The Libertarians almost qualify for the 2012 ballot on an Election night when political junkies sort-of party.----

For many third-party candidates, expectations are not to win their race. In the case of a statewide candidate, they want a strong enough showing to qualify their party for the ballot in the next election—which for Libertarian Andy McCullough means hoping for strong support on the mail-in ballots. At the end of the night, McCullough had 1.97 percent of the vote, which means he needs .03 percent to qualify the party for the next ballot.

Running for a state or federal office is not for the faint of heart. It takes an individual with a certain amount of tenacity, determination and, well, balls. I sat down with McCullough at the Libertarian election party held at Brewvies Tuesday, where he divulged a few details. Don’t let McCullough’s favorite drink (ice tea) fool you, because he has all of the afore mentioned traits in spades.

Although a little discouraged with the results, he talked animatedly about his party and the future. While he insisted that he will not run for governor again, he did mention that he may run in two years for attorney general.

McCullough said, "We [Libertarians] support personal freedom and gay marriage. The idea is that I get a chance to remind people that a change is coming, and that we [Libertarians] are at the forefront of it.”

While that may not happen for a while, he remains optimistic. “I’ll be around to keep sticking the needle in the establishment.”

Meanwhile, other political parties had their own celebrations, even those that didn't have the best of nights. The Democrats at the Downtown Marriott were also steadfast in their positive outlook about last nights results, which were mostly defeats. The bipartisan duo of Peter Corroon and Sheryl Allen shared heart-rendering speeches about how they are going to continue with their plans and help advise re-elected Gov. Gary Herbert anyway they can.

Only a couple of blocks away, at the Hilton, the Republican gathering was stuffy, both literally and metaphorically. People huddled in tight-knit groups conversing and congratulating themselves on their stupendous victories. There were even alcoholic beverages to be had for a certain amount of money—it wasn't an open bar—and, yes, a few people were spotted drinking.

While conservatives seized the day, Democrats and third parties alike lie in wait for the next election—when the tables may very well be turned, again.