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Former Gov. Gary Johnson Eyes Ron Paul's Shoes

Republican with libertarian leanings could harness Tea Partiers

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 17, 2009 9:39 AM CST
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(Newser) – Former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson, hoping to catch the rising tide of Tea Party-style populist anger, has been polishing up his quirky libertarian bona fides for what looks like a run at the presidency in 2012. Though Johnson is cagey, he has made it clear he’s sticking with the Republican Party, drawing inevitable comparisons to Ron Paul. But insiders agree the younger, suaver governor is a more viable candidate.

Johnson is cautious about hooking himself to the Tea Party wagon, fearing he “may not get that right.” But he appears to have the talking points down. “I’m finding myself really angry over spending and the deficit,” he tells Politico, and “over what’s happening in the Middle East.” One watcher feels Johnson’s anti-war stance will resonate much more with GOP voters come 2012. His support for drug legalization is more controversial—no major candidate has ever espoused those views.

Gary Johnson, Former Republican Governor of New Mexico.
Gary Johnson, Former Republican Governor of New Mexico.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 10 comments
d3wd
Dec 17, 2009 9:06 AM CST
@DLY If you don't understand, it's probably because you're fooled by the "left vs. right", "liberal vs. conservative" ruse. Ron Paul was the *only* fiscal conservative in the 2008 presidential race. At the same time, he was the only Republican in the race that wants us out of these unjust wars. He wants to end the drug war. He wants to end the fraudulent Federal Reserve. He's correct about basically everything. The Republicrat establishment can't have that, so they smeared him as best they could. Sadly, they did a pretty good job. Gary Johnson in 2012? Maybe. He's got to be better than Palin, Huckabee, or Romney.
d3wd
Dec 17, 2009 8:59 AM CST
If this guy is 80% as good as Ron Paul, he'll probably be the best candidate. This is assuming Ron Paul doesn't run again.
DontLikeYou___
Dec 17, 2009 8:20 AM CST
I believe that Ron Paul attracted some young, confused liberals to his campaign. I don't get you liberal Paul supporters. I find you as bad as the Obama liberals currently destroying our country. You "do" realize that Ron Paul is a Republican...... don't you???
Politics • US

 
New Mexico • Ron Paul • Republican Party • libertarian • governor • Iraq war • presidential bid • Afghanistan war • Election 2012 • Gary Johnson • non-interventionist

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