Third way: Libertarians elect Gary Johnson as presidential nominee



Gary Johnson, a former New Mexico governor, has won the Libertarian Party’s presidential nomination at the party convention in Orlando, Florida. Former Massachusetts governor, William Weld, got the third party’s vice president nomination.

Johnson secured his nomination after receiving 55.8 percent of the vote. He was followed by Austin Peterson of Missouri, with 23 percent and John McAfee, developer of early commercial anti-virus software with 14 percent.

“I’ve always said, it’s your hard work … your work has gotten us to this point,” Johnson said in his acceptance speech. “I will work as hard as I can to represent all you in this room.”

The convention also selected former Massachusetts GOP Governor William Weld as the party’s vice president, after he secured 50.6 percent in the second round of vote over Larry Sharpe, a businessman who runs a company called “Neo-Sage” that offers executive coaching and management consulting.

“I think every day I become better a Libertarian,” he said Sunday. “I remain open to suggestions.”

The Libertarian Party is generally described as socially liberal and fiscally conservative. In its official platform, the party touts the three tenets of “personal liberty,” “economic liberty,” and “securing liberty,” while stressing the importance of “minimum government.”

According to the latest Washington Post and ABC polls, up to 51 percent of Americans want a third-party candidate to run in 2016 election, and Johnson wants to capitalize on this sentiment.

“Fifty percent of Americans right now are registering themselves as independent, meaning new voters are registering themselves as independents. Where’s that representation? Well, I happen to think it’s libertarian,” Johnson told reporters. “I happen to think that most people in this country are libertarian, they just don’t know it. Here’s the great opportunity leaving here today.”

Party leaders say the Libertarians are poised for a breakout year, as they seek to garner disaffected Republicans and right-wing independents who want to avoid supporting the GOP nominee Donald Trump, while possibly siphoning off potential Democratic and left-independent voters who currently back Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders but would not ultimately rally behind Hillary Clinton, if she wins the Democratic nomination.

In a recent Fox News poll, Johnson garnered 10 percent of support in a three-way race against Trump and Clinton, who is currently the frontrunner for the Democratic Party's nomination. Trump polled at 42 percent, while Clinton was at 39 percent.

http://www.rt.com/usa/344797-libertarian-nominee-gary-johnson/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Johnson/

RELATED:

Topic: Americans Are Not Excited About Presidential Race
http://m.mingle2.com/topic/show/485103/

Topic: Libertarian Candidate Strips At Convention
http://m.mingle2.com/topic/show/485283/
*Different guy. He went bye bye Hhhaa*

Learn a little about Governor Johnson.

Governor Johnson, who has been referred to as the ‘most fiscally conservative Governor’ in the country, was the Republican Governor of New Mexico from 1994-2003. A successful businessman before running for Governor of New Mexico in 1994, Gary Johnson started a door-to-door handyman business to help pay his way through college. Twenty years later, he had grown that business into one of the largest construction companies in New Mexico, with more than 1,000 employees. Not surprisingly, Governor Johnson brings a distinctly business-like mentality to governing, believing that public policy decisions should be based on costs and benefits rather than strict ideology. Johnson is best known for his veto record, having vetoed more than 750 bills during his time in office — more than all other governors combined. His use of the veto pen has since earned him the nickname “Governor Veto.” He cut taxes 14 times while never raising them. When he left office, New Mexico was one of only four states in the country with a balanced budget. Term-limited, Johnson retired from public office in 2003. An avid skier, adventurer, and bicyclist, he has scaled the highest peak on each of the seven continents, including Mt. Everest. In the 2012 presidential election, Johnson placed third and garnered more votes than any other Libertarian candidate in history. Johnson was raised Lutheran. He has two grown children, a daughter Seah and a son Erik, and currently resides in a house he built himself in Taos, New Mexico.

http://garyjohnson2016.com/
* Videos*

Gary Johnson Shoots Himself in the Foot: Throws Out Austin Petersen’s Gun

johnsongary

Earlier this evening, Gary Johnson was elected to be the Libertarian Party presidential nominee, achieving a 50% tally in the second ballot and securing his second straight LP nomination. Austin Petersen and John McAfee put up good fights, but weren’t able to attain enough votes necessary to win the nomination, coming in 2nd and 3rd respectively.

McAfee neglected to endorse Gary Johnson, but Austin Petersen made it clear from the beginning of his campaign that he would endorse whichever candidate the LP elected. While Petersen and Gary often had testy moments with each other in the debates, Austin stood by his word by endorsing Johnson after he won the candidacy.

As a token of good faith, Austin gave Johnson a replica of George Washington’s flintlock pistol, to let him know that he has Austin’s full support in the general election. Tearing up on the front stage of the convention floor, Austin said to Gary as he presented him with the pistol, “You have my sword, and you have my gun.”

Hours later, a number of delegates were reporting on social media that Johnson was seen tossing Austin’s pistol in the garbage. A husband and wife witnessed Johnson throwing out the pistol and retrieved it from the garbage. The pistol has since been returned to Austin Petersen and remains in his possession.

This story has been verified by numerous delegates at the convention, as well as a state coordinator for Austin Petersen. Entrepreneur and tech expert Israel Anderson was present in Austin’s hospitality suite when the gun was returned and can also confirm this story. The story has also been confirmed by libertarian talk show host Jason Stapleton.

http://libertyhangout.org/2016/05/gary-johnson-shoots-himself-in-the-foot-throws-out-austin-petersens-gun/
* Pics & Screenshots*

If this is true...

Gary Johnson, should not of thrown a peace offering/loyalty gift away, no matter what his feelings are for Austin Petersen.

It is ' bad form'. He could of gotten rid of it later & not made a juvenile scene. There is protocol in the political area. If Johnson doesn't understand that, he should of paid someone to teach him.

IMO... If this is true. He needs to get off the world stage.

Well, it doesnt really matter, I mean, it's the Libertarian vote. What is that? The retirement villages in the Hamptons?