On Nov. 21, David F. Nolan, one of the founders of the Libertarian Party, died suddenly in Tucson, Arizona. Nolan was 66-years-old. The Libertarian Party was founded by Nolan and some of his colleagues  in Denver on Dec. 11, 1971.

This year, Nolan ran as a Libertarian Party candidate for U.S. Senator in Arizona against incumbent John McCain, and in 2006 he ran for U.S. Representative for Arizona’s 8th District against incumbent Gabrielle Giffords. Sharon Harris, President of the Advocates for Self-Government called Nolan’s death a loss for the cause of liberty. 

“I am saddened by the news of David Nolan’s death. He not only helped found the Libertarian Party, but remained active and helped to guide our party for the last forty years. We are now the third largest political party in America, and one of the most persistent and successful third parties in American history thanks in large part to David Nolan. We will feel his loss,” Mark Hinkle, Chairman of the LP, said.