Looking back on the sentence in question, I can see how it could be confusing. I wrote it quickly. Perhaps by rephrasing the sentence and adding some punctuation, I can eliminate any confusion with regard to my "original intent".
The pledge was more than just what David had originally intended though. It became a litmus test for members. It held people to a higher standard and laid out expectations. This way if someone runs as a Libertarian and says "We need to kill babies to make soilent green", the members of the Libertarian Party can kick them out of the party and say the views of the candidate don't mesh with libertarian philosophy or those of other party members.