Phil Anderson (politician)


Phillip Anderson is an American politician and former chairman of the Libertarian Party of Wisconsin. He ran for Governor in the 2018 Wisconsin gubernatorial election with Patrick Baird as his running mate. At the 2018 Libertarian National Convention, Anderson became Regional Alternate for Region 6 in the Libertarian National Committee.

Career

Anderson is currently a Fitchburg realtor with First Weber. From 1985 to 1988, he was a U.S. Army combat medic.
He began his political career in 2014 running as an Independent against incumbent Robb Kahl for the 47th district seat in the Wisconsin State Assembly, garnering 18.4 percent of the vote. Anderson ran again in 2016 in the Wisconsin U.S. Senate election, against incumbent Ron Johnson and former U.S. Senator Russ Feingold. Anderson spoke at 2016 Libertarian presidential nominee Gary Johnson's campaign rally at Serb Hall in Milwaukee. Anderson finished with roughly 3 percent of the vote. In October 2017, Anderson launched his campaign for Wisconsin Governor for the 2018 election. Anderson finished third in a field of six candidates in the general election, garnering just under one percent of the vote.

Political positions

Anderson holds typical libertarian views. The primary focus of Anderson's 2018 gubernatorial campaign was restoring local control, allowing counties, local municipalities and school boards to make decisions free from state intervention. Anderson has said he would act on criminal justice by legalizing marijuana in the state, and by pardoning all those convicted of a victimless crime. He also called for repealing the state income tax.
Anderson opposes military intervention, stating U.S. foreign policy has created more terrorists. While pulling back from drone strikes and military action overseas, Anderson believes the U.S. should still maintain a strong defense.
Anderson has been openly critical of the Foxconn deal, in which Governor Scott Walker approved a new factory for the company in Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin, costing the state $3 billion. Anderson said he is skeptical as to whether Foxconn will be able to pay back the investment over multiple years, due to a fast developing technology industry.
Anderson advocates reform of the rules in Wisconsin elections, favoring a move towards ranked-choice voting and preferential voting which he states would "allow people to vote their desires without fear of wasting their vote".

Electoral history