Former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson — the Republican candidate for president best know for rarely but memorably appearing on a debate stage — tells TPM that he’s sticking with the GOP, despite reported calls from Libertarians that he switch teams.
“I intend to stay in this as a Republican,” Johnson said via text message Tuesday.
Politico reports that “several Libertarian Party leaders have approached [Johnson] about bolting the GOP and taking that party’s 50-state ballot nomination.” That would make sense, considering Johnson’s position as the guy who’s slightly more libertarian in ideology than Ron Paul.
Asked to compare himself to Paul in an interview with TPM earlier this year, Johnson said he’s “not a social conservative.” That translates into a policy platform that’s pro-choice, pro-gay marriage and pro-marijuana legalization.
The Libertarians don’t have a high profile figure leading their presidential nomination race this time around, though some national names have been batted around Libertarian circles. Last time, former uber-conservative Republican Bob Barr led the Libertarian ticket, earning the party some big-time national press coverage.
Meanwhile, Johnson’s (still Republican) campaign is taking on the FEC and FCC in an attempt to get some more of that sweet debate time.
Evan McMorris-Santoro
Evan McMorris-Santoro has covered politics for TPM since 2009. Before that, he was a reporter at National Journal’s Hotline covering election 2008. He started his career covering local politics at newspapers in TN and his native NC.
Bob Barr only got votes in 2008 because a half million country music fans folks confused him with singer-songwriter Bobby Bare.
“I intend to stay in this as a Republican,” Johnson said via text message Tuesday.
What?
I will be voting for Governor Gary Johnson! Pro-Choice, Pro-Gay rights, Anti war GOP candidate who wants to balance the budget and legalize marijuana! Johnson is also a good steward of tax dollars. He came into office with a huge deficit and left 8 yrs later with a billion dollar surplus. His staff once asked him how he wanted his name read on the state welcome signs. He said Don't put my name on those signs, If we change them at all put welcome to New Mexico from the citizens of New Mexico so we dont have to spend money to change them in the future. As Governor he raised the speed limit to 75 on the highway and allowed people to buy beer on Sunday saying "this is a choice the people of New Mexico can make for themselves and don't need the govt telling them on what day they can buy beer." He understand the proper role of govt to protect you from force or fraud but to otherwise leave you alone unless your actions interfere with the rights of another. Check out Two term(one more than Mitt) Governor Gary Johnson! Dont let the media pick your candidate! Johnson's socially liberal and fiscally conservative stances will be attractive to democrat and independent voters in the general election, I think he is the man to beat obummer.. Gary Johnson is who we need in the White House. The People's President!
Sounds like a perfect vice presidential candidate to run with Michael Bloomberg on the I've Got Mine Jack Party ticket.
An appeal to all Prohibitionists:
Most of us are aware by now that individuals who use illegal drugs are going to get high, 'no matter what.' So why do you not prefer they acquire them in stores that check IDs and pay taxes? Gifting the market in narcotics to ruthless criminals, foreign terrorists and corrupt law enforcement officials is seriously compromising our future. If you remotely believe that people will one day quit using any of these 'at present' illegal drugs, then you are exhibiting a degree of naivety parallel only with those poor wretches who voluntarily drank the poisoned Kool-Aid in Jonestown.
Even if you cannot stand the thought of people using drugs, there is absolutely nothing you, or any government, can do to stop them. We have spent 40 years and over a trillion dollars on this dangerous farce. Practically everybody is now aware that Prohibition will not suddenly and miraculously start showing different results. So why do you wish to continue with it? Do you actually think you may have something to lose If we were to start basing drug policy on science & logic instead of ignorance, hate and lies?
Maybe you're a police officer, a prison guard or a local politician. Possibly you're scared of losing employment, overtime-pay, the many kick-backs and those regular fat bribes. But what good will any of that do you once our society has followed Mexico over the dystopian abyss of dismembered bodies, vats of acid and marauding thugs carrying gold-plated AK-47s with leopard-skinned gunstocks?
Kindly allow us to forgo the next level of your sycophantic prohibition-engendered mayhem.
Prohibition Prevents Regulation : Legalize, Regulate and Tax!
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