With radio shock jock Howard Stern out of the race, the New York Libertarian Party is turning to retired engineer Robert L. Schulz, who for the past two years has shocked New York State and its Wall Street investment bankers with a series of lawsuits challeng in the state's issuance of debt without voter approval.
In a telephone interview, Schulz said on Friday that the Libertarian Party is supporting him as its candidate to challenge incumbent Democrat Mario Cuomo and Republican George Pataki. The Libertarians have submitted more than 17,000 signatures in support of Schulz's candidacy; they need only 15,000 certified names to gain a place on the general election ballot.
In July, Schulz suffered a setback when the state Court of Appeals ruled against him, affirming the state's right to sell appropriated debt through its authorities and without voter approval.
Schulz, 54, still believes the bonding technique is unconstitutional. But the Glens Falls, N.Y., resident says he is not a one-issue candidate. Schulz said he is committed to many of the causes championed by the other Libertarian Party members, including a vast reduction in the size of state government and the legalization of drugs.
"I think we ought to try it," Schulz said about legalizing drugs. "We are certainly losing the war. Crime is on the increase, and so much of it is drug-related."
-- Charles Gasparino, New York
