Why are most Libertarians former republicans?

Question

I've noticed that a lot of Libertarians used to be republicans, and when we hear about the effect Libertarians have on elections its always draining votes from the republicans. Why is that? The Libertarian philosophy is an equal mixture of liberal ideology (social freedoms) and conservative ideology (economic freedoms). You'd think that the Libertarians would have an equal number of disaffected democrats as well as republicans. But it doesn't seem to work that way. Why doesn't it? What keeps democrats in the fold while the republicans cross over?

Answer 1

The Republicans were too organized for them.

Answer 2

they lack balls

Answer 3

Firstly, I disagree with your definition of conservative and liberal.

In theory, Conservatives stand for no change (at least in government) and liberals want to change things (through government) to improve situations.

The fact is that the "conservatives" in the republican parties, do NOT really stand for conservative  values, hence the Idea that they do not support social freedoms.

Theoretically, they should believe in minimalist government, and believing this to be the case, many join the Republican party. Then, after realizing that their platform was not what it is supposed to be, the become Libertarians.

Essentially, libertarians are the real conservatives, and the republicans try to make big deals out of unimportant stuff.  

Answer 4

"A Libertarian is a Republican who does drugs"

Answer 5

It isn't equal liberal equal conservative. Libertarians truly believe in individual rights, actually a conservative value until the religious right got involved. Individual by the way means corporations, businesses, a single person or family, really the private sector. Libertarians stress that the government really is only good at building highways (maybe) and maybe national defense (depends who you talk to). But like a conservative they believe in a free market and free trade, the right to bare arms etc. Liberals maybe share a few socially liberal views ( like g*y marriage, abortion ) with libertarians, but all in all liberals believe in a big government to manage everything from trade to poverty programs, which goes against the basic fundamental belief that makes a person a Libertarian. Give the power to the people, not the government.

Answer 6

I am a liberal. I've never been a republican.

Answer 7

I defected from the democrat camp.  I am still socially liberal, but I have grown too weary of big government, tax and spend policies, and the welfare state. I would like to see a much smaller federal government and a lot less taxes.  I just believe that people have a right to their labor and that they can spend their money better than the government can.

Answer 8

So are many Democrates. Many of them now hold no party and consider themselves Free Thinkers. But when you ask them what they are freely thinking of. They are not sure and wanting to believe in something. When you believe in nothing, you will fall for anything!

Answer 9

Many are Reagan Republicans. Small government, less government control. The Neo Cons did mess up the party, especially with Bushes first term in the fact that he only vetoed one bill. He keep on allowing all of the pork barrel projects.  

Answer 10

Republicans know more facts and decide to switch to meet their needs. Liberals just say and think what they are told so they never learn what the libertarian party has to offer and they never switch. I am personally a Republican but I can see the appeal in the Libertarian party.