T. Lee Horne, III

T. Lee Horne, III ran as the Libertarian candidate in the 2007 Louisiana gubernatorial race.

Early Life

T. Lee Horne was born in Athens, Georgia on December 21, 1950. He was raised in Franklin, Louisiana. His parents were Thomas L. Horne, Jr. and Roberta E. Brumby. He attended elementary through high school in Franklin, Louisiana. He graduated from Stetson University in DeLand, Florida which he attended from 1968-1972. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts.

Work Experience

T. Lee Horne worked in a number of fields, including mechanic, manager, real estate, computers, and mineral royalties.

Political Objectives

T. Lee Horne states that his political objectives are to stand against "Vietnam-type" wars, end discriminationon race, [...], religion, or "social belief." He seeks to end government regulation of "behavior between consenting adults."

The Role of Civil Government

T. Lee Horne summarizes his Libertarian position on the role of civil government in this statement from his blog:

The business of civil government, as opposed to religious government, can be summed up in 3 laws.

  1. Do all that you agree to do.
  2. Do not infringe on another person's person.
  3. Do not infringe on another person's property.

Everything else is the business of the church or parents or God.

Political Issues

T. Lee Horne has taken a stand on the following political issues:

  • Attorney Discipline: Horne would create a government entity to discipline attorneys in Louisiana.
  • Civil Liberties: Horne opposes government intrusion into personal affairs; pledges to work against the Patriot Act and the War on Drugs in Louisiana.
  • Crime: Horne would permit residents of Louisiana to carry weapons to defend themselves; require restitution from criminals to their victims; eliminate laws against "consensual crimes" so that police can focus on preventing and investigating violent crimes and property crimes.
  • Death Penalty: Horne opposes the death penalty for those who have killed once but would permit it for those who have murdered two or more victims. He opposes ACTIVE euthanasia.
  • Economics: Horne, like most Libertarians, opposes government regulation of the economy, preferring to let market forces work.
  • Education: Horne praises the teaching profession and supports public education and would reduce class sizes in Louisiana schools. He opposes rules that require a student to repeat a grade for excessive absences or be promoted for attendance.
  • Jury Nullification: Horne supports the concept of jury nullification.
  • Marriage and the State: Horne proposes making marriage a matter for church and implementing civil unions by the state. Such civil unions would be available to couples regardless of [...] orientation.
  • Poverty: Horne states that government regulation makes self-employment more difficult. He proposes reducing the burden of government regulation to encourage entrepreneurship as a route out of poverty.
  • Prohibition of Drugs: Horne takes the standard Libertarian position that an individual ought to be free to choose what to ingest but is responsible for the outcomes of his or her choices. He compares the prohibition of drugs to that or alcohol in the 1920s. He states he would release all non-violent [...] offenders from state prisons and would leave the decision to prohibit certain drugs to each parish.
  • Real I.D. Act: Horne opposes the Real I.D. Act and pledges to recognize identification from states that refuse to comply with Real I.D.

2007 Gubernatorial Campaign

He campaigns by traveling Louisiana in his recreational vehicle, often staying at campsites. His campaign slogan is "Laissez les bons temps rouler, et laissez faire!" Translated, this means "Let the good times roll, and hands off." Campaign events include booths at several Louisiana festivals and appearances on local television and radio programs. His campaign has received limited media coverage, although one unscientific, self-selected online poll placed his support at 23% of 1262 votes, second behind Bobby Jindal. Like many candidates, Horne uses Myspace in his campaign. His campaign was reported have have around $1,893 in late July 2007 after donations of $4,152.