LIVE FREE

"The excitement right now is coming from the Liberty movement. And the Republicans want a piece of it." -- Gary Johnson

Over the years, I have came to know of the former two term Governor of New Mexico, Gary Johnson. I always thought that he was someone the party should pay attention to; someone we all should take seriously. So when he announced his Presidential campaign many months ago as a Republican, I was quite excited.

Gary Johnson wasn't a typical Republican Presidential candidate. He supports a quick withdrawal of all troops from the Middle East and from nations abroad, combined with the ending of all current wars. He rightfully declared water boarding as torture and said the United States should never engage in any type of torture. Johnson supports legalizing marijuana and allowing gay couples enter into a federal civil union. Johnson's platform is best described as a libertarian platform.

And that's exactly what happened.

Not too long ago Gary Johnson announced his withdrawal from the Republican primary and his kick-off of seeking the nomination of the Libertarian Party. I was extremely happy by this move.

I like the Libertarian Party. I support their goals and views, but the last many elections, the LP has failed to put forth a strong candidate that could carry many voters, more so then most people would think. The LP could attract more people then what most would think. Libertarian views are growing in the nation, especially among young people, and if the LP had a strong Presidential candidate, they could grow greatly and even set themselves up for a major win in some local, state, and even federal office. Gary Johnson is the candidate they needed to help get this done.

Gary Johnson's eight years as Governor of New Mexico was marked with having more vetoes then all other Governors in the United States combined--something that is very impressive and shows his love for liberty. His governorship was marked with balance budgets, job creation, business growth, and recognizing the limits of government. All of these are why Gary Johnson is not only a good candidate for the LP, but also for all of us; the entire country, because he knows how to govern and how to do it well.

There has been much media coverage of Gary Johnson's party change--probably far more then he ever got as a Republican candidate--and the media should be covering Johnson because he is a threat. He's a threat for both Democrats and Republicans.

Gary Johnson can, and chances are pretty good that he will, win electoral votes in the 2012 election if he is the LP's nod. Johnson left New Mexico with a high approval rating that he holds onto to this day. President Obama and really no GOP candidate has a high approval rating or gaining any traction in New Mexico. When election day comes, and if Gary Johnson is on the ballot, New Mexico may go...gold (the official color of the LP).

Johnson has a good chance at gaining millions of votes around the entire country as well. He was elected in a state that was 2-1 Democratic. He attracts supporters from the anti-war and pro-legislation left, and the pro-small government, pro-less taxes, and pro-Constitution right. Something that could create a perfect storm for Gary Johnson.

I always hoped that Ron Paul would win the Republican nomination (and I'm still backing Paul today), and I wished that Paul would choose Gary Johnson as his Vice President. But now that Johnson is seeking the LP nod, I would guess that could not happen.

If Ron Paul fails to win the GOP nod, then I will be voting for Gary Johnson on the Libertarian Party ticket. We need liberty for America. We need to Live Free.

Check out Gary Johnson and his platform by visiting his website Gary Johnson 2012.