Prophets of Ecological Apocalypse (1993) and editor of Earth Report 2000: Revisiting The True State of The Planet (1999). His latest book -- hot off the presses -- is Liberation Biology: The Scientific and Moral Case for the biotech revolution.

Mary Ruwart

She's a leading expert in libertarian communication and author of the international bestseller, Healing Our World In An Age of Aggression, which has been published in six languages. She also writes the popular "Ask Dr. Ruwart" column in the Liberator Online. She was a Senior Scientist at Upjohn Pharmaceuticals for 19 years.

David Bergland

He's perhaps best known for his book Libertarianism in One Lesson, which Laissez Faire Books called "the best brief introduction to libertarianism available today." In 1984, he was the Libertarian Party's presidential candidate, and in 1976 was the party's vice presidential candidate. Professionally, he is a business attorney in private practice.

Michael Cloud

He's a powerful speaker who has delivered over 900 speeches -- including two that were nationally televised. He is the author of Secrets of Libertarian Persuasion (2004) and co-founder of the Massachusetts-based Center for Small Government. In 2000, he won the Thomas Paine Award as the best Libertarian communicator in America. He makes his living as a speechwriter.

Sharon Harris

She's been president of the Advocates since 1995. She is one the country's leading authorities on the techniques of effective communication, and is a certified expert on "temperament" types. In 2004, she released the acclaimed audio CD, The Invisible Hand Is the Gentle Hand, an introductory speech about the benefits of libertarianism.

Carla Howell

She's founder and president of the Massachusetts-based Center for Small Government, which works to "dismantle, reduce, and remove Big Government policies and programs." She's also one of the country's most successful libertarian political activists. In 2000, she won 12% of the vote for U.S. Senate, and in 2002, her Question One initiative to repeal the Massachusetts state income tax garnered 45.3% of the vote.

Kurt Weber

He created and managed Cascade Policy Institute's Independence Essay Competition for Oregon high school students and implemented Cascade's student internship program. While at the Institute for Humane Studies (IHS), he oversaw "classical liberal" programs and seminars for college students. Weber will share his expertise in dealing with high school and college students on a panel: "How You Can Reach the Leaders of Tomorrow with the Ideas of Liberty."

Craig Franklin

If Ayn Rand, Milton Friedman, or Robert Heinlein wrote exuberant libertarian music, they would be Craig Franklin. Craig, who has released six CDs on Romantic Realist Records, puts the spirit of liberty to music. He honors American values like independence, individualism, and self-government with songs like "Thomas Jefferson," "Statue of Liberty," and "Declaration of Independence." Craig calls these songs "Hymns to America." Come join the song.