'Convention for liberty' held at Purdue

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Students and other citizens from across Indiana came together at Purdue to discuss and further the Libertarian ideas they hope to see make it in the next election.

It was a first in Indiana, 40 members from several chapters of Young Americans for Liberty and Campaign for Liberty, gathered to network and discuss ways to spread their message before the 2012 election.  The Young Americans for Liberty is a group formed from the 2008 campaign, from Ron Paul's campaign message. The group pushes for stronger observation of the constitution.

"Today five chapters from across Indiana are here. Basically, like I said, we're for the reduction of federal government in our lives and the increase of individual liberties," said Benjamin Gehlhausen, the Purdue chapter president.

Former Libertarian U-S Senate candidate Rebecca Sink-Burris was on hand to discuss the group's ideas. she said student involvement is essential to this grass-roots movement.

"Students are the future and it has been so wonderful. Everywhere I've gone where I've been able to talk to young people, they understand it. They understand that we need both personal liberty and economic liberty," said Sink-Burris.

Gehlhausen said he hopes to make more students passionate and aware of the issues.

"Mostly what we're looking for is student involvement. A lot of students don't really care what's going on. They're more focused on parties, whats going on on the weekend, or getting money for college. Or their academic studies, and they really don't take the time to understand the impact the government, (whether it be local, state, or federal) has on their lives," said Gehlhausen.

"I am really pleased with what I've seen today. I am seeing people want to work on specific issues. The election is over and that's a time when you can lose a lot of steam usually. But people have realized we have to keep the pressure on," said Sink-Burris.

The group said the conference Saturday was also about networking and gathering together like-minded people.