The LP nominated a Republican in 1988, Don.
This discussion could get stupid pretty quickly, so let me just say that you're missing some parts of the picture, Don, like the years Ron Paul was a Republican before he ran in 1988, his support of Reagan's candidacy in 1976, and the fact that there is no way a Libertarian drawing on Libertarian support could raise a million dollars in a campaign, much less $4.2 million in a day. Ron Paul is drawing in support from across the political spectrum because freedom enjoys broad popularity in many forms. It give me hope for America.
However, even still his message is refreshing, and has at least brought ideas of personal responsibility, limited government, and respect for the Constitution to national attention.
That's my point, folks: Ron Paul isn't any different from the rest of the politicians in congress when it comes to the giant pork-fest that consumes so much of your federal tax dollars.
Putting an earmark on appropriated money to the benefit of your constituents from a bill that you voted against and didn't sponsor is quite different from sponsoring and voting in favor of a bill that appropriates more money